JotCast | Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 4.24.18

Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 4.24.18

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Ed Bouchette

1:58

Good afternoon, let's chat

JohnK

1:59

Hey Ed. How many 2nd rounders do the Steelers have in the Hall of Fame?

Ed Bouchette

2:01

Ham, Lambert, Dawson

Moose

2:01

If we draft a WR high, is there any chance that we trade MB to get maybe a 4th round in this draft? I would like to get something for him while we can, he is only one puff away....

Ed Bouchette

2:02

They are not trading Martavis Bryant

Mike

2:02

Hey Ed, do you have any idea why so many national mock drafts have the Steelers taking a corner, when either or both of Rashaan Evans and Leighton Vander Esch are still on the board? Do these draftniks have inside info, or are they clueless?

Ed Bouchette

2:02

I would take one of the inside linebackers for sure.

Suspicious Bulge

2:03

I have seen Vita Vea mocked anywhere from 15-32. If all ILBs are gone, would the Steelers have interest in him in Rd 1?

Ed Bouchette

2:03

I have never seen him last that long, but where would you play him?

fritobandito

2:03

Hey Ed why is OLB not spoken about as much as safety if no ILB are left as a first round pick?

Ed Bouchette

2:03

I have said and written that they need OLB. Very thin there. However, not sure an OLB worthy of first-round pick at 28

Talldrinkofwater

2:04

Greetings Ed, it's hard to argue with the success the Steelers have achieved and they did win 13 games last year, however; it seems like they could have been a better team with greater focus (on & off the field) and communication. Do you feel the same?

Ed Bouchette

2:05

They should have been 14-2 because they had one stolen vs. New England. That would have given them top seed. So I don't know how much better they could have been other than, you know, not losing the playoff game to jacksonville

Ben Herholdt

2:05

could a RB in rounds 2 or 3, like Nick Chubb, be a viable option as a contingency plan on case of a Bell holdout as well as a solid backup for him?

Ed Bouchette

2:05

If they were concerned about Bell holding out, they should never have given him the franchise tag. Why draft one now when you committed to Bell? No, I don't see it.

Linebacker Lounge - 3Rivers, MI

2:05

Hi Ed, if they can find a dancing partner, do you foresee the Steelers trading down at some point to pick up another pick/player? Thanks

Ed Bouchette

2:06

They could move a spot or two, I supposed, but they don't want to get out of the first round because then you only have your first pick under contract for four years with no fifth option.

2:06

How close is the Steeler D from being elite. Or are they not close?

Ed Bouchette

2:07

Elite is a strong word. I think of elite, I think of '70s Steelers and mid-90s Steelers and mid 00s Steelers. They are not close to that. You can refer back to Jacksonville playoff as to why

Linebacker Lounge - 3Rivers, MI

2:07

Hi Ed... Biggest surprise trade day move/pick in your time covering the team..good or bad? Thanks

Ed Bouchette

2:08

Jerome Bettis trade in 1996. Not good or bad. Great!

Linebacker Lounge - 3Rivers, MI

2:09

Hi Ed, Names of couple of the lowest draft picks, that came in and had an impact their first season?.. Since you have covered the team? (Darren Perry?) Thanks

Ed Bouchette

2:09

How about one, Kris Brown, kicker 1999

Steve

2:09

What's your thought if the ILB's were gone and Guice and Reid were available or a good OT

Ed Bouchette

2:09

Reid

2:10

There are some positions I can’t see the Steelers drafting in the first round this year: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL. I have my doubts about OLB too. Do you agree?

Ed Bouchette

2:10

A guard would not surprise me.

Or a tackle for that matter

JerseySteel

2:10

Hi Ed - I liked your pick of Jaire Alexander in the national mock draft with the ILBs off the board. If the Steelers follow your lead, how would LB Darius Leonard fit with the Steelers in round 2?

Ed Bouchette

2:10

If he would last to them in round 2, they'd have to draft him

Cburg Stiller

2:11

If you were picking between Evans and Vander Esch, who would be your choice and what abilities/qualities would sway you to that player?

Ed Bouchette

2:11

Vander Esch is bigger and faster, so I'd take him

Doug

2:11

Hi Ed - what's the thinking behind exercising Dupree's fifth year option? It is guaranteed only for injury so another down year the Steelers can back out of that. Am I correct with that statement?

Ed Bouchette

2:12

You are correct, although kevin Colbert is on record saying they would not do that. So, if he stinks out the joint this year, they will still pay him $9.3 M next year? I don't think so.

Doug

2:12

Hey Ed - draft right around the corner, which prospect are you hoping the Steelers realistically can land?

Ed Bouchette

2:13

I think Vander Esch would be a good choice for them. It is touch and go whether he will be available. If they really want him, they may have to trade up a few spots

Steeler Fan In Cincy

2:13

Ed, do you agree with the 5 year option on Dupree?

Ed Bouchette

2:13

I wrote several weeks ago they should do it, but I also wrote they could pull it if he plays poorly in 2018

Steeler Fan In Cincy

2:13

Ed, though the draft hasn't happened and OTA's and camp hasn't happened yet, are the Steelers still the favorite to win the division?

Ed Bouchette

2:14

All the oddsmakers have them that, yes

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Guest

3:15

In the L.A. Times mock draft, you mentioned Alexander's ability to return punts as one (probably smaller) reason to draft him. Do the Steelers worry that much about Antonio Brown returning punts? It seems like they've tried to find replacements for a few years. If they really wanted someone else to do it, they'd make someone else do it, right?

ALB

3:20

Ed, Apparently the Eagles are shopping Mychal Kendricks for draft picks. Could he be the type of linebacker to fill the Shazier hole?

Moose

3:29

Mark my words, the Steelers will pick an Offensive player round 1. What percentage would you give on this happening?

Moose

3:31

Do you know of any draft prospect that the Steelers are totally enamored with that we have a realistic chance of getting?

Jarvis "Ragdoll" Jones

3:36

Ed,

Jarvis "Ragdoll" Jones

3:40

Ed, The Steelers gave Burnett a decent contract to presumably start at one of the safety spots. They drafted Davis in round 2 to man the other. How would a 1st round safety help this team immediately? If he beats out Davis or Burnett then the Steelers have either a 2nd round pick or veteran free agent sitting the bench. I am having difficulty seeing how a 1st round safety would have an immediate impact. He may sit for 3 years similar to a rookie QB.

SteelCity21

4:14

If one of the big NT fall to them and all of ILB are gone. Would the Steelers use a pick on the NT? Most of the time the NT only plays base and won't be in the field as much.

Linebacker Lounge - 3Rivers, MI

4:18

Hi Ed.. If it’s appropriate could you share a Bennie Cunningham experience or moment? Thanks

esoluke

4:26

Hi Ed. Did you, or think the coaches have, see enough from JJ Watt to think he could become a superstar/playmaker in this league like some Steelers before him? Besides experience, what may he need to improve?

Fugitive

4:27

What influence will former Alabama defensive line coach Karl Dunbar have on the draft process? The last time the Steelers selected an Alabama player was Deshea Townshend in 1998. Thanks.

4:28

How long before kids in grade school start publishing mock drafts (sarcasm)?

esoluke

4:28

Of course, I meant TJ... Had JJ on my mind...

Joaquin

4:29

Hi, were you yesterday in Houston at Minute Maid Park? Any chance next year Steelers come to play a regular game at Mexico? If so are you coming? Regards

4:29

Do you think if Vander Esch is one board but Evsns is not, do you think the Steelers will take him.

Linebacker Lounge - 3Rivers, MI

4:30

Hi Ed, Have read Three brick shy of a load and the Load is full.. Also, Their Life’s Work.. What would be your next best Steelers book recommendation? Thanks

4:32

Do you think the Steelers are looking for one of their draft picks to return punts this year?

Fugitive

4:35

What does the decision to exercise Bud Dupree's fifth year option tell you about how the Steelers view the role of the outside linebacker? Dupree often recorded few stats, and in one game registered none--no tackles, no passes defensed, no sacks, no quarterback hurries. Shouldn't Keith Butler use pass rushers to rush the passer? Asking Dupree to be a "complete" linebacker might not be the best use for his skill set.

Pete

4:36

I kniw that Colbert says that they are considering all positions in the first round. Like you, I don’t believe QB is being considered. I have my doubts about RB too. It seems to me they can draft one early next year. I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t draft a RB at all. What are your thoughts?

Pete

4:38

Do you consider anyone drafted in the fifth round or later to be projects (K, P, FB excluded?

4:39

Which QB that is likely to be taken in the first round, should not be, in your opinion?

4:40

Do you think any TEs will be taken in the first round?

Wes

4:42

This doesn't seem to be a popular pick, but If all the linebackers are gone, I would be happy picking TE Dallas Goedert in the 1st. I know we traded for Vance, but he cant stay healthy and we all know JJ isnt the long term starter. I think Dallas could be the next Gronk and we know what kind of impact he has in games. Your Thoughts?

JerseySteel

4:42

Hi Ed - with the Steelers picking up Dupree's 5th year - do you think he will earn a 2nd contract with the Steelers? Also, do you see any signs that he is on the verge of a breakout season (much like Jason Worilds once did)?

Lambert's Gang

4:44

Ed - Any news on Ben's off-season workouts? Is he focusing on anything other than getting his body completely healed and ready for another season? How much communication does he have with his receivers this time of year? Thanks

Krugerrand

4:45

Ed, can you help me find a coordinated mock draft where each beat writer from the local newspapers only predict who they believe the team they cover will draft - rather than each writer assembling an entire mock-draft. Thanks!

Chooch

4:45

With the new rules around lowering the helmet, do you foresee the smaller RBs & DBs becoming even less desirable.

4:45

What do you think the likelihood of the Steelers sweeping the division again this year?

Doug

4:50

Hey Ed - what

Gene

4:55

Hi Ed, If all the top Inside linebackers are gone by our pick at 28

Steeler Fan In Cincy

4:57

Ed,

Steeler Fan In Cincy

4:58

Ed, what's your best Benny Cunningham story?

Steeler Fan In Cincy

4:59

Ed, do you think the Penquins success motivates the Steelers players? It seems many go to the games.

GEORGE

5:00

Hello Ed, Do the Steelers have any interest in drafting Rashaad Penny if he would fall to them in the third round?

Steeler Fan In Cincy

5:02

If Ben wants to play 2-3 more years, when is his current deal up and when do they extend him?

mkt

5:05

What's up with that schedule.. how do we get both NE and Jacksonville this year?

JerseySteel

5:21

Hi Ed - which WR might the Steelers target (assuming after round 1) in the draft?

OhioGuy

5:22

If you were drafting for he Browns ... would you take two quarterbacks at the top of the first round? We took two linebackers with Timmons and Woodley at the top of our draft and it solidified the position for years. Even though they only need one starting quarterback, they seem to be unable to choose the right one. Or are they doomed by poor coaching since there is no way every quarterback couldn’t work out?

rich

5:32

With Burnett and Willcox at strong safety, and Davis moving to free safety backed up by Behre , would drafting a safety in the second round still be more likely than finding replacements for Bell or Bryant next year.

Joel for the defense

5:33

Do you get the feeling the Steelers brass is not too worried about their defensive talent heading into the draft?

Drew

5:38

So Ed...we're all waiting with bated breath...who will the Steelers be taking with the 28th pick? Just kidding...what will you be having for dinner tonight?

MikeM

5:39

Hi Ed, what kind of improvement can we expect from the Defensive Back with Bradley now in the fold? Could we also have a similar situation with the DB's and Bradley as we do now with the OL and Coach Munchak?

Bud from Tampa

5:41

thanks for the chat Ed. When I saw the news about Bennie Cunningham it brought back memories of him stretching the field, I really liked him. Hadn't heard anything about him in years, was he one to avoid the alumni gettogethers?

Joel for the defense

5:44

Do you consider the thought of the Steelers taking a RB with a first round pick- in such a deep RB draft- credible or just talk?

Colin

5:45

We need OLB depth. Think an OLB could be drafted in rds 1,2, or 3? What if the BC OLB, Landry is there at 1.28...you have to take him...right?

Steeler Art via Seattle

5:47

Ed, were you surprised by the 5th year option for Dupree and do you feel he was deserving?

Pat from z town

5:53

the only way I could see the steelers taking a QB in rd 1 is if Allen falls. He has the build and characteristics of Ben. I don't see him falling. Now if they would grab a RB, What do you see them doing with Bell?

Mark from Sauquoit N.Y.

5:53

Hi Ed, I don't re

574Fan

5:57

Ed - RE: the mocks that have us taking a qb on Thurs night (and Colbert's statements that just fanned the flames) - Couldn't it be argued that even if the most surefire prospects of the class (Darnold, Rosen, Allen) were available when the Steelers pick, it would be a bad pick? If Ben stands by his statement of playing 2-3 more years, you would possibly have a guy finally seeing the field in the final year of his rookie contract. Makes no sense when the roster is close to Super Bowl caliber right now.

Jon

5:57

How likely is it that if all the ILB are gone and a qb drops that they trade out of the first round?

Troy

5:59

Kevin Colbert has never been one to purely draft out of team need. He usually seems to take who they think is the best player available. Will he go off that course this year being that ILB is a huge need in round 1?

574Fan

6:00

If Cam Sutton can sustain the progress he made at the end of last season who is more in danger of losing his job, Burns or Hilton?

Nick

6:00

Ed, does Kevin Colbert has final say? Or how does that play out when they make a pick

Doug

6:01

I think it is better to have one superior player than two ok players. How about trading a # 2 to move up and get Edmunds?

Flipsteeler

6:02

Would you be in favor of Pitt going with RBBC by landing another bellcow when Bell leaves in 2019?

reedboat

6:02

Knowing that we are adolescent-like and extremely over-consumed with our hometown NFL team, how would you rank other cities' NFL fans compared to us? Are we that much more wacky than the rest?

dave

6:02

Do you think they're expecting this to be Bell's last year with the Steelers?

NYC Steeler

6:02

2004 QB draft class. Rivers has the best stats, Ben and Eli have 2 rings, but Eli has some so so stats. If their careers ended today are they all in the HOF?

JoJo

6:02

should all NFL coaches just elect to take the kickoffs at the 25? Very little upside.

Silly in Philly

6:02

Where there’s a will there’s a way. Shazier’s “will” tells him he is coming back. If they draft a player similar to him(out if his ilk) and he does comes back, does it bode well to have two undersized speedy guys manning both ILB spots?

Rick from NC

6:03

Hey Ed, never understood drafting the "best player available" over need. what if that best player available is a position that is not needed?

Joe in Orlando

6:03

Can I assume some teams keep quiet on a few players they covet? For example Shaquem Griffin of UCF? I am a season ticket holder and the guy is a stud!!

Flipsteeler

6:04

On a scale of 1-10 how surprised were you that Pitt exercised the fifth year option on Dupree?

Silly in Philly

6:04

On the heels of the Draft and in the spirit of the Combine, who’s faster in the 40 - you or Gerry?!

Dave

6:05

How is Conners rehab progressing?

dave

6:05

Colbert said today that he views Sutton as a CB rather than a S. Does that make it less likely they take a CB with the #1 pick?

Doug

6:05

I think they should trade a 32 to move up and get Edmunds. One great player is better than two ok players.

Linebacker Lounge - 3Rivers, MI

6:06

Hi Ed, what’s your feel on Moats returning ? Thanks

CoolMoeD

6:06

Where are you usually working from do during the draft?

Guest

6:06

I've read there's not a lot of good OLB's in this year's draft but what about DE's that convert to OLB? We've certainly done that in the past.

Steeler Art via Seattle

6:06

Were you surprised Dupree received a 5th year option and do you think he was deserving?

Ray

6:07

Ed, since the draft is full of LB’s, wouldn’t it make sense to go after a safety?!? After all, we can draft a LB in the later rounds and groom him to the Steeler Way.

Dylan

6:07

Hi Ed,

Dan

6:09

If an entire class fails the final exam are all the students idiots or did the teacher do a poor job explaing the material and checking for understanding throughout the semester? Joe Haden the defense was still having communications issues and blown assignments at the end of the season. To me that is a coaching issue. Am I wrong?

Dylan

6:09

Hi Ed. If not close to elite, how close is the defense to being good enough to do its part to win a Super Bowl? I would have said they were plenty good enough last year before the Shazier injury

Ray

6:10

Ed, is now a good time to find a replacement for Marcus Gilbert?

Silly in Philly

6:10

is it tough professionally having to be critical of a player and then having to see him face to face while doing your job?

Maine Steeler Fan

6:11

Any update on James Connor's recovery and when he might be able to contribute?

Ray

6:12

Ed, ultimately, about how many players away from winning trophy #7?!? Clearly the number last year was 2 (Shazier/Mitchell)

Flipsteeler

6:13

This year like years past players are suddenly being reported to have medical red flags. Do you believe that this is being generated by GMs to get players to drop? Do you think Colbert has done or would do this?

Silly in Philly

6:13

Have to win one game. Who you want as Steelers’ coach- only choices are Tomlin or Cowher?

Ray

6:13

Ed, with the new OC (forgot his name), are the days of conservative football is over?!?

Flipsteeler

6:16

What is the biggest concession by the players in the next CBA? Same question regarding the owners.

Vince

6:17

Ed...I have seen alot of talk about the Steelers' drafting Leighton Vander Esch; and my concern is not only about his medical issues, but also about the fact that hsi tape indicates that most of his tackles are four and five yards downfield. I really think that he could be a bust...your thoughts?

Silly in Philly

6:18

If the Steelers FO doesn’t add another player(either through draft or FA) to DB room, Do u believe they did the Team a disservice?

Dave

6:18

Would the team consider drafting a quarterback with three on the roster ? Or should they decide on Dobbs' future first?

Joe

6:19

Why were the Steelers still having communication issues in the playoffs? It seems odd they were not able to iron things out after 17 weeks and a bye in the first round.

Ray from OH

6:19

What about his lack of on the field experience (Boise St. ILB)?

Guest

6:19

Dallas Goedert will be our first rounder, next Gronk?

Oscar

6:21

What safety could we draft at round 2?

mtsteel

6:21

Hi Ed and thanks for your time. If all the high grade ILB's are gone, I would really like the Steelers to grab a top rated CB if there. Your thoughts?

Snoop

6:22

Did Bennie Cunning really make the All Steelers team but never made the ProBowl?

Oscar

6:22

In your opinion, who is better? Leighton Vander Esch or Rashaan Evans?

Ray

6:23

Is Artie Burns on the hot seat?!? Such high expectations for this guy and he’s not gonna change....

Steelknight

6:23

Ed, I saw that the Secondary coach is talking about man being his preferred choice this year. Is this a possible reality or just more blowing smoke? We have needed more physical press/man to dictate to O's who have been spreading us out and picking apart the zone. Thanks.

Flipsteeler

6:23

Why is Colbert not the biggest holdup in Bell negotiations? Why do you blame Bell?

Kool-Aid

6:24

How often do contract negotiations take place with Bell when resumed?

Oscar

6:24

Who is the best ILB that isn't Roquan Smith or Terrell Edmunds?

pdxJaxon

6:25

Ed, Any chance of going back to back ILB in rounds 1-2?

Ray

6:25

If you were the GM, would you consider trading Bell to the Giants for the #2 pick?!?

Tris

6:26

If the Steelers take a RB round 3 or later do you see Kerryon Johnson as an option?

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