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Can DeMarvin Leal be the Steelers next dependable defensive lineman?

It’s Day 21 of Going For Two, featuring Justin Layne and DeMarvin Leal

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers OTA Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to Going For Two! Over the 45 days leading up to the Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 training camp, we will be highlighting two players every day in order to cover the entire 90-man offseason roster. So without further ado, here are today’s two players:


Justin Layne

NFL: SEP 19 Raiders at Steelers Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Position: Cornerback
Age: 24
Year: 4
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 192
Drafted: Round 3, Pick 83 2019
College: Michigan State
Roster Outlook: Bubble
Analysis:

After three seasons of hanging around and playing special teams, Justin Layne finds himself on the bubble of the roster. With the Steelers having so many safeties that bring different attributes, they may be keeping less cornerbacks than in years past. If so, Justin Layne could be in a battle with James Pierre for a roster spot. But perhaps the Steelers want to keep more cornerbacks and Layne will find his way on the roster. Either way, it will be a very important preseason for the former third-round draft pick and his future in Pittsburgh.


DeMarvin Leal

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Minicamp Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Position: Defensive Tackle
Age: 22
Year: 1
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 290
Drafted: Round 3, Pick 84, 2022
College: Texas A&M
Roster Outlook: Lock
Analysis:

Although the Steelers invest heavily on the defensive line through the NFL draft, it is not often that they do it in the first three rounds. Bringing some pedigree in his rookie season, DeMarvin Leal now has the luxury of not being pressed into action. With the Steeler signing Larry Ogunjobi following minicamp, Leal should be able to progress at a natural level according to his abilities and not the Steelers need. But in a position group where snaps are spread over a number of players, Leal should see the field right away in his rookie season. The only question is how much and how soon.


Be sure to check back everyday for another two players for the Steelers, and as we go along click back on previous articles listed below so you don’t miss a thing.