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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 04.01.24
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Jimmy
2:39
You think the steelers are done with FA until after the draft? Or do we see another move before?
Brian Batko
2:40
They made three low-level signings last year in April - Tanner Muse, Miles Boykin and Armon Watts - so I'll go ahead and predict that they aren't done. But don't expect anything too earth-shattering.
Isle of Lucy
2:41
So equate a bunch of names, most unproven or obvious not panning out guys, one vet that should probably retire, one potential stud as "the one position the Steelers have depth at top to bottom"? I'd say despite the sentimental aspect of Cam The D-Line is 1b on position of need behind Center.
Brian Batko
2:42
Depth doesn't necessarily equal stardom. But the fact of the matter is they have eight guys on the DL who have played legitimate NFL snaps throughout their careers. Cam Heyward? You hope he still has some good reps left in him. Keeanu Benton? Should be ascending. Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal? Time to step up is running out.
LSU Nate
2:43
As time has passed, it looks less likely like we would take JPJ in the first round due to the "expert's" predictions. Its a huge need, but why do I feel a WR or RT is destined for the first round pick?
Brian Batko
2:44
I'm not out on the JPJ-to-Steelers idea. Not sure if it's losing steam elsewhere, but not here. I think he's just as likely as any of the top tackles, and actually more likely than any WR.
Upstate NY Guest
2:45
Have any NFL kickers or returners opined on the new kickoff rules?  I'm curious if any players have positively or negatively sounded off on this change.
Brian Batko
2:45
Don't know about that but I have seen praise of it from guys who were in the XFL last year where they used the rule. That's a good sign.
Steve
2:46
Hey Brian, The Cord Patterson signing is interesting.  Do you think the Steelers FO studied XFL tape and matched his skill set to the new kickoff format before signing him or are they just banking on him being good?  I heard on some pod somewhere it's more like returning a punt (which he hasn't done)
Brian Batko
2:46
I'm thinking it's the latter, which dovetails with his Arthur Smith connection. Can't rule it out as a good addition but I'm gonna go in with a healthy amount of skepticism for a 33-year-old playing position(s) predicated on speed and burst.
This Guy
2:47
Do you think the Steelers will trad for Juju? Should they?
Brian Batko
2:48
No and no. Bad contract the Patriots gave him. Now if he were cut, I wouldn't mind giving him a chance to compete for a spot, but it looks like his best days are behind him.
fredward
2:49
Hey Brian, been reading a lot that the Steelers prioritize tackles over centers on their big boards. Do you think they can afford to wait until the third round or later to fill the job?
Brian Batko
2:51
That could be the case this year, but traditionally it's not. Broderick Jones was the first time they used a first-round pick on a tackle since 1996. Value-wise, though, most teams around the league put more emphasis on tackles. You can protect an interior lineman a lot more game plan-wise than you can a guy blocking on the edge against the likes of TJ Watt, Myles Garrett, Bosa bros, etc.
Dlongley44
2:52
Hey Brian, hope you had a wonderful blessed Easter!!  So, if available Cooper Dejan -CB, or Mims -OT or JPJ - C, who do we take?  I'm hoping Cooper, but that's me.
Brian Batko
2:53
I'd probably go Amarius Mims. Just too tantalizing to pass up on his physical gifts, and reuniting him with his guys Broderick Jones and Darnell Washington could be a great thing for the locker room, too.
Nate from Iowa
2:54
Hi Brian, love the chats!  Based on your response to Matteo's question, which player would you select?  I believe Ray like JC Latham.  Interested if you feel the same way or would want JPJ.  Thanks!
Brian Batko
2:56
JC Latham is an interesting one. I need to do a bit more research. Some in the draft realm are knocking him for not doing any athletic testing at all in this process. His weight has fluctuated a bit. But maybe he's just that confident in his film, as are a lot of people. Might just be a monster who's already proven that.
Ben
2:57
Hey brian - good joke! Assuming the Steelers want to build around jones, offer him the fifth year, and then a second contract, does it make sense for them to take another tackle in round 1 this year? I know it is a ways off and they want to win now, but if they take someone good, how can they ever afford two premium tackles with a salary cap structure? Seems like they should be diversifying to either a position that will make less (center) or a different unit on the team (corner) so as to spread out the talent. Thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:58
That qualifies to me as a good problem to have. Especially for a team that wants to run the ball, dominate people physically in doing so and win with that identity.
Zell
2:59
I wouldn't be surprised if we re-sign Mason Cole as insurance.  I read recently that he was playing injured last year which I forgot.  He was definitely better the year before.  He'd be a good safe backup, yes?
Brian Batko
2:59
Yes, he would.
PT Mike
3:00
Do you see improvements on this roster compared to last year?  If so, at what position groups?  Other than adding Queen to the ILB group, I don't see improvements to any other group yet.
Brian Batko
3:00
Possibly quarterback, though I'm not sure Russell Wilson will be an upgrade over the quality of play they were getting from Mason Rudolph at the end of last season.
Lou
3:00
What with Big Ben returning, do you think he’s worth the 250 million 7 year deal?
Brian Batko
3:01
Yeah, I think he's committed to the grind and ready to bring that seventh Lombardi home. Nice one, Lou.
3:02
OK folks, we'll start and end with a couple of Steelers knee-slappers. Enjoy the rest of your April Fools', which used to be a good-natured day of pranks but has since become the biggest fake news holiday of the year, thanks to the internet. Keep your head on a swivel out there.
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