The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming up on the time that most coaching staffs despise, which is submitting the team's final roster. This involves trimming the roster down to 53 players from the 90 that most teams have on within the organization during training camp and the preseason. This is a long process that is full of several tough decisions, but it is also exciting as fans get a look at what the roster is going to be heading into the new season. The Steelers have a lot of players on the bubble, and it is going to be interesting to see how the final roster shakes out.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal ahead of Pittsburgh's victory over the Chargers in Week 3 of the 2024 season.
One player that is on the edge of the roster is fourth-year defender DeMarvin Leal. He was a third-round pick back in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he has struggled to find his footing in the NFL as he has suffered a handful of injuries while also struggling with production. He is clearly a very good athlete, but he is a bit of tweener when it comes to playing defensive tackle or outside linebacker. The organization has tried him out at both spots, but he has struggled at times. Many believe he will be cut before the 2025 season, but team insider Gerry Dulac went on the DVE Morning Show on Monday and said otherwise.
"DeMarvin Leal, when you look at the numbers, I don't know where he fits, but I will tell you that Mike Tomlin likes him, and as long as Derrick Harmon is injured, that gives them an opportunity to have an extra body," Dulac said. "If I had to guess, I would say he's gonna make it because Tomlin likes him. But if he doesn't make it, don't be shocked."
Head Coach Mike Tomlin reportedly likes Leal, which doesn't come as much of a surprise considering how much the coach values positional versatility. The only issue is, Leal has not proven to be exceptional at any position. He can line up all over the defensive front, but that doesn't mean he will make a play or not be a liability.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Leal has played in 28 games over his three seasons with the Steelers. He has recorded just 33 total tackles, one sack, and three tackles for loss. He has not been a good player for Pittsburgh, and he was only available in five games for the team during the 2024 season. Dulac made a good point about the injury to Derrick Harmon, and it is also important to note that both Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig are dealing with soft-tissue injuries as well. Leal can provide depth at defensive tackle and at outside linebacker until those three players are fully healthy. This could play into him making the final roster, or at least staying in Pittsburgh for a couple extra weeks.
Steelers' DeMarvin Leal Had An Up And Down Preseason In 2025
Leal made some plays during the 2025 preseason, but he also had some mistakes that were on display. He was quiet during the first game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but his athleticism was on full display throughout the rest of the preseason as he consistently found himself around the ball. He struggled to finish plays, but he definitely showed that he could make an impact in a preseason environment. It is hard to tell based off of his preseason performance whether or not he is going to make the team, as the health of the defensive front will probably play a bigger role in making that decision.
Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' DeMarvin Leal rushes the quarterback during a 2024 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
Final rosters are going to be announced on Tuesday, and Leal is a name that fans will be looking for as he has knowingly been on the bubble. It is going to be interesting to see who makes it, especially on that defensive line.
What do you think about Dulac's comments? Let us know in the comments below!
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