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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 03.20.23
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Brian Batko
2:00
Good afternoon. The Steelers have made moves in free agency, most of which I didn't have on my radar but hey, that doesn't make them bad moves. Let's see what you all think...
TBK11
2:02
Based on the current free agent signings/departures, are the Steelers a better team?
Brian Batko
2:02
Probably about the same. But that's not overly concerning, considering all the draft capital they have to work with this year. There's a chance their most impactful offseason additions come there.
Dave
2:03
Hi Brian,  The P-G used to publish the names of the 30 players who visited the Steelers before the draft.  I haven’t seen that the last two years.  Why not, is the Steelers  not making that public
Brian Batko
2:04
Last time they made that public was in 2019, then COVID messed with the draft visits in 2020, and since then it's become much less of a streamlined process to get that info out there.
The Real TP Hunter
2:05
Thanks for the chat, Brian. Does the  free-agent guard signings indicate that the Steelers might try to move up in the first round to take one of the top 3 tackles?
Brian Batko
2:05
I don't know that I connect those two ideas, but they do have the resources to make a move like that if it's on their wish list. It's a good draft to not need a quarterback, that's for sure.
Gregg from Shaler
2:06
With the recent OL signings do you think it's possible they will not draft OT this year and give Chuks and Moore another year to grow with a, presumably, much stronger interior o line to support them?
Brian Batko
2:07
They need to draft one because they simply do not have a backup swing tackle at this point. Now, if they go out and find one in free agency, it'll be less of a need. But right now, even after signing Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig, this OL is incomplete.
Medium Ben
2:08
Hey Brian.  Do you expect any more FA moves before draft?
Brian Batko
2:09
Probably. They didn't close the book last year. Kept signing guys even after the initial wave of free agency, including Terrell Edmunds about a week before the draft.
Stairway to 7th seed
2:09
Brian:  the Steelers now have 5 players and a ton of cap space devoted to the center and guard positions despite having massive needs at CB, DL, and OT and needs for depth at S, TE, and OLB.  How do you see this playing out?  Can Daniels move to tackle?  Can Dotson be traded for something?  Do you really think that when they signed Herbig they knew that Seumalo might become available at the right price?
Brian Batko
2:11
That's a funny chat name! I see the Steelers taking calls on Kevin Dotson, yes, but certainly not James Daniels to tackle. It's a little strange that they've doubled-up on iOL like this, but it might be simple: They value Seumalo and Herbig as players and thought the price was right for both. Depth is important, too, and perhaps they view Herbig as center-capable.
Zach B
2:12
Would the Steelers be interested in Dalton Schultz ? As much as Canada liked to use gentry and with TE2 as a need, I think that position could use a serious upgrade.
Brian Batko
2:12
No, I think a mid-tier signing is the most they'd do at TE, and Schultz is good enough to get starter money. My guess is still that Zach Gentry finds his way back here. He likes it here, they like him, and I'm not sure he's going to be viewed as a No. 1 by any other teams with money to spend.
STEEL72
2:13
What do you think would be a surprise with picks 17 and 32... something people are not accounting for? Is there any chance that Omar and Co. throw a complete curve?
Brian Batko
2:15
There's so much speculation and so many draft opinions that can be found these days that basically nothing could qualify as a surprise outside of a QB or RB. If the best player available is, say, an edge-rusher? That wouldn't make a ton of team-building sense, but it would be a curveball.
Ken
2:16
With the most recent free agent moves, it looks more and more that corner back will be the # 1 pick.  Do you concur?
Brian Batko
2:17
Not necessarily. I think it became less likely when they signed Patrick Peterson. If I had to bet on it, I'd still say corner, but I feel less sure than going into free agency.
Tampa Too
2:18
Brian   Who is your favorite Steeler free agent signing from years past?
Brian Batko
2:19
My personal favorite? I guess it'd be Zach Banner because I enjoyed his presence.
Steeler Joe
2:19
I guess it hardly matters, but would the Steelers front office have told Herbig about the pending signing of Seumalo? Or would  he come in expecting a path to starting, then have his legs taken out by the signing a short time later? I'm just curious how far the "just a business" stuff goes ...
Brian Batko
2:21
Judging by Herbig's temperament in-person Thursday, he won't care. Seems like a guy who just wants to play football, get paid to do it and buy into his role, whatever it might be. Probably doesn't hurt that he and Seumalo know each other from their Eagles days.
mtfury
2:21
Brian, Looking at the WR position after D. Johnson and G. Pickens it looks a little thin, any word on bringing in a WR like DJ Chark or M. Hardman?
Brian Batko
2:22
Jury is out on Calvin Austin. There's still potential with him. And the forgotten man is Anthony Miller, who looked solid last year in camp before his season-ending shoulder injury. They've kept him around, so they must like him. That lessens the need for depth in free agency. Probably should use one of their last few draft picks on one.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:23
Obviously the Steelers were not sold on their offensive line and ILB's with these free agent signings. Do you think they've upgraded on both fronts and will this change the priority of the draft pick positions? I still think they need a better left tackle than Moore and the D Line needs to get younger in a hurry.
Brian Batko
2:25
Yes, it seems to be an upgrade, especially at guard. Seumalo is a proven vet and Herbig would've been their top backup last year. At ILB, it's tough to downgrade from the lack of production they saw in 2022. But all it does is make it less imperative to use a high pick at either spot. I'm with you that OT and DT are right up there with CB among their top draft needs.
Pittfan
2:26
Hi Brian. 2 questions. Do you anticipate more free agent signings prior to the draft? Have you rated the DBs worthy of the 17th pick? I say DB and not CB because I'm including Branch from Alabama. I like Emmanuel Forbes from Miss. State. He plays like a skinny Sauce Gardner IMO. Though I think 32 or 49 for him.
Brian Batko
2:28
It seems like Christian Gonzalez, Devon Witherspoon and Joey Porter Jr. are consensus top-17 prospects, or close to it. For me, Kelee Ringo would be worth a first-round investment. After those four, I'm not sure I'd use that high a pick on anyone else in this class - Brian Branch, Deonte Banks, Emmanuel Forbes. I like them, but I think I'd be more tempted to grab a top OT or DL at that spot.
Jps 717
2:29
What’s the story with Terrell Edmunds?  Good enough player but no word about him talking to other teams.  Even D Bush got a deal.  Do you see Edmunds resigning with Pgh?
Brian Batko
2:29
Maybe he and his agent are just keeping it close to the vest. But last year it sounded like there wasn't much of a market that materialized for him. Not sure why. Maybe he's just an underrated guy. Could definitely see him coming back on another short deal, although Damontae Kazee's return gives the Steelers some leverage there.
D-Ru
2:30
I really was puzzled by the Steelers silence then suddenly they were making moves like crazy but the national media hardly seems to have noticed… I love when the Steelers fly below the radar… make me think they have a plan. How would you grade this off season so far? Thank you for all the coverage and chats.
Brian Batko
2:32
People are just impatient nowadays. They weren't even silent for that long, just didn't get points on the board first and Cam Sutton signed so quickly with Detroit. The national media hasn't noticed because let's be honest, these aren't big acquisitions, be it in name or money. Other than Peterson, no Pro Bowlers or All-Pro guys. I'm sure the Steelers had a plan, as much as you can not knowing who and what other teams will pursue. Grade-wise, I'd give them a B.
2:33
OK everyone, sorry I have to go a little shorter today, but this Elandon Roberts story isn't gonna write itself. Thanks for stopping on by to break down the first wave of free agency. Ray Fittipaldo will be back tomorrow to field more questions.
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