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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 04.20.20
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Brian Batko
12:01
Hi, people. Just got off a Zoom press conference call with Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert. Technical difficulties prevented me from asking a question. I wasn't the only one, but as someone who fancies himself a younger, relatively tech-savvy reporter, it was hurtful. Let's chat anyway.
Diana
12:01
If best available WR and RB left at 49 are Claypool, Pittman, CEH and Akers ( very possible ) how’d you rank them one thru 4 if it’s your pick Brian? Stay safe!
Brian Batko
12:02
Thanks, you too. I'd go Claypool, Pittman, Akers, Edwards-Helaire.
GSMP
12:02
Does having Matt Canada as the QB coach make the Steelers more open to drafting Jalen Hurts? It would seem to me after watching what Canada did for Pitt he could turn Hurts into an immediate threat on offense with the possibility of becoming the heir apparent to Ben Roethlisberger.
Brian Batko
12:03
Probably not, no. Canada didn't have a QB like Hurts at Pitt anyway. I see what you're saying, but still, don't think there's any correlation there.
Retire21
12:04
Niners have no picks in rounds 2-4 and may look to trade 31, second of two first round picks,  to get picks later. Would you trade our 2nd and one of our 4ths for that pick?
Brian Batko
12:05
Sure, but I don't think the 49ers would do that. At least they shouldn't, according to the oft-cited NFL draft trade value chart.
mrbig
12:06
have other nfl teams signed XFL players?
Brian Batko
12:06
Yes
marty v
12:07
Did Ben or Tomlin have any response to Bradshaw's latest comments on Steeler QB's?
Brian Batko
12:07
I don't believe they were asked, and I can't imagine they would care very much.
J Daven
12:08
The Steelers biggest need a veteran back-up QB.  Rothlesburger is still questionable and may not have the zip in his pass.  What do you think?
Brian Batko
12:10
Disagree. I think their biggest need is a player who can help the offense the most when Ben Roethlisberger is healthy. Whether you agree or disagree, Art Rooney II himself basically already told everyone the Steelers won't look into a free-agent QB: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/02/05/Art-Rooney-II-...
Jimbo
12:11
Do you think the Steelers should try to get a veteran backup QB just Incase Big Ben can’t finish up the year healthy? Last year seemed like a wasted time with With Duck and Mason. How can we think anything would be different this year. Thanks
Brian Batko
12:12
Because Mason Rudolph, a third-round pick two years ago, might actually *gasp* improve? I know, I know, it's not a sexy take to suggest that Rudolph can and will get better. And I'm not saying he will, just that the Steelers' rationale behind sticking with him as the backup is that they still believe.
Jacque Strap
12:13
With the Steeler's selection on Thursday, what one position (other than QB) would you be most surprised by?
Brian Batko
12:13
I'll be surprised if the Steelers select anyone Thursday
Guest
12:14
Brian do you think the start of the season may get pushed back this year?
Brian Batko
12:14
I do
SteelHeart
12:15
Hi Brian,  Everyone is talking WR and RB, but if there is an OLB that can help in 2020 and start for Dupree in 2021, could that be their #49 pick ?
Brian Batko
12:16
Sure, but to me, it's all about the early help and as much of it as you can get. There's no guarantee Ben will be his old self this season, let alone next. It's Super Bowl or bust. We all know that. A pass-rusher who rotates in for TJ Watt and Bud Dupree is not contributing to a championship in 2020 nearly as much as a wide receiver, in my opinion.
Rick
12:18
BB, realistically WR Duvernay is about The 15 WR rated, projections are like 2 dozens will be gone by end of the 3rd Rd, so he will be gone by 102.. Top 7 RB will be gone also.. so I think we only have one chance to get someone great at 49, from those 2 positions and that’s about it.. why not trade down if possible? Better have 59 and about 80 than 49 and 102 (2 shots this way) what’s your view?
Brian Batko
12:20
Not a bad idea. But I still think I'd just stick with No. 49 and draft the best receiver on my board if I'm the Steelers. You don't necessarily NEED an immediate contributor with your third-round comp pick. But that's a logical option, for sure.
fredward
12:21
What are the chances J.K. Dobbins falls to #49, and how would he fit in as a lead back for the Steelers?
Brian Batko
12:23
Hard to say, but I'll guess that there's a decent chance he's there. To me, Jonathan Taylor and even Cam Akers from FSU might be better fits for the Steelers. Their long speed is what's missing most in this backfield.
Dr. L
12:24
If S Jonathan Taylor is there in the second, you take him. If S Ashtyn Davis is there is the third, same thing. These are ideal first two targets, then OL and DL.
Brian Batko
12:25
I think you mean RB Jonathan Taylor. But what if Taylor isn't there, do you take Davis? Just trying to make sure the Steelers have your draft plan fully ironed out, Dr. L.
Moshe from Cleveland
12:25
we Realistically can’t sign Dupree long term should we therefore draft an olb with our first or second pick
Brian Batko
12:26
Sure. Would be really ideal to get a linebacker who can do both edge and inside linebacker type stuff. There are a few guys like that who might be in the mid-round range.
Mr. Medium Chest
12:27
Hi Brian, do you think the Steelers have interest in Fournette? Also wondering what to expect from Justin Layne if anything, I rarely read anything about him. Stay safe
Brian Batko
12:28
No, I can't see that. As for Justin Layne, basically had a redshirt rookie season from a defensive standpoint. Steve Nelson (and Joe Haden for that matter) performed so well that they can afford to develop him slowly.
Ralph LA
12:30
Do you find any of this past week’s (XFL & NFL practice squad) signings interesting or likely to make the team?
Brian Batko
12:30
Everyone's interesting in their own way, I suppose. But no, if I were doing a roster projection right now, I probably wouldn't have any of them making it.
Georgia Steeler
12:31
Good Afternoon Brian. If both Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts were both available at #49 would you take, if either ? Thanks for keeping us informed.
Brian Batko
12:31
Only if I could flip them for pieces who can help me in 2020.
Rocky B
12:33
Besides being bizarre, how would having “no fan” games affect your job?   I assume you’d still sit in the normal press box. Or maybe they’d spread the media out more into the empty seats?
Brian Batko
12:34
I don't even know if us media would be permitted to attend games in that scenario, actually. But if we do, I can think of some folks I wouldn't mind socially distancing from.
Mo Nongahela
12:35
Will the league catch up to Lamar Jackson and make the Ravens more beatable this year?
Brian Batko
12:35
Shouldn't the league be more concerned about catching up to Patrick Mahomes?
Jakester
12:36
I feel like the Steelers are always looking for a fast, shifty small back, but they haven't worked out as once they get to the NFL, there are alot of fast guys and if you're small you're easy to tackle.   Is Edwards Helaire another one of these guys?  How can he pass protect at 5'7"?
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