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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 03.06.23
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Brian Batko
2:00
Hi everyone, as we push into March, the NFL draft is getting so close yet still so far away. But we have some new data and insight now, thanks to the proceedings in Indy, so let's get to chatting, shall we?
Boiler G Dog
2:00
Do you see Jalen Carter’s legal issues dropping him down to the Steelers. I saw a mock draft that had him sliding to Pittsburgh I don’t see him lasting past 8 or 9. Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:02
Yeah, I just don't see that either. Unless this specific incident is one that opens a can of worms into more red flags for him. I don't know that to be the case. Basically, my sense is that if there's anything that comes out that would be so damaging for Jalen Carter that it drops him to 17th overall, it'd probably be too damaging for the Steelers to take that risk as well.
Jim
2:03
if the Steelers do not re sign Sutton is it possible that they would pivot to swinging a trade for Jalen Ramsey ?
Brian Batko
2:05
To quote Michael Pettaway Tomlin, never say never, but ... I just don't think that's realistic. Jalen Ramsey has nearly a $25 million cap hit. Just doesn't seem affordable for a defense that's already very high-priced.
Mike Ehrmantraut
2:06
Here is a nice non draft question to break up the monotony. What would it take to prompt AR2 to switch back to the block numbers as the standard uniform? They look so much better and would spur a lot of new jersey sales.
Brian Batko
2:06
Perhaps a visit from Gus Fring would do the trick? Or a very enticing offer from Saul Goodman (if he ever gets out of the clink).
pdxJaxon
2:07
Hey Bats,
lots of fun watchin the combine. If the top CBs and OTs are gone early, you think we would go IOL in Round 1 (OCyrus Torrence, etc)?
Brian Batko
2:08
No, I've been consistent for a while now that I don't see much value in an interior lineman in the first round, especially one who isn't guard/center flexible. If this were last year, before Mason Cole and James Daniels were in the fold, I'd be more inclined to entertain that idea.
Bill
2:09
Wow, Bryce Young measured at only 5'10" tall at the combine. How do you feel about the limitations of short quarterbacks in the NFL? Its said they can't see receivers over the linemen.
Brian Batko
2:11
You better be really, really good in a lot of other areas of your game. Whether that's mobility, above the neck, accuracy, or some combination of all that. A lot of folks who study the tape seem to believe Young has all those qualities in droves, so we'll see. My take? If you're a long-suffering franchise like the Texans or Raiders, what do you have to lose?
JJ Watt
2:12
Hi Bats.  Do you see the Steelers trading down to get additional picks?  thanks
Brian Batko
2:14
Omar Khan said the other day that everything's on the table and I tend to believe him on that. For a long time we've known he can be a shrewd and nimble negotiator. He's going to follow the same core philosophies that have been in place for this franchise long before he arrived and got the GM gig, but said from Day 1 on the job that he'll do some things differently, even if it isn't always obvious to those of us on the outside.
Noh Canada
2:15
Good afternoon Mr. Bats.  Thanks for the great work and chats. I’ve seen some mock drafts predicting the Steelers will move up to draft Skoronski.  Agree T is a big need and Skoronski looks promising with an excellent chance to be a great player. However, with all their needs and a deep draft at many of the positions of need, don’t think trading up should be an option this year. None of these players are sure things to be better than 2 others in the top 80.  IMO only time to trade up is in a week draft.  They should consider trading back for more picks instead.  What are your thoughts on how they would approach trading this year? Thanks
Brian Batko
2:17
Oh, please. Mr. Bats is my father. But to follow-up on the previous question with this one, trading back and acquiring more picks/more good players always seems better on paper than it is in practice. If the Steelers should want to do that, don't you think a number of other franchises would want to, as well? To trade back, you need teams that want to trade up. All the points you make apply to half the league at least, I imagine. The other aspect of it is for us watching combine coverage and reading scouting reports at home, a lot of players seem great. The Steelers have much more thorough information and critical evaluations of these guys.
Steeltree
2:19
Brian - the Lamar Jackson news out of Baltimore is great ness for the Steelers.  My guess is he winds up on Atlanta and the Ravens wind up with the Florida QB with what would’ve been Atlantas first pick.
Brian Batko
2:20
That'll be a seismic shift in the AFC, particularly the North, if it happens. And I'm of course fascinated by the whole situation. John Harbaugh has been so very insistent that he wants Lamar back, that Lamar will be back, but obviously the Ravens aren't going to show all their cards in any situation, let alone one as pivotal as this.
Billy bob
2:20
Any truth inthe steelers are looking hard at centre, at the draft? as Mr Dulac suggests serious interest in JMS.
Brian Batko
2:22
If Gerry says it, then yes. A center at No. 17 in this draft would be too high for me, but at No. 32? I could see it. The Steelers value that position traditionally, having a young star connected to Kenny Pickett for the long term would be a comforting path to take, too.
Javi
2:25
Hello Bats. Did the improvement of oline play last season lower the need to go oline 1st in draft? I would be stunned if they didnt go oline in at least first 2 picks. I like CB first pick followed by oline. What do you think?
Brian Batko
2:27
In my view, it did. I'd say it doesn't take OL off the board - Kevin Dotson has some weaknesses, Dan Moore has some weaknesses, even Chuks Okorafor (especially given his contract) isn't a slam dunk - but it opens up more avenues to take the best player available in more rounds of the draft. Could you upgrade the OL or at least add depth in the 3rd round? Even the 4th round? Possibly. It's just not as much of a glaring need to me as it was a year ago (and then the Steelers addressed it in free agency before the draft).
J$Money
2:28
If one of the top 3 tackles is available at #17 and one of the top 3 cornerbacks is also available, which do you think would be the Steelers priority? Because of the very deep cornerback class, I would prefer the OT and maybe take a CB at #32 and then a DL at #49, but I’m not the GM! What say you? Thanks!
Brian Batko
2:30
Keeping in mind that it depends on the grades they have on each individual player, I would lean cornerback. Generally speaking, I think you're less likely to find a foundational piece of your franchise outside the first round at corner than you are at tackle. And that's what the Steelers haven't had for a long time on this defense.
Howard
2:31
I know it isn't an exact science, but I am curious where Kenny Pickett would be ranked among the current crop of draftable quarterbacks.  We hear that 4 qbs are likely to be taken before pick 20 this year.  I find it hard to believe that all those QBs are considered better prospects than PIckett was last year.
Brian Batko
2:33
One big part of it that matters a lot to NFL evaluators, maybe more than it should, is the age piece. Other than Will Levis, they're all much younger than Pickett was when he came out. So, the actual player that they are as we sit here right now? No, I don't think all four played better football in 2022 than Pickett did in 2021. Maybe two of them did. But when you look at the physical traits of Levis and Anthony Richardson, the youth of Richardson, Bryce Young and CJ Stroud, the potential is tantalizing. Probably more so than Pickett was as far as the upside conversation goes.
TSH
2:34
Hi Brian, Thank you for your time and I hope all is well!  Expect the unexpected???  It's been said that this draft is not top-heavy w/ star power like in years past yet deep in starter capable players.  I am guessing BPA will take center stage for all teams picking before & after #17 therefore we will have several surprises as to who is available at #17?  Am I understanding the reports correctly?  What are your thoughts on whether more or less predictable in years past?
Brian Batko
2:36
Yeah, there's something to that. To me, the most intriguing scenario is if you get to the Steelers' pick and Jordan Addison is on the board. Maybe because other teams took the QBs, or liked other WRs better, or whatever the reason may be. It would be akin to the situation the Bengals were in a few years ago when they chose between Joe Burrow's guy at LSU or the top tackle, Penei Sewell. They went with Ja'Marr Chase at No. 5 overall. Can't imagine they have any buyer's remorse on that one.
Joe Mayo
2:37
They were saying Addison didn't have a good combine. Now what?
Brian Batko
2:38
That's also a fair part of that discussion. Addison isn't the prospect Chase was, clearly. But the 17th pick also isn't the 5th pick, so it's all relative. As for Addison specifically, I'm not sure anyone expected him to post a blazing fast 40 time or anything like that. He's a polished route-runner, has great body control, great hands. Not gonna overreact to the athletic testing with him.
Brian
2:40
Hi Brian  Appreciate your time with these chats. Most draft folks place a higher priority on OT, DT, CB, and OLB. With only two ILB having any playing time under contract to return coupled with their dismal performance as a group last season
Sorry Brian did not finish the question. Seems to me that ILB may be more of a priority in this years draft/free agent signings than we are hearing. Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:43
Happy National Brian Day to my fellow Brian. If that is your real name. Could be a chat alias in an attempt to curry favor with me on this special day. I agree with you that unless they make a significant move in free agency, I'd want to use one of my first five picks on an inside linebacker. Someone who's a little more of a finished product and can either compete with or play next to Mark Robinson, who's much more of a projection.
Miles McGuire
2:43
Hi Brian,
Your thoughts on the recent NFLPA Club House audit. Any response on how your sources are feeling about it. I know the A. Stadium locker room looks obsolete compared to these new stadiums - LVR, JAX, DAL, etc.
Brian Batko
2:46
I found it to be an enlightening project by the NFLPA. Obviously, it doesn't reflect that well on the Steelers, although it's only fair to keep in mind that the survey was centered on tangible things such as resources and staffing as opposed to interpersonal relations and those sorts of factors. To be honest, I'm not surprised the Steelers got low grades on facilities. It's not a secret that the lockers at the stadium and even more so the practice complex are old school. It's not a secret that they don't have as many assistants and, as it turns out apparently, trainers/strength coaches, etc. as other teams. But Art Rooney II spoke of using the money from the new naming rights to make improvements, so we'll see what comes of it.
Andrew from Johnstown
2:48
Good afternoon BB! Do you think the Steelers will bring back Buddy Dupree? Thanks!
Brian Batko
2:49
Not gonna rule it out because of the familiarity, but he's already 30, coming off three injury-plagued seasons and would have to accept a backup role. Perhaps all those things would make him more affordable and actually increase the chances of a reunion. I just wouldn't bet on it.
MC
2:50
Name the one player that the Steelers can’t afford to pass on that potentially is available at pick 17.
Brian Batko
2:50
There's really not a player like that for me in this draft. Last year I would've said Jordan Davis.
SW Steel
2:51
Hey Brian, just a simple question: Do you think the Steelers can make the playoffs next year, given a good progression of its current players, plus a decent draft class this year?
Brian Batko
2:51
Sure!
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