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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 04.17.26
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Christopher Carter
2:04
Alright! It’s Friday and we just got done talking to the new coordinators at the Steelers’ facility. Let’s get into it.
Gene
2:04
Are there any updates on Broderick Jones and do you think they draft an OT?
Christopher Carter
2:06
The Steelers produced a video of the voluntary OTAs that showed him participating on the field and new OC Brian Angelichio spoke positively about his progress today. I think they won’t prioritize an OT in the first unless the board falls a very specific way where they can’t afford to pass on a specific prospect — like Georgia OT Monroe Freeling. But I do think they take an OT at some point. Maybe Miami’s Markel Bell in the 4th.
gary.oshell
2:06
Chris....Glad to hear the PG will continue and I hope you'll continue to be great part of it....I've seen some projections where the Steelers take either of the QB's, Beck or Allar, as a 3rd or 4th rounders. Would you take either, or neither?
Christopher Carter
2:22
Thanks Gary! I hope so as well!
2:24
I wouldn’t take either quarterback in the third. They are backups and I think the Steelers have two quality backups in Rudolph and Howard. There are too many solid starter prospects at other key positions who I see having a bigger impact to pass on them in the third. If the Steelers lacked backup QB talent, I might feel differently.
TXSteeler
2:24
Several weeks ago you said there was no way the Steelers would let Howard start meaningful games this year. Your veteran colleague reported the exact opposite. What’s the truth?
Christopher Carter
2:37
I still maintain that is not the Steelers' plan for the season. Could Will Howard start? Sure. If Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign back with the team or gets hurt, and then Mason Rudolph gets hurt.

But he's the third string quarterback on the team. I don't think they plan on making that their priority for the offense this season. It's a possibility, but not a likelihoood.
Draft King
2:37
How much time do the Steelers spend on studying other teams needs and projecting who other teams may pick or at least what position they may pick? I think this would especially be helpful in trading up or down. Thank you
Christopher Carter
2:43
From what I understand of the Steelers' front office, that's something they constantly monitor at all times. Whenever you hear the "Steelers made calls" rumors, it's often normal communications between organizations about interests and players. That's how Khan be prepared to make a call on a trade in quick order whether that's personnel or draft picks.
Dee Gee
2:43
Asa fellow HBCU alum, I'd like to know if there are any HBCU players getting attention for the draft? Thanks.
Christopher Carter
2:45
What's up Dee Gee!

Not any big name HBCU prospects this year, but one player to watch is LB Erick Hunter out of Morgan State. He's 6-2 with a 6-7 wingspan with huge hands with 4.48-second speed in the 40-yard dash. That could be a good special teamer who works his way onto a roster and becomes a decent LB.
Franco Fan
2:45
Hi Christopher. Thanks for the chat. If Vega is there at 21, would they take him over a WR (Cooper, Boston, Concepcion)?Also is the safety from Toledo a consensus 2nd talent and would they move up early in the 2nd to take him if they go G at 21? Thanks
Christopher Carter
2:49
If Ioane is available with Cooper, Boston and Concepcion still on the board, the Steelers will sprint to the podium to get Ioane and work to get their receiver prospect later.

And if they go guard, I don't think they get McNeil-Warren in the second because I think they would be all-in on getting a second round receiver prospect.
Gene
2:50
Do you think they draft a QB and in what round?
Christopher Carter
2:51
I think they draft a quarterback, but somewhere on day three. I think there are too many good day two prospects who could start or play significant snaps at positions of need and the team has two backup quarterbacks as is. I also don't think Ty Simpson is the answer.

Think Taylen Green or Cole Payton somewhere after the 4th.
islandborn
2:51
Simply curious, since the Draft is local...why doesn't the Steelers have somebody from the team, past team, or admin announce all the team's picks?  I understand there can be trades and what not, but like a designated person like.... Brett Keisel (who would be amazing) call them out?  I just like the connections of a Steeler calling the name of a new Steeler.
Christopher Carter
2:59
As I understand it, the Steelers plan to have at least Jerome Bettis, Joey Porter Sr., Joey Porter Jr., and others announce picks. There might be more as well.
Franco Fan
2:59
If they came out of this with Vega, Haulcy, Branch, Stukes, Big Citrus, Bowry, and a 2nd WR in the 7th, using the remaining draft capital to maneuver and get them, how would you rate that draft?
Christopher Carter
3:00
I think Ioane, Haulcy, Stukes and Orange are great fits. I like Branch, but I don't know he's what they need. He's less of a separator in route running and is more of a guy who catches short passes then makes players miss. I'd like the work at the other positions, but I think they really need to hit at WR early.
John S
3:01
Certain symmetry with Draft being in Pittsburgh, Steelers having pick 21. Ideally be nice if they can stick with 21 and get Tyson, Ioane, or Thieneman. what do you think odds one of them will be there at 21?
Christopher Carter
3:02
I don't think there's any way Ioane is available at 21. Have a hard time seeing him go past 14 with the Ravens' need at guard.

Tyson is interesting because of his injury. But I think he'll be gone as well.

Thieneman is tricky because he tested amazingly at the combine and has great ball instincts. I've seen projections he could fall to 21 or be picked in the top 13. But of the three, I'd say he's most likely.
RAM
3:02
Hay Chris! So glad to hear the PG was saved! Happy for you guys…and U.S. sports fans!
Christopher Carter
3:02
Hey Ram! Thank you! We are ecstatic as well!
Troy
3:03
if all the QBs less Mendoza and Simpson are still available at the end of round 3, and you had to take one,  which one would you take and why?
Christopher Carter
3:04
I'd look at Cole Payton, but much later than the 4th. If nobody takes anyone past Simpson, ride that wave and let the quarterbacks continue to fall. That's what happened to Shedeur Sanders and in effect, Will Howard as well.
Josh
3:04
Hey Chris, I heard Jordyn Tyson was having his workout today, saw a few teams mentioned who were there but no specific mention of any Steelers rep being there. Have you heard any differently?
Christopher Carter
3:05
I've been in meetings, talking to the new coordinators and putting together our videos for today so I haven't had any time to pay attention to the Tyson situation. Would make sense if they were there though, as he's very good.
NC Steel
3:05
With the draft apparently deep at WR and the Steelers not needing a starter, what do you think about waiting til 3rd round to draft one?
And who would you target in any round? Skyler Bell in R3 seems to be a good fit and probably not a reach.
Christopher Carter
3:13
I wrote earlier this week about the 25-year trends of receivers drafted into the NFL, where success is found and how things have changed.

Lately, teams are taking receivers earlier and at a higher success rate than ever before. Over the last six drafts, 50% of the receivers taken in the first round have already had at least one 1,000 yard season. And that percentage will only rise as top prospects from 2024 and 2025 get more time to play.

If the Steelers want to get it right at receiver, going early would be a good move this year.

To get true separator prospects, they cannot wait too long.

1st round targets: Lemon/Cooper/Concepcion.

2nd round targets: Brazzell, Chris Bell, Gernard.

3rd round targets: Sarratt, Skyler Bell, Hurst, Williams.

Could hit in the third, but I also think they could really use a dominant prospect and this draft has a few good shots at that early.
Mike from NC
3:13
Hello Mr. Carter, It’s great to hear that the PG found a buyer in the 11th hour! In your opinion, do you think Kaleb Johnson and Roman Wilson will get an opportunity to redeem themselves under the McCarthy regime? I think it’s too early to give up on both of them myself. Thanks for all you and your colleagues do covering the Steelers.
Christopher Carter
3:15
Thank you!

I think both will be given decent chances. But they have to show they're about the details in every part of their game. If Johnson isn't an improved pass protector and Wilson isn't on the same page as his QB enough, both could be wondering about their next opportunity soon.
George T
3:15
Hi Christopher, I know the Steelers have 12 picks in the draft and almost everyone is saying that’s too many. This is hard for to understand since when the draft is over they will sign a number of undrafted free agents so why is 12 draft picks too many.
Christopher Carter
3:18
Because most undrafted free agents are camp bodies, not guaranteed roster spots.

The point of saying 12 is too many is that you can use those picks to improve the standing of your highest picks instead of just picking players you're confident you will cut soon.

So, use that capital to improve your chances of getting better prospects instead of using them on players you have a higher chance of never using in the first place.
Darnell
3:18
Hey Chris, great news for you  and so many others regarding the upcoming change in ownership!  What do you think about the Steelers drafting Kenyon Sadiq who could play both outside and in the slot as well as helping the offensive line in the run game?  Thanks.
Christopher Carter
3:20
Thanks Darnell!

Kenyon Sadiq is an outstanding prospect, but I don't think he fits. They have two very good tight ends right now in Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.

Even if they traded away one of them and then drafted Sadiq, all you'd be doing is replacing an asset you already have instead of adding to your roster in a position where you're weak or could use more help.

I'm sure they love Sadiq, but I don't see him being the first round pick.
George T
3:21
Hi Christopher, with our 12 picks how is the best way to use them. Move up or down in the first round. Use them to move up or add another second round. Use some to get draft capital for next year’s draft. I really like we have 5 picks in the  first three rounds and would like to keep that many. I believe building the roster for the next franchise QB. Remember Ben had a good team when him came in look how that worked out. Where Terry did not have that and it took 5 years before he had a good team around him.
Christopher Carter
3:23
Hi George!

You're speaking my language about building the roster so that it can be ready to bring in a rookie franchise quarterback soon.

I think the key moves here would be two significant trade-ups. Ideally, I'm thinking a trade up in the first and a trade-up sometime on day two. Ensure you get your guy early, and then make sure one of the other key positions you want to lock down gets a key prospect you have your eye on.

If they want to acquire 2027 draft picks, they'll need to go through teams who already feel they have their franchise QB like the Bills, Bears, Chargerts, etc. But those might be tough to come by, as everyone is expecting that to be a big year for draft picks.
Southside Jimmy
3:23
Chris, do you have a couple of under the radar players you would love to see be drafted by the Steelers?  Thank you.
Christopher Carter
3:26
Mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. I do.

One guy I was really impressed with at the Senior Bowl was Minnesota DT Deven Eastern. Big, quick, and powerful. Not a big list of pass rush moves but effective enough. Think he could be a depth DL steal in the seventh.

I really like Iowa guard Beau Stephens in the fourth round if this team doesn't get a guard early. He could compete with Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman to start.

A safety prospect also tow atch for is VJ Payne of Kansas State. Bit of a project, but loved his athleticism and was impressed by him at the Senior Bowl as well. Day 3 guy.
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