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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.17.20
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Stephen
2:29
In this scenario, Kevin Colbert retires at the end of the upcoming season and you are named as his replacement.  Who are 5 or 6 players you might draft?
Brian Batko
2:32
Oh boy, that's a tough one. Considering we don't know if the draft will look the same next year and don't know what we'll see (or not see) from the Steelers in 2020. But as of now, assuming nothing drastic happens injury-wise with anyone, I'd be tempted to use my first-round pick on Travis Etienne, RB from Clemson. I'd also want to use a fairly high pick on an offensive tackle and maybe a tight end. Defensively, inside linebacker and safety.
Ryan
2:32
Hey Brian thanks for taking the time. What are your thoughts on rumors Jaylen Samuels could end up out of the mix?
Brian Batko
2:33
My pleasure. I like Samuels, but I'll be honest, the addition of Wendell Smallwood makes me think his spot is far from safe. It'll be worth watching his workload/reps as training camp ramps up here.
Sports Harder
2:34
Do you think they permanently move camp from St Vincent ? It's a dump and pretty much all the players, fans and media agree and don't like it
Brian Batko
2:35
Nah, I don't think so. As an organization, the Steelers are big on tradition, and that's one of their longest-running ones. I'd hardly call SVC a dump, but yes, it seems the players are enjoying not only the luxuries of Heinz Field but also the much shorter commute. Players don't always get everything they want, though. The coaches like the idea of sequestering the team on a small college campus as a means to getting a lot done during the early dog days of camp. I think you'd see the annual trip to Latrobe truncated before it gets scuttled compleely.
Mary Lynn
2:36
Have you heard if any of the nfl game officials have opted out of the 2020 season?
Brian Batko
2:37
Yes, I think the number was five, including WashPa's own Tony Steratore, plus a couple replay officials.
Tampa Too
2:37
Brian, with college football being up ended this season I see a potential problem with evaluating draft prospects next year. Do you think many teams may be more interested in trading their draft picks next year for known players rather than take a chance on the unknown?
Brian Batko
2:38
Possibly, but then a smart team might see that as a market inefficiency and use it as a way to get younger and cheaper. That's always good business, but especially at a time when the salary cap is due for a major hit.
Drew
2:38
Hi Brian. Since a few college players are electing to forego their last season to prepare for the draft, do you think this will become common and if so, will NFL teams be forced to expand their scouting departments as there will be less tape/video to evaluate college talent?
Brian Batko
2:39
Definitely becoming more common, Drew. Just saw another guy today from LSU opt out of the 2020 season, if there is one, and I think he's a legit prospect. I don't know that NFL teams will expand their scouting operations, though. They'll just have to get more creative, much the way they did this year without the benefit of pro days.
Scott
2:40
How many padded practices are there during a normal camp?
Brian Batko
2:41
I believe the new CBA signed in February, before the pandemic hit, stipulated a maximum of 16 padded practices.
Steeltown
2:41
Hey Brian, Are you getting any indication that the offense will look much different than 2018 (Ben’s last full season)?
Brian Batko
2:43
Not just yet. Too early for that. But they've gotten a bit more physical with the supporting cast since that season, when you talk about adding big-bodied pass-catchers like Eric Ebron and Chase Claypool, not to mention a true fullback in Derek Watt. I definitely think they need to find more of a balance than they had in '18, especially now that they don't have that AB84 guy.
Troy
2:43
Will I ever escape the shadow of that Ed Reed dude? We had drastically different roles! And who was more exciting to watch in their prime? And I won’t even mention my flowing locks.
Brian Batko
2:44
There's no shadow in Canton, Troy. I think you'll be just fine. As a native Pittsburgher, I watched a lot more of you in your prime. 2-Zero E-Reed had more swag, but I'll give you the nod when it comes to pure excitement.
B&Y
2:44
Kid out of Maryland is the starting RB by week4. Wut u say?
Brian Batko
2:44
Trey Edmunds?
Jerry
2:45
I think they should let Cam test free agency. To many younger players they need to sign. Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:46
2:47
OK everyone, the Steelers are probably just about done with practice, so I've gotta run and see what Mike Tomlin has to say. Thanks as always for chatting. Given the camp schedule, we'll probably keep the 2 p.m. time rather than noon for the foreseeable future. Be nice!
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