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Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 02.14.19
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Ed Bouchette
1:58
Good afternoon and Happy Valentine's Day to all. Let's begin
Rahn
1:58
Based on your talks with staff, with what little they've seen on the practice field and in meeting rooms, do they think Mason Rudolph is the QB of the future? Or will another year of backup reps (maybe as the No. 2 in 2019) tell the tale?
Ed Bouchette
1:59
They really have no idea yet because as the No. 3 quarterback, he takes few reps and did not play at all last season. He has not shown them anything that he can't be, though.
Adam
1:59
Is the Steelers window unofficially closed?  How do we compete with an aging Ben without the talented surrounding cast?
Ed Bouchette
2:00
Because they will likely lose Bell and Brown? I believe they still can compete, yes. Others, like the Patriots, do it. And that "aging" Ben led the league in passing yards last season.
Scottydog
2:00
Do you think Tomlin will now become a stricter, no-nonsense coach now that it's common knowledge that he allowed players like AB to get away with breaking team rules?
Ed Bouchette
2:00
He will have to
Adam
2:00
Are the Steelers considering placing the transition tag on Bell?  What signal would that send to Conner and the rest of the team?  We saw the Rams skate through the NFC playoffs without Gurley.  Isn't that evidence enough of the expendability of any RB?
Ed Bouchette
2:01
When all is said and done, I don't believe they will.
Doyle37
2:01
Do you think the Steelers will trade up this year to get a top 10 draft pick ?
Ed Bouchette
2:01
No, I don't.
Adam
2:01
How is the CAP situation looking assuming Bell and Brown are gone and they extend Ben?  Will management wake up to reality and go big in free agency?
Ed Bouchette
2:02
By going big if you mean they will sign a big-name star at a position, I don't think they will. I believe they'll do what they always do, maybe even find an up-and-coming younger player in FA. Remember that they bid for Patriots' Hightower a few years ago.
Rahn
2:04
Gerry mentioned how Tomlin is the only coach not to address the media during the combine. Should that kind of availability be standard and mandated by the league?
Ed Bouchette
2:04
I don't think it really matters. Enough other coaches talk as well as Kevin Colbert.
Kol Diamond
2:05
Ed, saw on ESPN today that Ravens will sign Bell. If so, will that make Ravens favorites to win division
Ed Bouchette
2:05
I'm sure if they sign Bell, their odds will go up.
Dan Mucy
2:05
Hi Ed...love your work.   This offseason is critical.   Regardless of Brown,  isn't it mandatory to get starting LBs and at least one DB?  Which probably means free agent help, correct?  Thanks...dan
Ed Bouchette
2:06
I agree they need linebackers and cornerbacks. I'm not sure they'll get any in free agency that would solve their issues.
I think purely a third-round pick would not be out of the question. His value has not exactly increased lately.
Jorge
2:07
Hello Ed - Do you think the Cardinals,  49ers, or Buccaneers would be open to trading their No.1 pick in the draft for AB?  If not, who in the top 10 do you think would?
Ed Bouchette
2:07
I don't think there's any way they can get a top-10 pick. They'd surprise me at this point if they got a first-round pick at all.
Jorge
2:07
What if the Steelers put the Transition Tag on Bell, and the offers that came in were similar or below to what they offered him last year.  Would they try to match to keep him?
Ed Bouchette
2:07
They are done with LB
Tucson
2:07
Is Tomlin on the hot seat for next year?  Luke warm, warm, very warm or hot?
Ed Bouchette
2:08
It will be warmer than it was entering 2018.
Lenny from NY
2:08
Hi Ed. What do think about trading AB to SF for their #2 pick plus our 3rd round compensatory pick for LB
Ed Bouchette
2:09
That's a high No. 2 so they'd have to take it if it's the best offer out there. That comp pick in the third round won't be until 2020.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:09
Which surprised you more: Broncos trading for Flacco or Browns signing Hunt?
Ed Bouchette
2:09
We knew the Ravens would trade Flacco. Surprised initially that Browns signed Hunt, but some team was going to so it might as well have been them.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:10
Do you think Polamalu beats Faneca to Canton?
Ed Bouchette
2:10
It would be nice to see them go in together next year.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:10
Say AB's gone--how does the offense evolve outside of Juju being #1?
Ed Bouchette
2:11
James Washington, Vance McDonald, slot man Ryan Switzer, a draft pick and run the ball more often.
Cowher Power
2:12
Since it doesn’t appear any team will give up a 1st or now maybe not even a 2nd round pick for AB, why not look to trade straight up for a player who may not be with that team long term (1-2 years left on existing contact and fear of not being able to resign). Example Patrick Peterson, Jaylon Ramsey, Bobby Wagner.
Ed Bouchette
2:12
I'm sure they would listen
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:12
Historically speaking, where does AB land on the "headache" list for the Steelers?
Ed Bouchette
2:14
I can't remember another player prompting them to Tylenol so often
Count Floyd's 3D House Of Yinzer
2:14
NON FOOTBNALL ?: You own a Boston Terrier; my folks own a Toy Fox Terrier. In your personal experiences, are ALL Terriers a bit 'Bi-Polar' in breed? It seems like they have a tendency to "turn" on someone quicker than a Pro Wrestling script direction!
Ed Bouchette
2:14
Boston Terriers are lovers not biters.
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