Steelers DC doesn't want to 'jinx' potential breakout defender

The Steelers must start identifying who the future of their defensive line will be as the unit is currently highlighted by 35-year-old Cameron Heyward and 30-year-old Larry Ogunjobi.

Pittsburgh has used some high draft capital on defensive linemen in recent years, but none have established themselves as impact players quite yet.

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin believes that will change this season for DeMarvin Leal thanks to his productive offseason and versatility.

"He's had a heck of a camp. He's probably in the best shape that he's been in since we drafted him," Austin said . "He can play. He can play inside. He can play outside. He's that athletic. I don't want to jinx anybody, especially him, but he's done a heck of a job. If we needed him to play outside linebacker, he absolutely could."

Leal, a third-round pick in 2022, has disappointed throughout his first two years in the league, registering just 29 tackles, one sack and four passes defensed.

However, the 24-year-old has a chance to make an impact in 2024, especially due to the recent surprise retirement of outside linebacker Markus Golden.

Golden would have likely locked up the fourth spot behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, but that job is now for the taking. Leal has been leaning on those vets to learn as much as he can ahead of a very important season.

"They give me all the gems, all the crumbs that I need to be successful," Leal said . "So I'm just gonna keep picking those crumbs up and keep moving."

Leal is hoping his offseason will translate to the regular season as he no longer feels "sluggish" taking on a different role than he's been used to.

"It's a lot more different," Leal added . "Basically at (Texas) A&M, I was a wrecking ball that just goes and wrecks things. Here, I'm actually being an outside backer, learning all the ins and outs, dropping, learning the formations."

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.