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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 01.23.23
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Brian Batko
2:01
OK folks, the chat is open. Your questions starting .... now.
Money Man
2:02
Looking ahead, I believe Highsmith is entering the final year of his contract. What are the odds of an extension, given that the team already has so much tied up in Watt's deal?
Brian Batko
2:04
I think the odds are a lot better than they were to re-sign Bud Dupree a few years ago. At that time, the Steelers had to plan ahead. Ben Roethlisberger was still occupying a lot of cap space. Now, TJ Watt's deal is done and they know how much it cost them. Kenny Pickett is on a rookie contract. In my mind, you simply spend a little less at other positions, especially on defense (ILB, S, DL) and pay Highsmith. Easier said than done, but these are the types of luxuries the Steelers couldn't afford when they had a big-money QB.
Ron
2:06
When I watch WR Chase play, it’s clear we need a number 1 corner to compete. If Sutton gets 10 million per, the fact will be that we still don’t have one. I think you’ve got to go corner at 17, what say you?
Brian Batko
2:08
It's very high atop my priority list, Ron. I was just looking at the PFWA's All-AFC and All-NFC teams chosen by NFL media members. Three of the four cornerbacks are first-round picks still with their original teams. Having a clear-cut No. 1 corner isn't necessarily a staple of the Steelers' defensive scheme, because you don't need it as much when you rush the passer the way they do, but it sure couldn't hurt to have one.
62 Stack Monster
2:10
Hi Brian.  Is there a complimentary draft pick if Brian Flores is leaves to become a head coach?  3rd Rounder?
Brian Batko
2:12
No, a team is only eligible to receive a comp pick for such a candidate if that person has been with the team for a minimum of two years. It’s not a perfect system, especially so in this case. When the NFL first announced it, I remember thinking that it could actually have the opposite effect the league was hoping for, given how obsessed these organizations are with competitive advantage. Point being, if you know you’ll be giving another franchise two compensatory picks by hiring their coach or executive, why are you going to be motivated to do that?
TruSteele
2:13
Hi Brian.....I cannot find the answer to this anywhere...who is replacing Ed Bouchette from the Pittsburgh media for the Hall of Fame vote next month?
Brian Batko
2:13
Sorry, I don't know. Pretty sure it isn't me, though.
Fletch
2:13
Mr. Bats, thanks for the chats.  One simple question, what makes Tomlin and ownership confident that Canada is the best of all available options to make this offense a Super Bowl champion offense. Thanks.
Brian Batko
2:16
There's probably no simple answer, Fletch. Obviously, they can't KNOW that. No one does. There's no way of knowing for sure. But why do they think that? I imagine it has a lot to do with continuity working with an offense featuring a lot of young players who are still finding their way. And an identity that was forged in the second half of the season, to some degree. A run-first identity. That's what they've been harping on.
Ed in Carrick
2:16
Can we stop this comparison of Pickett and Purdy?  Purdy has a better team and coaching staff behind him. He will flame out next week and will fall into obscurity. Pickett will still be around.
Brian Batko
2:19
They're the only two rookie QBs who saw considerable playing time this season, so the comparisons are kind of unavoidable. Not to mention the first QB drafted and the last. I haven't seen a ton of Purdy but obviously his numbers are legit. So are the factors you pointed out. Would I bet on a Mr. Irrelevant becoming a top-flight NFL quarterback? No, I wouldn't. But give the guy some credit for what he's done even with the support system he has in SF.
Isosceles
2:20
Brian, many of the national "experts" are mocking the top 3 offensive tackles off the board by the time the Steelers pick. If there's also a run on corners, does it make sense to pick someone like Trent Simpson with their first rounder and go OT, DT, or DB later?
Brian Batko
2:22
In a vacuum, I'd say no. Now, I'm not an expert on Trent Simpson. Maybe he's an incredible ILB prospect and the Steelers will see him as such. But if they have players at those other positions graded higher, I'd go that route. The Devin Bush experiment would have me looking for a more sure thing at that spot, if possible. I wouldn't be rushing back to go ILB in Round 1 again so soon.
Jay_In_Indy
2:23
Looking forward to the draft... the Steelers should take BPA at 17, then best OL and or DL, ILB, CB, WR.  Trade lower pick(s) this year for higher pick(s) next year.  What say you?
Brian Batko
2:23
What if the "best player available" is a QB or RB or TE? No thanks.
Wil
2:24
Thanks for the chat! Quality v Quantity: Would you use one of the Steeler 2nd round picks to move up to a Top 10 position in Round 1, or do we have too many holes to fill?
Brian Batko
2:25
No, this organization needs quality depth as much as anything. Of course it always helps to have great players, but for the most part, the stars in place, I think. Time to go supplement them with more younger/cheaper talent.
Tom in Dallas
2:27
Any surprises for you in the final four?
Brian Batko
2:29
Not particularly, although I didn't think Buffalo would lose at home. But as someone who picked the Bengals to hoist the Lombardi before the season, I guess I shouldn't be shocked. It wouldn't have surprised me if the 49ers lost yesterday. The Cowboys just can't stop themselves from Cowboying though.
Hogan
2:29
BB, if a golf match broke out among PG Chat Masters, would you participate, or would you head to the local lanes with Ray F. and that Paul Z dude? Gracias.
Brian Batko
2:30
I'd rather bowl than golf but I'm not too good at either one.
Steeltown
2:30
Brian, I'm all in on trading DJ and trying to get Addison with our 2nd pick in the 2nd round. What do you think?
Brian Batko
2:32
That'd be a tight rope to walk. In general, I'm not opposed to listening to offers for Diontae Johnson if I'm the Steelers. He's been a frustrating player. But this draft class isn't as flush with WRs and you'd be taking away a primary target of Kenny Pickett.
Gregg from Shaler
2:33
Do we pick Joey Porter Jr. If he’s available in rd. 1 (or 2 if his draft stock has slipped)?
Brian Batko
2:34
That'd be a nice story. And he strikes me as a player who can help the Steelers as an outside corner. It makes a lot of sense.
STEEL72
2:35
Bats, does the Bills loss make an acquisition of Tremaine Edmonds a bit more realistic? Or will he take another shot with the Bills?
Brian Batko
2:38
Ah I don't know. Maybe a little bit. There has to be a sense of change needed in Buffalo given the way their seasons keep ending. After the game yesterday he said the typical stuff about how much he loves the team and the community and he hopes he can be back. If the Steelers can sign one highly priced FA this offseason, I'd recommend Edmunds as money well spent.
Batman
2:38
What was the purpose of acquiring CB William Jackon from Washington??
Brian Batko
2:39
To see if he could help them at corner, when their corners were playing terribly.
Ryan
2:39
Good afternoon Brian when do you think coaching changes will come if any happen
Brian Batko
2:40
I didn't know anyone still cared about the Steelers' assistant coaches beyond one man!
SW Steel
2:40
The thought of keeping Matt Canada for another year makes me sick.  No way in Hell can the Steelers keep up with KC, Buffalo, and Cinci with his offensive schemes & play-calling.  Sorry for the rant.. I just don't know how the front office doesn't see that.
Brian Batko
2:40
Your complaint is logged and filed.
Miles McGuire
2:41
Hi Brain,
Thanks for staying on in the off-szn. Are the Steelers planning any coaching staff changes? I would think anybody either not resigned, or fired would have happened by now. However, maybe an offensive consultant, or giving Flores a raise to stay on?
Brian Batko
2:42
No problem, Miles. There remain a number of possibilities on the coaching front, given that it's only Jan. 23. Brian Flores could be hired away. The Steelers could always decide to take a look at who's out of work and offer a job. They didn't bring on Flores until February last year. Still a lot of balls in the air across the league with all these HC/OC/DC openings.
Steel Greg
2:42
Happy Monday, Brian.  With the Steelers holding essentially two first round picks at #17 and 32, what will their picks be, based on what you sense from being among them at the South Side?
Brian Batko
2:43
If I knew, I'd tell you! A corner wouldn't surprise me. The Steelers pretty much indicated to the world they don't feel great about that spot by bringing in the aforementioned William Jackson (although Levi Wallace played better from there on out).
Lou
2:45
I saw Gerry Dulac wrote about how the Steelers need a backup OC plan in 2023. Sounds like a nice idea but how could that actually work?
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