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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 2.15.18
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Gerry Dulac
10:46
OK, kids, we'll start our chat in a few minutes...
10:48
I see there are plenty of questions lined up already so lets get at them...
JB
10:48
There seems to be 2 ILB who may be 1st round guys. In recent years the Steelers have picked more based on need, Jones, Dupree, Burns, Watt. Do you feel they will go best ILB available this year in round 1, or maybe take a safety if one of the top two are not there? Seems after Evans and Smith the rest are 2nd rounders.
Gerry Dulac
10:51
Just because the Steelers selected those players doesn't mean they were their intended targets and they drafted for "need." Last year, for example, they had Jabrill Peppers targeted for a top pick, thinking they could get him, but Cleveland beat them to it. They will draft the highest-rated player they have on their board, usually at a position where they need some help ...but not always.
JB
10:51
Hey Gerry, in recent years the Steelers have been a bit more aggressive in free agency. They have been very specific in the type of player they will go after. Usually a young guy, going into his second contract, who has upside but is a bit under the radar, a guy they liked in the draft. Do you know any ILB's or safeties they may target that fit this mold?
Gerry Dulac
10:55
Your assessment of how they operate in FA is correct. I think a player such as Tennessee's Avery Williamson fits the mold because he is young and quick. But, whoever they sign in free agency won't change what they do in the draft. It will be to improve their depth.
Steve from Duncannon, PA
10:55
Because the Line is of utmost importance, is the Office going to try to make an offer to Hubbard?
Gerry Dulac
10:56
You've already paid all your starters. You can't pay a backup something that will even come close to what he can get on the open  market
The Windber Rambler
10:57
For me, just waiting after the NFL Combine, to then start "scouting" the draft. In the meantime Gerry, please settle a wager I have going: The bet is, the lowest score you (yes you, Gerry) have EVER shot playing a round of golf on a course that has hosted a PGA Major? 70 is a tie and my bet "pushes". I wagered you once shot under 70. If it's over 70, I obviously lose money. I'm counting on that you once "caught lightning in a bottle", for one glorious round!
Gerry Dulac
10:57
73. I'm afraid you lose my friend
vut5686
10:57
Gerry, the Steelers seem serious about signing Bell. Even if both sides compromise, the cost will be high. Considering other team needs, do you think he is worth it?  Four teams got further than Pittsburgh...without Bell.
Gerry Dulac
10:58
Yes it will and I'm not so sure that it's a great move, but it's the best way to keep him and not absorb the cap hit they would have if he was franchised again
Shrinkage
11:01
Derrick Johnson...too old, or a good short-term stopgap?
Gerry Dulac
11:01
Too old
Guest
11:01
Leveon Bell said "no excuses" about 3 weeks before the rematch with Jacksonville. That tells me (in his own words) that he's NOT, and never will be, the difference-maker to take them to a Super Bowl. Use the money to sign Malcolm Butler!
Gerry Dulac
11:02
They're not, repeat not, going to spend money on a free agent CB. They did last year with Joe Haden.
Hugh
11:02
Any news on possibly bringing back Ridley? Thought he looked solid running behind JV line against Browns (who actually had a good run D). Could compete with Conner for No. 2 (assuming LB returns).
Gerry Dulac
11:03
They probably won't because he will count too much with the veteran minimum to be the No. 3 RB
Shrinkage
11:03
A question about NFL owners and image -- do you think Matt Patricia would have gotten a shot at a head coaching gig sooner if he didn't look like he had just stumbled out of a frat house? Over the long term, he did quite well without a lot of high profile players.
Gerry Dulac
11:03
I wouldn't be surprised. I think Russ Grimm fought the same battle for a while
John
11:03
Gerry...If the choice at 28 is  Alabama's Rashaad Evans or Ronnie Harrison..who would you take? I like Evans...
Gerry Dulac
11:04
Evans
Todd - Michigan
11:04
What’s the hold up in getting Chickillo an offer or signed? Seems like there is a need for some depth at minimum.. Thanks
Gerry Dulac
11:04
What's your hurry?
JB
11:04
Everyone says take defensive players, but it seems the Steelers like to grab an offensive player to continue to stock the shelf, makes sense. What offensive position may the Steelers surprise people and draft in the first 2 days? (Excluding RB, I think they sign or tag Bell)
Gerry Dulac
11:04
WR for sure. They never turn their back on a skill player they like, especially WR.
JB
11:05
Any word internally about the direction they are going with Bell? Heard from Bell.
Gerry Dulac
11:06
Not sure what you mean by that, but I'm surmising you mean about a contract. They apparently are working on getting a deal done
Frank - Wyoming
11:06
Hi Mr. Dulac, enjoy your responses. Do you think that the Steeler defensive staff will make adjustments to how often they employ their olb's in dropping into coverage? It appeared that last season the olb's did not rush the passer near enough after Mr. Watt had such a promising beginning. Thank you.
Gerry Dulac
11:06
I sure hope so. They need more pressure from the edge.
Frank - Wyoming
11:07
Do you think that L.Bell would sign a long term deal for less than the 12 +mill he played for in 2017? It appears as if even at the risk as if Mr. Rooney is intent on signing him
Gerry Dulac
11:07
If he was smart he would
43yrsteelerfan
11:07
Hi Gerry what is the Rumors of bigger time ILB that might be released or able to test the free agent market that no one is talking much about maybe we can take a shot at. unless we have a top ten pick the odds on us getting a first year starter from the draft are very low
Gerry Dulac
11:08
Dont know
43yrsteelerfan
11:08
Who is the starting slot receiver next season?
Gerry Dulac
11:08
JuJu, why?
Mike from Utah
11:08
Now that Coach Todd is gone do you think Ben will call more plays and run no huddle more
Gerry Dulac
11:08
Not a whole lot more than he already had.
Ike Steelheart
11:08
Hello Gerry,  said there are some longterm vets with contracts on the roster who may not be Steelers in 2018. Who do you think those players might be?
Gerry Dulac
11:09
Mike Mitchell, Will Gay for sure. Possibly Heyward-Bey
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