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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 05.05.25
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Brian Batko
12:37
Not really. I don't think Will Howard is in any danger of losing that gig. Skylar Thompson is more likely to fade into Chris Oladokun/Tanner Morgan/John Rhys Plumlee camp arm territory, in my opinion.
Entmd
12:38
Hi B- thanks for the chats, just wanted your opinion if by some chance, Pickens has a fantastic year and seems to behave like a solid citizen, is it unreasonable to think he could  be signed as well? I realize two receivers with large contracts would be tough under the cap, but given the likelihood  they will not pay a quarterback big money next few years and that it’s done on other teams, i.e. Philadelphia. It’s not unprecedented.
Brian Batko
12:39
If all that happens, then sure. A mentally, emotionally locked-in George Pickens without a constant worry that he's unhappy about his role or targets or whatever is an uber-talented receiver who would threaten any defense and help any team. The best-case scenario for the Steelers is that he truly turns over a new, more mature leaf this season.
Cal from nh
12:40
You know Mike t only has playoff wins in 4 seasons? That alone should get him fired I feel. Do you agree
Brian Batko
12:41
No, but with each passing year I get closer to the point of thinking the message is stale, the "Steeler Way" mystique is gone or lost and the most logical move would be to start fresh
Butcher
12:41
It's rare that a team makes a deep run in the playoffs without a roster that doesn't have a lot of holes. Exceptions are generational d (ravens, Giants with Simms and hostetler) and Bengals (burrow and offense) ... I would say that the Steelers have many holes to fill and are well on their way to doing so with the current draft strategy. That being said, do you think part of their draft strategy is trying to build the D back up get the offensive and defensive line to the point where having a franchise quarterback isn't completely necessary? We see every year how hard it is to find that lynchpin quarterback and there are only a handful of true dominant quarterbacks in the league at any given time
Brian Batko
12:44
Yeah Butcher, I believe that's been their M.O. since Ben Roethlisberger retired or even in the years leading up to it. It can be done (see the Titans' recent runs) but there's so little margin for error. Both in roster construction and execution.
Pittfan
12:45
Hi Brian. A lot of people are judging the Steelers harshly on mismanaging the QB situation. The only thing they could have done is somehow keep Justin Fields. The draft didn't offer but one starting QB (for this season) and a lot of projects. Franchise QBs don't grow on trees. Their best option to win now is Rodgers and that may happen. What else could they have done?
Brian Batko
12:47
That's a fair question. Aside from going back into a time machine, not many other avenues were realistically available. But what about just not venturing into the Rodgers orbit at all and signing Mason Rudolph earlier in the process? Perhaps a trade for Joe Milton. I'm just spitballing here.
NY Steel
12:48
Why did the Steelers never give Rudolph a chance to be their starter? What are the flaws in his game? He looked really good at the end of 2023.
Brian Batko
12:50
He did but clearly they weren't sold on him at that point. Or they thought they had a similar safe-but-low-ceiling player in Kenny Pickett at that spot. I think the flaws, though, are evident. His lack of mobility caps his potential to a degree, the pocket presence hasn't always been there and I'd say he's a guy who needs pretty good protection to be effective.
Fred
12:50
Why are some of the media, particularly Kiper, so harsh about the Steelers and other teams passing on Sanders?  Is it because he had him so highly rated and the teams had the audacity to ignore him?
Brian Batko
12:51
Seems that way, Fred. Plus just look at how much publicity he's gotten out of this news cycle alone. More and more draft pundits pop up every year now, both at his outlet and others. Ol' Mel Kiper is back in the game, baby!
Jason
12:52
Hi Brian. A little off topic here but do you see anything happening with the other two coaches (Pirates, Steelers) being let go when the Pens let a great coach Sully go because he wasn’t the right man for the current team? Do you think especially the Pirates might have been given a bit of a wake up call to move on from Shelton?
Brian Batko
12:52
No, I don't think pro sports franchises do or should operate that way. Yes, they're in the same city but in different leagues with vastly different circumstances. And now, cue up Mike Tomlin to the Giants in 2026...
Paul
12:53
Why cant Howard become the franchise QB?
Brian Batko
12:53
He can, Paul. He can!
the real guest
12:53
Brian, When is it your turn to QB da Browns. I understand Ray has games 7 and 8 next season. Right between Pickett and Sanders.
Brian Batko
12:54
I'm shooting for 2036. That gives me 10 years to train, one season of development and I'll still be younger than Tom Brady in his final season.
Henry Hill
12:54
True or false: the Steelers will ultimately regret not drafting Shadeur.
Brian Batko
12:54
False
Steel Russel
12:54
Hi Brian - I really appreciated Ryan Clark's approach to tank and draft.  As I Steeler fan living in Indy I still recall the year the team went down the "suck for Luck" season.  It was not horrible knowing what the end goal was.  Why can AR2 not see the big picture?
Brian Batko
12:56
I reckon Bengals fans would agree with you, as well, the year that led to Joe Burrow. But teams don't necessarily have to do that to find their long-term QB. You can argue that it's an easier, clearer path, of course. Nothing's guaranteed. The Jaguars aren't exactly swimming in optimism.
AB
12:56
Brian, following on TVC15's question, when the season ended, fans and reporters were screaming for accountability within the coaching staff. The roster seems to have been upgraded marginally, with the big exception being WR which is a huge boost, but if we can't scheme with the best how can we compete seriously with the best? Why is there no accountability on the staff?
Brian Batko
12:58
Couldn't tell you, AB. I've written and talked a lot about needing to at least add some coaches who can help diversify this team's schemes if they weren't going to move on from any. That hasn't happened. And don't get me wrong. It's entirely possible that everyone on staff with the Steelers is doing a good job. But is it outlandish to add some new eyes, new voices and new ideas in an effort to do an even better job? I propose that it is not.
Double D's
12:59
Is the contract given to Robert Woods guaranteed since he is a veteran? Do you expect another veteran WR to be signed?
Brian Batko
12:59
Haven't seen the terms of his salary yet, but I wouldn't assume Robert Woods is going to make the team at age 33 coming off the least productive season of his career. He's decent veteran insurance and no, I wouldn't imagine they need another one.
Still City
1:00
If we're going to focus on the long term plan for the QB position in next years draft - Do you see ARII and the front office giving Tomlin more coaching help to assist in developing the QB they choose, or going with the status quo in previous years with other QB prospects they bring in? Additionally, do you see Tomlin being up for the task of grooming a top flight 1st prospect, or seeking higher ground with other teams with established QB's leading their team?
Brian Batko
1:01
Those are some grand, sweeping questions, Still City. Mike Tomlin certainly has had plenty of practice trying to evaluate QBs between this draft and the 2022 one that produced Pickett here. There hasn't been as much of a sample size for the development portion, though early returns on Pickett and even Justin Fields if you want to include him aren't great.
Doyle37
1:01
Will the steelers use a real fullback ?
Brian Batko
1:02
Aww yeah, it wouldn't be a May chat without someone bringing up the fullback. In all seriousness, UDFA signing DJ Thomas-Jones seems to have that club in his bag, so we'll see.
Rico
1:02
Hey Brain, how do Randolph and Howard compare in terms of arm strength. accuracy  and throwing deep?
Brian Batko
1:02
When I figure out who Randolph is, I'll let you know.
1:03
With that, we're officially out of time. Enjoy your weeks, read our stories, listen to our shows and try to enjoy what little good weather we might have here in Pittsburgh. Thanks for chatting.
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