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Christopher Carter's NFL draft chat: 04.17.25
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Christopher Carter
12:41
Afternoon! I am not putting that idea out of the possibilities. The Steelers should also stay put at 21 if a stud at another position falls to them. But with their other needs, I do think they can be a good candidate to trade back. Get an early second round pick and take Darius Alexander while also getting a 2026 pick.
Chill Dave
12:41
Hi Chris, I was somewhat surprised to see Darius Alexander ranked so high on your board.  If the top 4 DTs are gone by 21, could you see the Steelers taking him?  Or would they be better off pivoting to another position?
Christopher Carter
12:44
Hi Dave! I'm high on Darius Alexander because of his high athletic scores. I do think he's on the board for the Steelers as a late first round or early second round trade back option. But always keep your head on a swivel. There could always be a better option.
scott
12:44
who do you think the steelers will draft in the 1st round?
Christopher Carter
12:44
Should: Kenneth Grant. Will: Derrick Harmon.
Steeltowntim
12:44
Chris, say a DL prospect is not in the top 100 in the draft gurus list but the Steelers really like him the best would they draft him in the first round or knowing he will likely fall wait until the later rounds to get him? I know the draft pretty much goes as to what we read in the mocks but it seems that there is always someone who is a surprise 1st round pick
Christopher Carter
12:49
Good question! I think this is where draft war room strategies come into play. It's why the Steelers waited on John Stallworth in 1974, because they knew he would have a good chance to fall. If you think that can happen, it's a gamble, but you take it.
CoalportKid
12:49
No franchise QB means take a swing every year right?  If Josh Rosen doesn't work out, maybe Kyler Murray will.
Christopher Carter
12:51
I'm of a the strong opinion that this backfires. I mean, look at the Cardinals. Are they any better off than the Steelers even with Kyler Murray? Josh Rosen was a bad pick that I had pegged all along that draft. He's a prime example of why you don't overdraft a quarterback just because you need one. Everything looks like it might taste good when you're hungry.
Peter H
12:51
Hi Chris Occasionally there is an overlooked star who goes in the late rounds of the draft. Tom Brady, AB, etc. Who do you think the Steelers might pick up late with some real upside for the team?
Christopher Carter
12:52
Look out for Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley. Was one of the Steelers' 30 draft visits and has the profile they like for an outside cornerback.
Steeltowntim
12:52
Do you think that a CB has a chance to be in play if all the DL players are gone that they have as first rounders.
Christopher Carter
12:53
Would have to be the right cornerback. I really like Jahdae Barron and Will Johnson. Azareye'h Thomas could be an option, but I see him more as a later first round pick.
steelmann58
12:53
Hi So if Sanders and Harmon where do the Steelers go
Christopher Carter
12:53
Harmon. Better player.
Little Joe
12:53
Thanks for the chat! What are your Thoughts if the Steelers pick Will Howard @ 3 or 4? Is picking Howard picking up any steam in Pittsburgh?
Christopher Carter
12:54
I'm big on Will Howard in the fourth. I think that 3rd round pick should be reserved for a RB or a skill player that falls. Howard is an ideal future backup quarterback who I see as a potential Mason Rudolph.
steelmann58
12:54
Best chance steelers Move Up or Down in the Draft?
Christopher Carter
12:54
They're in a much better position to move back. Had they not traded for DK Metcalf, it might be the opposite. But I do get the sense they want a second pick available to them on day 2 of the draft. And trading back is how you get there.
The Goatherder
12:54
Chris,  I have to admit to being a rabid Buckeye fan, but I would absolutely love to see the Steelers nab TreVeyon Henderson.  Speed to take it to the house, patient runner and  very good receiver.  But what I like the best is what an advanced blocker he is when kept in the backfield.  I can't tell you the number of times I saw him absolutely light up a blitzer coming after his QB.  Absolutely the best I have ever seen at the college level.  What are your thoughts about him?
Christopher Carter
12:58
Wait til you see Friday's North Shore Drive pod! I do like Treyveon Henderson, and there's growing buzz that he could be a first round option for people in the NFL. He would be a dynamic weapon for the Steelers. Just not sure if they should go RB in the first with their other needs. But if they don't get him in the first, he won't be there for them to get later.
TX Pressure
12:58
Loved the trade down in your draft and going after D and O line but a big NO to Howard.  This is from a Bucks fan, he is big and white but not Ben.  He has a weak arm, poor pocket presence, reads only one half of the field and that Fichigan game he was a deer in the headlights.  He won with Ohio St they didn't win because of him.  Look at his Kansas St numbers he wasn't breaking any numbers there!
Christopher Carter
12:59
Thanks for reading the mock! I don't think Will Howard is some future starter. I actually see him as a future backup, which is what you take in the fourth round. But I do know many have their hangups on him.
TX Pressure
12:59
Why I liked your draft is because the lines need to be in place, mostly the O line, for the QB NEXT year.  This team will not be good, with or without Rodgers, and I think they are positioned to take advantage of a bad record and better QB class NEXT year - not to mention more picks!
Christopher Carter
1:00
They could also be what they have been as a solid team that makes the playoffs and still trades up next year for that top tier quarterback. That's why I really think the move is to draft a quarterback late this year, save up the compensatory picks, and swing BIG next year.
Bubby's Rooster
1:00
Chris, what is the trade value of TJ Watt?  Assuming a deal doesn't get done and the Rooneys don't want to pay him $40M per year, what could the Steelers get if say the Patriots or another team with salary cap space wants TJ?
Christopher Carter
1:02
In my opinion, it's two firsts and a second. He's still an elite edge rusher and those are worth a mint in the NFL. I don't think teams offer that and try to low-ball the Steelers. If someone does, they're most likely a top competitor like the Eagles, Bills or Chiefs. But do you want late first round picks for Watt? If you go back to 2010, Watt ranks higher than all but two first OVERALL picks, let alone first round picks (Burrow, Newton). As for the $41M/year, remember the salary cap has skyrocketed and that's now less than 15% of a salary cap where it would've been almost 25% a few years ago. $41M in today's NFL is like $28M a few years ago. Not that bad.
Bubby's Rooster
1:03
Chris if the top 3 DL's after Mason Graham are still available, which player do you prefer - Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolan or Derrick Harmon? And do you hope the Steelers pick one of them instead of reaching for Shedeur or another QB?
Christopher Carter
1:04
I'm a big Kenneth Grant guy. His skills as a run defender would make him an instant impact and I think he has the tools to be a proficient pass rusher up the middle. After him, it's Derrick Harmon. Less of the immediate upgrade on run defense, but a higher potential as a pass rusher. Either of them are absolutely the move over a backup quarterback in the first like Shedeur Sanders.
Steel City Kid in Alabama
1:04
Good morning! Just for fun. How many of the QB’s available in next weeks draft would you take as a DAY ONE starter over Mason Rudolph?
Gene
1:04
Do you think they will draft another WR if they don’t trade Pickens?
Christopher Carter
1:05
Steel City Kid - Cam Ward. Maybe Shedeur Sanders. And that's a VERY BIG maybe. That's it.
1:06
Gene - If they do it will be in the later rounds. Look at more separator type receivers like Washington State's Kyle Williams or Pitt's Konata Mumpfield. Either would be a good fit with their current talent and push Roman Wilson to improve.
Richard coastal bend
1:06
Thanks for chat Chris, am I the only one who likes Nick Emmanouri {might be misspelled} a safety at pick 21. My thinking is Minkah transformed the steelers secondary and impacted the whole defense when he was acquired. If he's done as a difference maker and I think he is, then lets get a superior athlete on a rookie deal in the center of the field, a new sheriff to compliment the faster linebackers. If the draft is so deep at defensive line get them later. Thanks
Christopher Carter
1:07
You are not alone on Nick Emmanwori! He's an amazing athlete and is 6-foot-3 with high-end coverage skills. If the DTs are gone, look for him to be an option. He has the profile to be a game changer.
STEEL72
1:07
Hi, Chris! Is this your maiden chat voyage? Welcome! It is hard to sit and sift through the Steeler rumors, but if the holdup on Aaron is that he may not think we are built for a Super Bowl run... wow have far Tomlin's pull and the Steelers have fallen. At this point in time, what do you think can happen and SHOULD happen to get the team locked in? There are plenty of good players on the team and anything can happen in the NFL, but you gotta have the mindset. This drama is bad for mindset.
Christopher Carter
1:09
Hi and thank you! Technically I've done some live-game chats but this is my first Steelers reporter chat! I've been of the opinion that this year is going to be like the past few in that they can compete in the division, make the playoffs but not be able to beat the top teams. The focus should be to build a 2004-like roster where the O-line is sturdy, the playmakers on offense are there, and the defense is improving. Do those things and you can swing big at quarterback next year for your chance to be a real contender again.
the Ham
1:09
Any thoughts that AR is waiting to see who the Steelers draft before making a final decision on whether or not he's going to sign?  I would imagine that if the Steelers were going to draft a QB in R1, that would make the Steelers less attractive to AR.
Christopher Carter
1:11
I've given up on trying to understand what Aaron Rodgers might be thinking. Maybe he's already decided and is just late getting back to them. Maybe he's thinking of retiring. Who knows? He's only signing for a year anyway, so I don't think he should be turned off by a first round quarterback persay. But I also think taking a first round quarterback would be a mistake. But hey, I thought letting Russell Wilson walk and playing this waiting game with Aaron Rodgers was a mistake too, so ...
Dr. Sardonicus
1:11
I am used to hearing your podcasts and I believe I haven't seen you on a chat previously.  The draft is just a week away FINALLY!  My question is, do you have any late round or potential free agent prospects that you think could help the Steelers?
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