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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 04.29.24
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Brian Batko
2:48
The sand is running out for DeMarvin Leal and especially Isaiahh Loudermilk, but hey, let's not give up on the guys just yet. And if Keeanu Benton's 2023 flashes as a rookie were any indication, let's not rule out him being the heir apparent to Cam Heyward. Yet, if I had to guess right now, I'd pencil-in a D-lineman as their 2025 first-round pick.
Alan in Alabama
2:48
Hey there. How do YOU feel going forward with the corner position? I’m in a minority here in that while I’m excited for the progress of Porter Jr., I never felt as though he’s 100% confirmed as an “island”…Also, I’m NOT excited about the Cam Sutton rumors. I feel like they’ve done a great job of divorcing problem-players, and that could set them back. What are your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:49
One other thing I'll say on Cam Sutton is he was FAR from a problem in his five years here. By the end of his tenure, he was probably one of the more well-respected, well-liked, quiet leaders in the whole locker room. I imagine that makes it easier to stay in touch with a guy like that, see what happened, hear his side of the story and decide if it's worth doing more business with him while taking the inevitable PR hit.
Wil
2:50
Struggling on my typing today, thanks for the chat and sorry for the errors...a lot of good draft vibes, but when my glass is half empty, I see we got a short guard instead of a tackle, a center with a bum leg, a slot receiver instead of a #2 outside guy, another LB with health issues, a pure back up OL, a skinny DL and a safety not a CB. Can you help get my glass to half full? Thanks.
Brian Batko
2:53
Sure, Wil. They got a tackle who's an outlier in height but fine in length and a plus in athleticism/nastiness/character. A smart, tough center whose leg is completely healed now and had never been injured before that. The slot receiver made a ton of huge plays from that inside role. Health issues haven't popped up in two years for an otherwise highly productive, big, fast LB. An eventual starter at guard. Iowa defenders know what they're doing. And 6-foot-3 CB who had the profile to be recruited by both Ohio State and Texas.
Adam
2:53
Are the Steelers good with Roman Wilson as WR2 or is a free agent signing or trade coming? And what about slot corner?
Brian Batko
2:55
The major question with Roman Wilson is probably whether he stays out there when Arthur Smith goes two tight ends, which history says he wants to do quite often. Wilson didn't play wide much in college, but that could've been Michigan preferring his matchups out of the slot more than anything.
Jake
2:56
I can’t believe they got Payton Wilson in the 3rd round. I know he’s had some injuries and his knee could be an issue in the future, but he has the potential to be an all pro. And can cover too.
Brian Batko
2:57
This is the second year in a row they've taken on a medical risk late in the third to try to get a steal in the draft. Darnell Washington fit that bill in 2023. I'm good with both moves, even if it appears Washington's knee concerns were well-founded when you watch him move.
Wayward
2:58
Brian, now that the draft is completed what do you seem doing via F/A's?  Any trade potential?
Brian Batko
2:59
Omar Khan strikes me as the kind of GM who will pick up any call, because you never know when someone's offer will be above and beyond how you value a particular player. Dan Moore and James Daniels probably woke up Sunday morning feeling less job-secure than they were Wednesday night.
Culture Club
3:00
It seems like Weidl and Khan are drafting guys that play hard and have good character.  Are they focused on improving the team culture?  If so, this is a huge step in the right direction.  The head coach has proven for a long time he can't change team culture.  Can these two help restore the culture that was once here in this organization?
Brian Batko
3:01
That could be part of it, but I think there's always a give-and-take in that regard. Can't win with a bunch of choir boys, right? You value that sort of stuff to the point where it doesn't outweigh your evaluation of them as football players.
GmJoe
3:01
Brian, I laughed at a premature 2025 mock draft that had the Steelers picking an offensive tackle around pick 12. What surprises you more about that: OT or 12?
Brian Batko
3:01
Ha, probably OT. But both might be true if Fautanu isn't any good at his drafted position as a rookie.
Dave
3:02
What are the odds They go to at least the afc championship game ?
Brian Batko
3:02
Let's go with 5.4%
3:03
OK friends, so many good questions still on the board and I could dissect the draft and all its angles for hours, but we're out of time. Feel free to email or tweet me for my mailbag this week and maybe we can make it work. Thanks as always for stopping into the shop. Ray Fittipaldo back tomorrow.
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