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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 01.31.22
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Rich R
2:40
Any news on Steelers DC hiring?
Brian Batko
2:41
The first name that surfaced from outside the organization, Patrick Graham, is staying with the Giants under new coach Brian Daboll. That's about it. I'll be surprised if it's not Teryl Austin. And if we're discussing him a lot more over the next 12 months, a PSA on his behalf: It's pronounced TER-yl, not tuh-RELL.
Jake
2:42
I’m not sold on Rudolph or Haskins, next years QB draft class looks to be a lot better than this years. I think we need to use our cap space on OL and get younger on the D line through the draft. Would you like a guy like Minshew to come in and compete for the QB job?
Brian Batko
2:44
They'd have to trade for Gardner Minshew, unless the Eagles cut him. He could be a better QB than Rudolph and Haskins, no doubt. But if you're just looking for a bridge to the 2023 draft class, not sure it'd be an upgrade worthy of giving up much in draft capital.
Steel Nation
2:44
Hello Brian: any chance management brings back Joe Haden on a one or two-year deal (assuming he’s not totally sold on free agency)? Also, do you foresee going after a bigger name in free agency to shore up the aging but still effective defensive line, assuming Tuitt departs?
Brian Batko
2:45
Yeah I think there's a chance they agree on a deal with Joe Haden, but probably more likely that he sees what's out there in free agency. As for the DL, I'd rather rebuild it through the draft, although I realize you only have so many picks to use. Their best big name/veteran acquisition could be Tyson Alualu.
D-Ru
2:46
Some media members are speculating the Steelers would trade for Jimmy G. Maybe a 1st round pick or maybe a 2nd. How much would he cost? Is it plausible? What say you, sir?
Brian Batko
2:46
Hard pass, D-Ru.
Alan
2:47
When should we start caring about Kenny Pickett’s hand size if at all. Only QB to not get measured at the senior bowl 🤔🤔
Brian Batko
2:49
I care more about Kenny Pickett's hand size than everything else in my life right now, even my 2-year-old son. But seriously, it is going to be one of those deals where certain teams will downgrade him based off of that, which is why he's playing the long game on this. Kenny Pickett Hand Watch at the combine should be a blast.
Marnie
2:49
Hi Brian:  all this talk of Steelers needing a mobile QB as if it’s a brand new concept.  Tell that to Tarkenton!  Are the Steelers defining mobility as what young QB Ben did to extend plays with the threat of running, or a run first QB like Jackson?  Hoping the former.  I
Brian Batko
2:51
The former more than the latter, I believe. Basically,  any QB is more mobile than Ben was this past year, so they're not really setting the bar too high there. Even Rudolph and Haskins showed some escapability this past season/preseason/training camp. Granted, there is a spectrum of mobility, if you will. The more you can move, the more you can have some of the advantages the Ravens enjoy with Lamar Jackson. But that's far from the only quality they're looking for.
Jud
2:52
GM Bats!  QB or Position of Need in Rd 1?
Brian Batko
2:52
I'm sure I'll go back and forth on this a hundred times before the draft, but I'm leaning toward best OL available...
Why did I just use an ellipsis? There's nothing else coming in response to that question.
Dirk
2:53
Thanks for the chats Brian.  My question is this--of all the Steeler QB's between Bradshaw and Ben, who would be your top two or three of that group?
Brian Batko
2:54
Many of them predate my consciousness, let alone my football watching or writing, but I guess I'd go with Kordell Stewart and Neal O'Donnell. One got you to the Super Bowl and the other got you very close.
IsItJustMe
2:55
I agree the lines need help (both of them). But just saying if you look at the Bengals…they replenished with offensive firepower. Let’s not go to overboard on spending every dollar/pick on the lines
Brian Batko
2:56
I actually think the DL is in decent shape, assuming Alualu can come back and play the way he had been, especially if Loudermilk takes another step forward. Montravius Adams showed some flashes, too. You're right that the Steelers need some more playmakers too, something that hasn't even been mentioned yet in this chat. If you told me the Steelers should draft a WR in the first round, I wouldn't shout you down. Especially if JuJu leaves in free agency.
Mr Medium Chest
2:57
Hi Brian, Since the Steelers dont seem to like to spend $ on assistants, I’m starting a Gofundme so the Steelers can hire Mike Munchak back, how much are you in for?
Brian Batko
2:57
No thanks.
Gairzo
2:57
Players named to the Pro Bowl who play in the Super Bowl--are they still credited with a Pro Bowl year?  Are players who opt out due to injury still Pro Bowlers?
Brian Batko
2:58
Yes. In fact, as I understand the CBA, it's the alternates who don't get credit for a Pro Bowl selection when it comes to their contract escalators. But of course they're "Pro Bowlers" in the general sense of being there all week, playing in the game, etc.
Guest
2:58
As long as MT is in charge we’re doomed…..your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:58
I disagree.
Tommy
2:59
Speaking of Ben and his relationship or lack thereof with Rudolph... Ben went out of his way, after his lingering embrace of Myles Garrett, post game this season to say ... "He {MG] does it right" & that he really repects him... Rudolph too, went out of his way to say the year after their altercation that he respects MG. Q.) Did it come to light that Rudolph actually did say something that could be contrued as racist to Garrett because it's odd that Garrett never apologised to Rudolph or admitted that he lied.
Brian Batko
2:59
No. The whole thing was odd and will forever be.
Ticco
3:00
Thanks for the chat, Brian. Given that it will likely be Mason Rudolph at QB next year, do you see scenario where he convinces James Washington to stay to rekindle their college success potentially?
Brian Batko
3:00
Nope.
3:01
OK everyone, the clock just hit zero. I'm headed to Las Vegas for the Pro Bowl this week but we'll chat when I get back next Monday. See you then.
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