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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 04.12.21
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Jud
12:43
As we get to the mis-information and pie-in-the-sky draft trades season, what are the best and worst that you have heard so far?
Brian Batko
12:44
Ha, that's a good way of putting it, for sure. All this buzz about Justin Fields dropping way down is kind of absurd to me. I mean, I don't know if it's a smoke screen or just people overanalyzing this guy, but I don't see too many issues with him as a prospect. So, pretty much any scenario that ends with Fields to the Steelers strikes me as quite the pipe dream.
Polvtzian Dance No.2 by Borodin
12:45
Can I request a question for you to ask the Steeler brain trust regarding the O side of the ball in this draft? How much does ball security go into rating backs coming out of college?
Brian Batko
12:46
Not sure I'll have a direct line to said brain trust, given that we're still in the Zoom age of Steelers coverage, but your request is noted now here on the Internet for the record.
Cope's Cabana
12:46
Good Afternoon Brian, prior to the draft, are the Steelers starters for 2021 at running back and center Benny Snell and BJ Finney?
Brian Batko
12:48
Finney, I'd say yes. Running back? Man, who knows. As I mentioned above, I don't see Ballage as a major factor or anything, but his resume is comparable to Benny Snell's, no doubt.
Spanky LaVallier
12:49
The Steelers must add a corner with the loss of Nelson and Hilton. Will they sign a free agent, add one in the draft or is he already on the team?
Brian Batko
12:50
I think they'll draft one. Again, I know their cornerback draft evaluations have been horrendous, but I can't imagine the Steelers and Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert and their scouting department are just going to give up on finding rookies at any one position, especially one that significant. If anything, they're due!
Billy Bats
12:51
Can the pirates beat any team other than the Cubs?
Brian Batko
12:52
Not very often, but hey, I never mind seeing the Cubs lose. Went to see it in-person yesterday, in fact. Lower the W.
B Collins
12:52
When will we replace Danny Smith? We have been terribly consistent with our special teams. We can no longer use the excuse “we don’t have the talent”. No team worth their salt drafts just for special teams!!!
Brian Batko
12:54
I'm not anti-Danny Smith, though certainly a lot of fans seem to be. It will be a transition year a little bit for the special teams, especially if captain Jordan Dangerfield isn't eventually brought back.
Guest
12:55
Do you think the steelers will draft any Pitt or Penn State players?
Brian Batko
12:56
There are so many guys in the draft that I wouldn't bet on it, but this year seems like it has quite a few possibilities. The Panthers could have one of their bigger draft classes in a while, and the Lions boosted their stock at their pro day. Plus, the Steelers have a plethora of picks and areas to add depth to.
SOMD Panther
12:56
You've been widely credited with correctly predicting the Steelers' first pick in the 2020 draft. It occurs to me that your powers might be limited to the second round. Can you please give us your one player for round 2 in 2021?
Brian Batko
12:58
This early? You hold me to too high a standard, old friend. But OK, sure, squirt gun to my head, I'll go with Landon Dickerson from Alabama.
Boiler G Dog
12:59
Brian:  Your take on free agency as a whole this season. Seems like there are some good players still looking for a home. I’m thinking the Steelers aren’t the only franchise tightening their belt. Thoughts?
Brian Batko
1:00
Yeah, as many expected, some big names are getting left out in the cold - at least for now. Plus, you had stars like JuJu and Will Fuller and Leonard Fournette all settle for one-year deals in a soft market for wideouts and running backs.
1:01
OK compadres, that's all the time we have for today. That hour flew right by. Thanks as always for the insightful questions and I'll see you soon, be it in the chat, the mailbag or on the North Shore Drive podcast.
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