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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 06.03.24
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Brian Batko
1:51
Hi everyone, let's open up the chat a bit early today for all of you who missed me so much last Monday. Final week of OTAs kicks off tomorrow for the Steelers, who were at Kennywood today as a team bonding trip. Then minicamp next week. Then the sweet, sweet final month of the offseason.
Steeltowntim
1:51
Brian, I am wondering what the designation 1,2and 3 are. I always thought the number 1 was your best, 2 second best and so on , but I read articles that say we have a one, no 2 and a bunch of 3,s. Could you explain?
Brian Batko
1:53
I assume you're talking about how the outside world views the Steelers receivers right now. That would be the perception of having a No. 1 in George Pickens, whom some think is actually a No. 2, and a bunch of WR2s who might be best cast as WR3s and 4s. Does that compute?
Jim_Bow_Dean
1:53
It’s been reported that the offense under Smith will run more often, use the TEs more, and throw to running backs more. If that’s the case how much is there a need for a WR2?
Brian Batko
1:54
Probably not as much
TVC15
1:54
ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) has projected (by simulating the season 10,000 times) the Steelers to have the 13th pick in the 2025 draft. Last year the Raiders picking 13th had an 8-9 record.. So what happens if the Steelers finish with a losing record, miss the playoffs, and last in the AFCN? Just keep running it back for the next 2 years to finish out Tomlin's (sigh) extension?
Brian Batko
1:56
Anytime these hypotheticals arise, I just try to imagine living in that world. If they lose more than they win for the first time in Mike Tomlin's tenure, I imagine there will be a lot of gut-wrenching defeats, criticism for the QB(s) and coaching staff. Would he opt for a change of scenery himself and fresh start after 18 years in one place? Couldn't rule that out.
Jeff M
1:58
I know the WR trade talk has been talked to death. I still want to ask about the Courtland Sutton rumors. The reason he is being talked about as a possible addition is because he is unhappy with his contract. However, he has 2 years remaining and the Steelers normally won't discuss  a contract until 1 year is left. Would the Steelers need to make an exception and adjust his contract for him to not be unhappy in PGH?
Brian Batko
1:59
He's probably also being talked about because of a good connection he had with Russell Wilson last couple years in Denver. But that contract stuff is probably something that would have to be discussed behind closed doors with Steelers brass and his agent before any kind of move would be made that's logical for both teams and the player.
Stephen M.
2:00
Enjoyed your conversation with Robert Golden, who is clearly a smart dude. Wondering whether you have a sense of the ways in which Danny Smith is preparing the kick return/coverage units for the kickoff rule change. I mean, hard to simulate something that has never actually happened in a game situation, right? The preseason will help, but it seems like there will be some learning on the job.
Brian Batko
2:01
Thanks, Stephen. He was great to chat with, for sure. Every team is gonna be learning on the fly with that, so it'll be crucial to get those reps as solid as possible in the preseason action. From what I've seen, he's preparing them the same way he does every year: Lots of yelling, suffering no fools and making good use of his allotted ST time in practice.
Bulldog
2:01
Bats...seems like ARII is very reluctant to move on from MT and has been willing to settle for mediocrity and a new "standard".  Do you think Dan Rooney would have allowed this to continue for so long without making a change in order to restore the Steelers to a legitimate Bowl contending team?
Brian Batko
2:02
That's hard for me to say, Bulldog. I've only been covering the team since 2019, so never had those interactions with DMR.
NFL Schedule Maker
2:02
Bat's, I realize last Monday was Memorial Day, but  just like the Jets, you kind of owe us one !
Brian Batko
2:02
Put it on my tab!
mrbig
2:02
any debo/metcalf/aiyuk talk now that's it's after June1?
Brian Batko
2:04
Well a big WR domino fell today with the Justin Jefferson mega contract most expected between him and Minnesota. Not that any of those guys are in his class, but perhaps there will be a trickle-down to some degree. One thing I keep coming back to is just how crowded San Fran has allowed their WR group to get. Drafting Ricky Pearsall in the first, extending Jauan Jennings. So we'll see if there's another shoe to drop there still.
JPinIndy
2:06
Good morning Bats and thanks for the chats! What's a Steelers story line in which you're interested, but that's not getting a lot of media attention? I'd love to find something other than the WR room to talk about!
Brian Batko
2:08
Maybe the new strength and conditioning staff that was hired this offseason? Not that it's as significant as coaching and player acquisitions, but hey, anything an NFL team can try to do on the margins to avoid injury and prepare for the season is noteworthy.
Mack
2:08
When would it be realistic for us to see Justin Fields take over for Russ? Given the fact Tomlin won't want to switch QBs midseason again given last season, at what point would Russ (or Justin) force his hand?
Brian Batko
2:10
My very scientific answer would be Week 8. Mitch Trubisky got 3.5 games before being benched for Kenny Pickett and I feel like Russ probably has twice as much trust/credentials/etc. Ipso facto, seven games. And for what it's worth, Week 8 is a Monday night game, so there'd be a bonus day to prepare for a QB transition at that point, then the off week to react to whatever happens there and plan accordingly for second half of the season.
Mike in Virginia
2:11
Recently we saw the Steelers flip Dotson and Green for some late round picks. Who do you think are the most likely to get dealt this year, if anyone? Seems like Moore would be the best bet if the rookie is ready to take over, but I think he’s worth more as depth than as a sixth round pick we’d get in return.
Brian Batko
2:12
Yeah, Dan Moore is probably the only logical candidate there. Either him or one of the recent mid-round guys who hasn't amounted to much yet on the field. If a team sees the talent in Calvin Austin III or DeMarvin Leal or someone like that I'm forgetting, perhaps there's a late-rounder or even just a pick swap on the table.
Seven
2:13
Hi Brian, thanks for your time and all of your great coverage. The push for an 18-game NFL schedule, plus the recent trend of scheduling teams for multiple games on short rest and international travel indicates to me that the NFL doesn't care as much as it says it does about player safety. Do you see the NFLPA stepping up to protect the players from further money-grabbing madness?
Brian Batko
2:14
You're welcome and thanks for those nice words. This is a good read from CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones on the push-pull that could take place between the league and the players to get the 18-game deal done sooner than later https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/why-a-new-cba-could-lead-to-nfl-uni...
Free Agent Blues
2:15
Other than the Queen signing, it looks like the Steelers signed a bunch of low level players.  Is this more of a reflection of the Steelers struggling to identify good players, or is it a reflection of the top free agents no longer wanting to come here?
Brian Batko
2:17
That's a bit pessimistic. Patrick Queen is arguably the best free-agent signing they've made ... ever? I'm not really on the Russ train, but wouldn't call him "low level" by any stretch. Same with Justin Fields, albeit that was a trade rather than a signing, but he's on record as saying he wanted to be here. DeShon Elliott will be a good pick-up, I believe. Otherwise, the Steelers have opted to retain many of their own big-money players and build through the draft.
epiballo
2:17
Do any of the fan's rants and raves, demands and suggestions about the team make it into the Steeler's organization? Do they pay any attention at all? Are they even aware?
Brian Batko
2:18
I'm not gonna suggest Art Rooney II is reading this chat right now as we type, but sure, they're aware of the big-picture narratives, criticism and fan feedback about the organization. While you don't just bend to the wills of what your consumers want, doesn't any good business pay attention to what their paying customers think of them?
Desert Steel
2:19
Hi Brian. Who gets extended first, Russell or Justin, and why?
Brian Batko
2:19
Why no Option C for neither?
RJ
2:19
Hello Brian, who will the Steelers keep on the roster regarding their D - Line this season.
Brian Batko
2:20
Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi and Dean Lowry are likely the locks. DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Mon Adams, Breiden Fehoko, Logan Lee in the mix for the last two or three spots.
Tommy from Florida
2:21
What are your thoughts on JUJU coming back to the Burgh?  I realize he's been injured, but he's still very young. Just curious...maybe he'll take you to the prom.
Brian Batko
2:22
I'd rather he take me to the casino. He's young in age at 27 but already a lot of tread off the tires as someone who's been in the league for seven seasons. Not sure he'd move the meter for me a lot more than the likes of Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, Denzel Mims, Dez Fitzpatrick, vets who are already here competing for roles behind George Pickens.
Peter H
2:23
I saw some high light film on Payton Wilson. He seems to have real potential with great straight line speed but significant risk. Did you get a chance to watch him in OTAs? How did he looked? Does he appear limited by knee or shoulder issues?
Brian Batko
2:24
No, he looks great getting off the bus and on the field. Little slim for an NFL linebacker, but I'm with you, the tape doesn't make that seem like it'll be an issue for him. The risks are the medicals you mentioned and just a lack of further physical development as a 24-year-old rookie. But I still think he was probably the best value pick of their whole draft and one of the best in the league.
K in VA
2:24
In my opinion I feel the Steelers biggest needs before the season begins in along the defensive line. Maybe just one more solid player there. Another wideout that could be the No. 2 would be second. I really believe that the players they already have in the secondary will still be better than last year, especially if Trice and or Rush can develop. Your thoughts
Brian Batko
2:25
Biggest need to me would be slot corner. Maybe Beanie Bishop will rise to the top there, but it's a position with fewer options than those you brought up.
Mats
2:26
Hello BB, great chats, did somebody stand out las week? I understand that everything is in shorts, but your insight would be great to hear, thank you!
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