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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 04.04.22
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Brian Batko
2:00
Hello there. April is upon us, which means it's now NFL draft month. Let's get to your questions.
ev
2:00
Hi Brian, I believe an OL/DL will be taken in round 1, but chatter  around the office (my office/workplace) is that a QB will be taken in Round 2? Ridder, HOwell, or Willis (if still there) are the names I hear... again, at my office/workplace.
Brian Batko
2:02
Ah, a little Steelers draft water cooler talk at the office. It's that time of year. And that's basically what we do here, too, right? I'm still leaning that way myself, although the QB in Round 2 scenario doesn't seem as likely. It could be a good move for the Steelers to wait and see if someone falls to them, but I tend to think if they really like any of these guys that much, they'd just take them in the first round and not chance it.
ErneeHARTner412-305
2:02
Brian, I am coming to Pittsburgh to draft-watch party with the squad. What is the hottest club in Pittsburgh right now? Were do professional athletes like to hang out on weekends?
Brian Batko
2:03
Couldn't tell ya, Ern. I'm not very cool. Or hot, for that matter. Why don't you just go to Vegas, where they're holding the draft? I hear they have a lot of litty clubs out there.
Gene
2:03
In your opinion do you think any of QB’s in this draft have round 1 pedegree?
Brian Batko
2:05
That's hard to say, Gene. I do think  Kenny Pickett played like a first-round pick this year. Malik Willis has the traits, but not the size. Every guy in this group, other than Sam Howell, has been a bit of an afterthought at various points in their careers as opposed to a long-ordained savior like Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, etc.
Bobo
2:06
My biggest fear on day one of the draft is the Steelers trade up to pick a QB and give away valuable draft picks to do it. Talk me off the ledge please.
Brian Batko
2:07
You never know, but I'd be surprised. I think they're all about getting value out of this draft, especially pick No. 20, and sometimes those trades up can sacrifice value for potential that might never be reached. Now that they have Mitch Trubisky in the fold, it just feels like they're not going to be that desperate.
MD
2:08
Brian: several commentators at both the local and national level talk about the Steelers' ability to "develop" a raw player like Willis.  Why does anyone think that this staff is good at player development?  Just from the drafts from 2016-20 you have had Burns, JuJu, Edmunds&Washington, Bush, and Claypool as high picks.  Each of these players flashed potential early and then seemed to regress dramatically (Burns, Washington, JuJu, Bush) or just never really ascend as expected (Claypool, Edmunds)   This is not the Colbert-Cowher regime where raw talents like Willie Parker, Ike Taylor, or James Harrison come in and develop into stars.  Sure TJ developed, but that really is it in the last many years.  Okorafor got a big deal so maybe he counts, but I think that deal is just wishful thinking that he will finally improve starting in year 5.
Brian Batko
2:09
That's kind of tough to make a blanket statement one way or the other, given turnover in the assistant coaching ranks with the Steelers. But certainly I'd be curious to see how they go about developing a first-round QB, since we've never seen that under Mike Tomlin's watch.
Bill
2:10
How about Cole Beasley for a slot receiver
Brian Batko
2:12
Not the worst idea. There's not a lot left to pick from on the WR free agency market, unless you think it's realistic to look into options such as Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry. But I do think there's a need for some experience in the WR corps. Adam Humphries is kind of a poor man's Beasley and he's still available, plus he can give you an insurance plan in the slot. Any WR move might wait until after the draft at this point.
Pittfan
2:14
Hi Brian. I've recently watched as much film as I could find on Matt Corral. I'm impressed. He moves well and he's accurate. I know the knock on him is he's a one read quarterback. Wasn't asked to think a-lot. What's your impression? Would you choose him at 20 or do you think he's a 2nd rounder?
Brian Batko
2:15
He seems to be a real love-him-or-hate-him QB prospect for the draft community this year. I do like his hard-nosed attitude and the way he plays the position. Kind of similar to Pickett in that way. Maybe I'd pounce on him if he falls to the second, but not quite sure there's enough there for No. 20 overall.
reedboat
2:16
Amid all the speculation of the Draft, I don't think this is the year to try to "keep up with the Joneses" at QB. Build the foundation and let next year, or the next, be the time to find a QueenBee. Get big, get fast, and build. But front office won't see it that way. Is it just because "that's the way they do things"?
Brian Batko
2:17
Why do you think they won't see it that way? If any front office in the league is known for patience and not overreacting, it's probably the one in Pittsburgh. Now, I do think there are circumstances that could make that difficult to stomach. If Trubisky's not the answer and you're getting beat week in and week out, and the stands are looking empty at Heinz Field, it'll feel like a mistake to have not gone after a QB the first chance they got post-Ben Roethlisberger.
Treesmann
2:18
Brian what do you think about the Steelers trying to trade back or completely out of the first round snd try to secure extra second and of third round picks.  With the depth at receiver, D, and OL in this draft it would seem to be a way of securing quality players who could contribute or provide decent depth at any number of positions.
Brian Batko
2:20
It's not a bad plan in theory, and if you find yourself running one of these mock draft simulators that are so prevalent on the world wide web, you can easily talk yourself into it. But in reality, that's tough to justify walking away from someone you've deemed to be the best player on your board, and a guy you'd be elated to have. That's why the Steelers haven't traded down since 2001, and even then, it was 3 spots, not out of Round 1 entirely.
Weegie
2:21
Brian, I've mentioned this to you and Ray previously and I'm surprised no one has raised a flag concerning Running back depth. I realize Najee is the bell cow but I'd still be concerned with him making it through a season with such heavy use. Do you think the Steelers are satisfied with Snell if Harris is unavailable? Can you see them using a 3rd or 4th on a RB?
Brian Batko
2:22
Really not sure what to make of Benny Snell. He's had a couple moments, but they've been few and far between, and last year he was relegated to very little action. They even brought in Kalen Ballage to challenge for that back-up role. I guess if there's a clear upgrade at the end of the draft or even among undrafted guys, go ahead and pull the trigger, but I can find plenty of other areas to invest draft capital than running back.
ThisGuy
2:23
Are you comfortable with the Center position on this team?  Nobody seems to think this is a position of need anymore, but based on what I've seen written on Cole I'm not sure he is a major upgrade from KG.  I wouldn't mind seeing a C with one of their top two picks.
Brian Batko
2:25
Yes, and with the interior line overall. If Mason Cole/Kendrick Green can't hold down the fort there, then the Steelers really screwed up in two different ways in back-to-back offseasons. And after that, JC Hassenauer isn't terrible as a Plan C. I've even seen it suggested that James Daniels could transition back to C after playing RG last year. Point is, they've restocked there. Any further addition would just be redundant when you have other holes to address.
Boiler G Dog
2:26
Brian: Vegas has Steelers +\- on wins at 7.5. Looking at the schedule, I would think we can go at least 8-9.  And your thoughts on everyone putting us in the basement this coming season. I’m not a believer in the Browns and Bengals plus I think we’ve done a good job in free agency. Thanx for the time!!
Brian Batko
2:27
Similar thoughts to last year. Until I see a Mike Tomlin-coached team finish under .500, I'm not going to bet on it. Eventually, I'll be wrong ... probably. But put me down for 9-8 until proven otherwise. Or 8-8-1, I guess. 7-7-3. Things of that nature.
SB or bust
2:28
What position do you rank as the biggest need for the Steelers? With whom and when do you think the Steelers will fix it?
Brian Batko
2:30
Big picture, it has to be QB. I'm on record as being somewhat skeptical of Trubisky. So, I'll go ahead and predict that he's not "the fix" to that position. Which makes me think they fix it in 2023 somehow, and if not with a first-round draft pick, a veteran via free agency or even trade.
J$Money
2:31
Any word on Terrell Edmunds? Is he interested in coming back to the Steelers and are they interested in signing him? Not sure if they can’t agree on a salary or what but I’m surprised the Steelers don’t have a starting strong safety yet and I wouldn’t think they want to go into the draft not having one. Thanks
Brian Batko
2:33
Nope, not other than him tweeting "Decisions" the other day. Clearly, he has a decision to make. That's not exactly news. And I'm thinking the Steelers did make him an offer, but also I wonder what the signing of Karl Joseph last week means. Potential starter? Insurance for a rookie? Absolutely nothing and a camp body? Either way, I didn't foresee him coming back given how little he was used last year as a veteran.
Honey Badger
2:33
What are the chances the Steelers sign me ?
Brian Batko
2:34
3.8%, obviously
Andy
2:34
Hi Brian.  In this draft scenario., Willis and Pickett are gone before pick #20.  Could you see the Steelers taking Davis or Cross if either is available?  Thanks.
Brian Batko
2:36
Man, I'd run to the podium for either one. Might even do that if those QBs aren't gone, honestly. Charles Cross could be a really good tackle who might need a year to develop and get stronger. Jordan Davis can help your shoddy run defense from Day 1. Gut feeling is neither one is there.
Calvin
2:36
I haven't done any research on the NFL draft.  What positions are loaded this year (meaning there will be good guys available after round 2) and what positions are lacking (grab them while you can)?
Brian Batko
2:37
Loaded? I'd say wide receiver. Lacking? Defensive tackle.
RIP Chief
2:38
Brian thank you for the chat. The round 1 QB talk reminds me a lot of the lead up to Harris selection last year.  That worked well for them.  I doubt it will this year if that’s their plan.  I hope this is a smoke screen to get teams in front of them to take a QB to improve chances DL/WR/CB they like drops to them.  Just don’t see how any of these QBs improve them this year or in the future.  Do you?
Brian Batko
2:40
Then they sure did a lot of traveling and watching and getting to know for a smokescreen. Malik Willis can absolutely improve your team in the future if he puts together all of his tools. Kenny Pickett can, too, if he keeps getting better every year the way he did at Pitt. Perhaps none are an immediate upgrade over Trubisky, but there's no rule that says you have to play a first-round QB right away. Worked out for the Chiefs, I'd say.
Paul from Sacramento
2:41
Hi Brian, I really appreciate your chats and podcasts with Ray. There is chatter about the Steelers picking a WR with the 20th (seems almost as loud as QB), but, I kinda think they seem to do pretty well in the other rounds with WR. I really think the most glaring hole might be DL.. Can that be done in the later rounds?  What are your thoughts? Keep up the great work
Brian Batko
2:42
No, I think if you're going to draft a DT, it needs to be someone legit, not another late-round dart throw. How many times can you pick a Josh Frazier, Isaiah Buggs or Carlos Davis late on Day 3 and hope he pans out? Jury is still out on Isaiahh Loudermilk.
Sunner in Orlando
2:44
A lot of national Pundits have the Steelers trading up to get Willis. I believe that is a foolish move as we need all the draft choices we can get to fill in our many holes. If one of the quarterbacks falls to 20 I could live with them picking a QB at that spot but I much rather have a DL, Wr or CB at that pick.
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