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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 02.24.20
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Brian Batko
12:00
What's up, folks? I'm currently in the car on the way to the combine in Indianapolis. Don't worry, I'm not driving. But if you're lucky, maybe I'll have Gerry Dulac weigh in for a celebrity answer to one of your questions. Here we go...
John D
12:01
I have season tickets to the XFL LA Wildcats. I really like the way the XFL does their kickoffs and punt returns. It is way more exciting than the NFL and it seems a much safer way to protect the players. The PAT’s are interesting the way they offer 1 to 3 points. What are your thoughts on these XFL rules?
Brian Batko
12:02
Wow, NFL combine is a few days away and we're talking XFL? To be honest, I haven't watched much. But I have seen the two rules you mention and the kickoff setup is interesting. I don't think it's a bad idea at all in an effort to minimize injury and maybe provide some big play excitement. As for the PAT rule, with no kicks, I don't hate it but I can't see the NFL ever changing to something that radical. Good luck to your 'Cats.
Georgia Steeler
12:03
Brian, I saw a video of Ben throwing a football. Did he start with a tennis ball ? And he looked quite a bit overweight. As a indicator of things to come this is a positive utlook as I hope it is.  Thanks for your chat.
Brian Batko
12:04
It sounds like he was able to skip over the tennis ball portion of recovery, so yeah, that seems positive. And I actually thought he looked slimmer in that clip than he did when he was wearing puffy coats and who knows how many layers on the sideline during games.
CoalportKid
12:04
Is there something specific that Steelers brass can point to, that Ben will fare against father time more like Brady and Brees than Manning and Rivers?
Brian Batko
12:04
According to some, it might just be the extra cushion.
lamberto
12:05
will the steelers finally realize they need to find a big aggressive nose tackle who will clog up the middle and get a push into the offensive backfield, even if it's just a third of the time on the field
Brian Batko
12:06
Every team CAN use a guy like that, it's just a matter of what you're willing to spend on a part-time player. Although I will say this offseason seems like one where the Steelers should decide if they're actually going to use Dan McCullers in 2020. If not, just cut him and move on.
Jerry
12:07
What do you think about us getting Thaddeus Moss with our first pick?
Brian Batko
12:09
I think he'll be available at 49. The question is whether the Steelers would want him there. It's far too early to declare anyone a "winner" or "loser" at the combine, if you're into that, but the tight ends weighed in this morning and Moss stood out in a bad way. He measured shorter than 6-2 and weighed 250. Good luck finding a lot of starting-caliber NFL tight ends at that size.
Ace
12:09
Hey Brian! I’ve noticed that draft analysts consistently mock an edge rusher to the Steelers at 49. Is it just me or are they completely neglecting the fact that Pitt is dead-set on bringing Dupree back?
Brian Batko
12:11
Hiya, Ace, love the name. I'm seeing a lot of that too, and some even more bizarre selections such as a cornerback in Round 2. Even Daniel Jeremiah, excellent scout/draft guru of NFL.com was asked about the Steelers on Friday and first mentioned edge rushers. Anyone projecting that is just not as aware of how much the Steelers want to keep Bud Dupree, is my guess.
Tbone
12:12
Knowing the $5 mil in cap space he will create, and with Bush taking on an expanding role next season, does this make it all the more likely we cut ties with Barron? I really liked Gilbert III last year and stinks he got hurt, but I think he can have the opportunity to be the 3rd or 4th ILB in the mix. Should make it easier to move on from Barron if that is the case.
Brian Batko
12:14
There are some positives to keeping Mark Barron, but there might be too much working against it. I don't know that the Steelers would factor in someone as young and unproven as Ulysees Gilbert into that conversation, but it will be a matter of deciding how much they can afford to spend on Barron. He was up and down last year, in my eyes, but overall something of a stabilizing presence on a defense that improved over the course of the season. Tough call there.
DennyNevo
12:15
With a huge contract in TJ Watts future, could the Steelers be looking at locking up Bud Dupree for 1 year and then drafting a replacement in the 2nd round.
Brian Batko
12:16
Yeah, I think they'll lock him up for one more year on the franchise tag, but might have too many other holes to fill to use their first pick on his eventual replacement. Assuming Ben is healthy, the window is still open now, so you can't plan for the future quite as much. Find someone who can and will help right away, tricky as that may be with your first pick at No. 49 overall.
Gene
12:17
Do the Steelers sign BJ Finney to a new contract?  Your thoughts,
Brian Batko
12:18
Depends how much he wants to make and what the market is for him. The guess here is yes, but if that's the case, you might have to make him a starter to justify it.
Marko
12:19
Is ILB Tyler Matakevich really worth bringing back? I get the ST’s value and all that, but could we count on others such as Ola Adeniyi or Tuzar Skipper to help fill that void?
Brian Batko
12:20
I'd say that's how it SHOULD work with role players, Marko. But if he'll play for cheap, they can maybe make it work. For whatever reason, Tuzar Skipper doesn't seem to be a guy they love using on special teams, at least not at this point.
OK, quick pause on the chat while I grab a bite for lunch. Consider this an intermission. Be back shortly.
I"m Hungry Too
12:31
Watcha having for lunch?
Brian Batko
12:32
Nothing special. Grabbed some apple slices, cheese and an uncrustable thing. Enough fuel to finish this chat, though.
crazytalker
12:32
Tom Brady can't find anyone to sign him as a starter and he comes to Pittsburgh to back up Ben for one more Super Bowl run?  We offer him great real estate deal at a price he cannot beat in New England.
Brian Batko
12:33
And on the side he can help coach some WPIAL football.
Carolina Steeler
12:33
No question.  Just a shout out to you and your colleagues at the PG for the great job y’all do with these chats and your articles about the Steelers.
Brian Batko
12:33
Thank you, my friend.
Alberto
12:34
Hello Brian. What do you think of Josh Rosen? I know a lot of people dislike him but he’s been with terrible OL. I would rather prefer the Steelers trading for him than drafting another qb.
Brian Batko
12:36
I think I feel bad for the guy. Hasn't really helped himself with his play, but as you said, less-than-ideal circumstances for him so far in his career. Not sure he'd want to come here and likely be a third-stringer though.
Hi
12:36
Hi Brian, I know Steelers are great at creating cap space, but would you go after someone like Melvin Gordon or one of the TEs (Hooper or Hunter), or just look for upgrades in the draft instead?  Thanks!
Brian Batko
12:38
To me, RB is definitely a position you can and should upgrade in the draft. The TE market will be very interesting. From what I've read, it's more likely that Hunter Henry will be back with his original team. I'm just not sure the Steelers would be able to afford someone like Austin Hooper.
Doyle37
12:38
Your best guess at who starts at TE for the Steelers in week one ?
Brian Batko
12:39
I'll still say Vance McDonald unless the tea leaves start saying otherwise.
Ralph LA
12:40
I was surprised when Matakevich was sometimes playing defensive snaps. Was he just a backup or were there situations when they wanted him in there?
Brian Batko
12:40
He only played 16 defensive snaps last year, his lowest in his Steelers career. They don't want him for that.
Timmy Colorado
12:40
Will the Steelers be on Hard Knocks this year?
Brian Batko
12:41
I can't see why they wouldn't be, Timmy.
Jimmy
12:41
Do you really think the current group of wr's are adequate ?
Brian Batko
12:42
They need to be with how much draft capital has been invested in them. Two 2s and a high 3. But this incoming draft class is supposedly so talented that maybe the Steelers will have a guy available to them and just can't say no.
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