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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 05.24.21
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Alaska Steeler
2:43
What do punters and kickers do all day at practice?  How many punts can a guy hit in a day?
Brian Batko
2:43
Not too many. They don't want to wear out their legs, especially in-season. But yeah, it is a lot of standing around, sometimes goofing around, but we know how important their jobs are on Sundays.
Ted in Lakewood Ranch
2:44
What do the coaches expect to learn from OTAs?
Brian Batko
2:46
Based on what Tomlin was saying following rookie camp, a similarly limited practice set-up, he'll be monitoring how the newcomers work and communicate and vibe with the returning guys. He'll also get to see a little bit of how they're coming along with the playbook, the preparation portion of being a pro, things of that nature.
Marnie
2:47
Brain - i've always wondered how reports balance between reporting what they see in practices without giving away the Steeler's "secrets".  Is it much easier than it appears or do you ever have moments of "I want to put this in print but I can't"?
Brian Batko
2:48
Much of the balance is taken out of our hands due to the policies of the team/league. It's all there in black and white what we can and can't do in terms of reporting what we see and even what we hear. Same goes for when I covered college football. Now, we can pretty much ask players/coaches whatever we want, and see what they "confirm" publicly. But it's a bit of a delicate dance, no doubt. When the Steelers practice at Saint Vincent College, though, fans are in the stands so it's all fair game.
lamberto55
2:49
i keep hearing about the deep depth we have along the defensive line, seems to me aftar the starting 3 we don't have proven talent, what do you think??
Brian Batko
2:51
I think I disagree with you on that one. Most of the time "proven talent" ascends to starter status - in the NFL or just sports in general - so your depth is something less than that. But Chris Wormley has four years of legitimate experience. Isaiah Buggs has two years under his belt, Carlos Davis and Henry Mondeaux have one each. Even Abdullah Anderson, signed this offseason, has played in regular-season games. We haven't gotten to fifth-round pick Isaiahh Loudermilk yet.
Chuck from Michigan
2:52
Based on a earlier question, I would be in favor of cutting Eric Ebron and re-signing Jesse Kames to a two year deal.  Ebron cannot block or does not block, has stone hands.  Freiermuth, James and Rader would be on my 53 man roster.  Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:54
You go from turning TE into a potential strength to a major question if you do that. That would be showing a ton of faith in Pat Freiermuth to contribute, maybe even start, as a rookie. On top of that, according to overthecap.com, the Steelers restructured Ebron's deal in a way that will actually cost them money to cut him now. So, no, it's not gonna happen.
Hickster
2:55
Steelers Rookie of the year not including Harris is……
Brian Batko
2:56
Pressley Harvin, and not just because I wrote about him for today, but next to Harris he's the safest bet to "start" in 2021. And maybe he'll uncork some massive punts.
JedZ
2:57
Hi Brian, Do you think there’s a chance the Steelers sign Russell Okung? I saw them mentioned as a real possibility by ESPN.
Brian Batko
2:59
You never know. I suspect if they were interested in doing that, they would've done so in the first wave of free agency rather than signing Joe Haeg, but sometimes those marriages come together as you get closer to the season and a team has a better feel for its depth chart (or endures injuries) and the player is still looking for work.
Joe
2:59
Any truth to the rumours the Steelers are interested in Malik Hooker
Brian Batko
3:00
I haven't seen any credible rumors, just speculation that he could help fill a need and also happens to be a local star.
OK everybody, it's 3 p.m. Time to roll out. Talk to you next week, but in the meantime, keep an eye on the site for all our OTAs coverage the next few days.
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