Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 04.20.26
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Krut
2:35
Hey Brian-  Any word on how Jones re-injured his neck?  Was it from lifting weights?
Brian Batko
2:36
Hey Krut. The report this morning was that Broderick Jones had a setback, but I have not heard that. Omar Khan kind of shot that down today at the podium. As far as I know, this was always going to be somewhat of a tricky/potentially lengthy recovery and rehab process with him.
TVC15
2:37
Back in 1999 Mike Ditka traded every pick the Saints had in the draft, plus two of its first three picks in the 2000 NFL draft, to Washington for the fifth overall pick, with which they selected Ricky Williams.  

Has there been any player(s) since then - knowing only what they knew on draft day - who would have been worth that? How about Andrew Luck? Michael Vick? Matthew Stafford? Joe Burrow? Is Fernando Mendoza worth it?
Brian Batko
2:38
Short answer, no. Longer answer, I really liked Caleb Williams as a prospect coming out that year. Kinda figured the only way he'd miss is if the Bears screw him up, as they so often do. But then they hired Ben Johnson and it looks like the future is bright for that franchise.
Alan Bama
2:41
Good afternoon Brian, thanks for the chat. The past seasons since Ben, MT indicated training camp would be wide open for the QB position, something that didn’t seem to happen. Do you think Mike McCarthy may change things up in that respect?
Brian Batko
2:42
not If Aaron Rodgers is back. But it seems like the backup job is wide open.
Pittfan
2:43
Hi Brian. I've heard McCarthy likes the taller, bigger receiver. The Steelers have 2 of those. Is there an Antonio Brown like receiver in this draft? Zay Flower like maybe? That guy who just scares the you know what out of defenses when he gets his hands on the ball.
Brian Batko
2:45
KC Concepcion kind of has that style game but I can't get over the Steelers not bringing him in for a visit to get more comfortable with him. Perhaps I'm reading too much into it.
Zuul Minion of Gozer
2:46
There's no way AR is still undecided on a return or that the Steelers don't know his plan at this point right? There's seems to be some other shadow strategy for not announcing this.  Maybe to avoid media scrutiny for not having to attend OTA's?  To give Will Howard reps at them?  Please tell me this just isn't an ego think holding everyone hostage.
Brian Batko
2:47
Yeah my sense is he just doesn't really wanna be in Pittsburgh in April, and not being under contract is an added buffer for him even beyond the work being voluntary. And sure, it is good for Will Howard to get these reps this time of year. But by that logic wouldn't it also be good to have Rodgers there mentoring him?
Henry Hill
2:49
Greetings Brian; if you had 10 bucks to burn, which QB would you bet on the Steelers drafting?
Brian Batko
2:49
Drew Allar
Lawrence
2:50
Hey bats. Whats the typical return for trading this year’s pick for next year’s?  I feel like they have to do something with all of these picks and maybe they can move some of them to next year.
Brian Batko
2:52
Teams usually value the current year pick a round higher but I wonder if that'll go out the window this year based on the projected hype of the 2027 class. I actually wanted to ask Omar that today but ran out of time.
St M’s Fans
2:53
Hey there Brian. First time chatter long time reader. Keep up the good work. Any suggestions on parking for the draft?
Brian Batko
2:54
Hello! Be ready to walk. A lot. Or if you have a good friend, family member - a coworker who wants to help? - see if they can drop you off somewhere relatively convenient.
Cdub
2:55
How much longer are the Browns paying Watson?  On a side note, are the Mets still paying Bonilla?
Brian Batko
2:56
I believe this is his final season. Not sure about Bonilla.
West Coast Dano
2:56
Which teams are most likely to be trade partners with the Steelers?
Brian Batko
2:58
Omar Khan goes way back with the Saints, who sit at No. 8. Maybe the Rams at 13 or Bucs at 15 would be more manageable and they're on opposite sides of where the Ravens are picking. Steelers and Ravens often can be found fishing in the same pond.
ABNormalville
2:58
The Mets are paying Bonilla until 2035. No question but I'm so glad the PG will continue!
Brian Batko
2:58
Likewise
Immaculate Resurrection
2:59
Does Mike McCarthy currently have a time clock manager and do you think the Steelers can improve on how they use their reviews?
Brian Batko
2:59
Based on his duties at past stops, I believe chief of staff Steve Scarnecchia could be involved in such processes as part of his game-day responsibilities.
Greenwood
3:00
Bats, As a subscriber, I'm thrilled that the Post-Gazette was rescued; however, the main thing I subscribe for is Steelers news, which means Gerry, Ray, Chris and you. I, for one, hope you all are able to continue the good work and the chats!
Brian Batko
3:00
Me too, Greenwood, me too.
3:01
And with that, I'll close down this chat. Thanks for all the well wishes and don't go anywhere before Thursday. Don't go anywhere before the end of Saturday, really! Always one of my favorite weekends of the year.
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