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PLAYSTYLE & SCHEME FIT
Listed as an edge player, DeMarvin Leal has position flexibility. When needed, he can line up as a 5-tech or flip inside and play a 3-tech role. On film, his first step tends to be more effective as an interior pass rusher than on the edge of the defense and has conflicted many scouts trying to identify where he fits. Leal displays high-level edge rusher traits. His hand strength, usage, and placement are very good. He is also good at dipping under his blocker off the edge while pursuing the QB at the drop point.
Leal is a plus athlete in the run game. He uses his strong hands to move and shed blockers when he pursues a runner in the backfield. He is also an excellent lateral mover for a player his size. Another excellent example of his athleticism is that he can chase down a back at 10-20 yards down the field.
Leal has played all over the defensive line providing versatility. At the NFL level, he might need to add some functional weight if he plays consistently on the interior, and as an edge rusher, he will need to work on his 1 step explosiveness off the edge. His ceiling is higher because of his versatility. Leal is a player at his ceiling who can provide Chris Jones level potential from the interior.
PLAYER COMPARISON:
CEILING GRADE ANALYSIS
Low-Level Starter Potential (55-59)
A player with the upside to be a low-end starter or high-level backup within a couple of seasons. While they have solid physical tools, inconsistencies in technique, processing, or durability limit their ceiling. They are developmental prospects who may carve out a role as specialists or system fits.
Primary scout:
Brandon Lundberg
Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Grade Scale
Football Scout 365 grades reflect a prospect’s projected long-term NFL value and role. Draft ranges are general value projections, not predictions of an exact selection. Positional value, team needs, scheme fit, medical information and athletic testing can influence where a player is ultimately selected.
How Football Scout 365 Grades NFL Draft Prospects
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Elite (75+): A rare, high-impact prospect with elite physical tools, advanced football intelligence and the ability to make an immediate NFL impact. Elite prospects carry franchise-altering potential and typically project as top 5–10 selections in the first round.
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Near Elite (70–74): A high-caliber prospect with outstanding physical tools, strong football intelligence and only minor developmental limitations. Near Elite prospects project as significant early-career contributors with Pro Bowl upside and first-round draft value.
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High-End Starter Potential (65–69): A starting-caliber prospect with strong physical tools, quality technical skills and a defined NFL role. These players may require development before reaching their ceiling but generally carry second- or third-round draft value.
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Mid-Level Starter Potential (60–64): A solid prospect with NFL-level tools and a pathway to becoming a dependable starter if key limitations are addressed. These players generally carry third- to fifth-round draft value.
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Low-Level Starter Potential (55–59): A developmental prospect who could become a low-end starter, high-end backup or valuable specialist in the right role. These players generally carry fifth- to seventh-round draft value.
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Backup Level (50–54): A depth or rotational prospect with enough functional ability to compete for an NFL roster spot but limited long-term starting potential. These players generally project as late Day 3 selections or priority undrafted free agents.
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Not NFL Level (Below 50): A developmental or camp prospect who does not currently demonstrate enough consistency, technical refinement or functional NFL traits to project as a regular contributor. These players generally project as undrafted free agents, practice-squad candidates or camp invitations.
Draft position can vary based on positional value, team needs, scheme fit, medical evaluation and athletic testing.