JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's and Brian Batko's 2020 NFL draft chat: 04.24.20

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Michael

9:02

Let's face it .. our pick was for Ben ... he likes big receivers and seems to have a knack for finding them open

Nitro

9:03

Is Ray back from interviews yet? What is his take on how Tomlin and Colbert supported the pick?

Brian Batko

9:03

They're on a call now with OC Randy Fichtner, I believe.

Ray Fittipaldo

9:04

Randy on now. Waiting for Claypool after he's done.

Gary

9:04

Michael, Ben had an even better knack for finding AB open, and he's listed at 5'10". Claypool is no AB. But he could still be a good 2nd round pick.

George in OKC

9:05

I think they will be just fine at RB. The line will move around and be better. Chucks will play LT and Fieler will be left guard. Ben will be back. They will run the ball better this year with what they have on the roster

Brian Batko

9:05

Chuks will play RT, if he becomes a starter. But either way, with a healthy Ben and improved OL, James Conner can thrive again ... if he's healthy, too.

Tomservo

9:07

Finally George someone who gets it. With an improved and vertically capable passing attack their running game will improve

Jeff M

9:07

Last time the forced a pick like this was Burns. When they draft BPA they get Heyward and Decastro. When force a position the end up with Burns and Jarvis Jones. Would Baun have fit with the Steelers?

Ray Fittipaldo

9:07

Randy said he likes Claypool's size, wingspan and speed. When he ran a sun 4.4 at the combine Randy just assumed he wouldn't be there at 49.

Brian Batko

9:08

Sure Baun would fit, but if he's so clearly the BPA, why isn't anyone else picking him either?

Ron

9:10

Last year would have been tough for any O line and RB. Defenses just stacked the line and challenged us to beat them in the air. And we couldn’t.

Nate

9:10

Brian, since you pretty much called pick 49, who do you got for pick 102?

Ray Fittipaldo

9:10

Randy said Claypool probably more comfortable outside but can play inside too eventually.

Brian Batko

9:11

Geez, more than 40 picks out still, but OK. Shot in the dark is they go safety and take the local kid from New Castle, Geno Stone. A box safety.

Josh

9:12

The Steelers track record in last 10 years drafting and developing receivers after first round is probably best in nfl. I wouldn’t be so harsh on the pick. I personally wanted a rb but I trust their judgment on receivers.

Brian Batko

9:13

This is the first time since 2012 the Steelers used their first draft pick on an offensive player (David DeCastro). First time since 2006 they used it on a receiver (Santonio Holmes). Ninth year in a row they've taken a wideout. First time EVER they've used one of their top two picks on a WR four years in a row.

Nitro

9:13

Ray - Did Randy say Steelers had round 1 grade on Claypool?

Brian Batko

9:13

Oh goodness, I hope they don't put that on anymore non-first round picks.

Ray Fittipaldo

9:13

Brian Batko

9:14

Denzel Mims to the Jets. He'll be compared to Chase Claypool, methinks. To me, the Steelers couldn't go wrong with either one of those big, fast targets, but I might've given the edge to Mims.

Mike

9:15

There goes mims. Time will tell which guy we should have picked

Entmd

9:15

Any chance there is a RB at 102 that is an upgrade to current roster?

Brian Batko

9:15

Maybe, but I don't think I'd do it. Would proceed with my current backfield group if I'm the Steelers. They've never used a fifth-round pick or higher on a running back four years in a row in the modern era.

Nate

9:16

Ray, did anyone ask Randy if it came down to Mims vs. Claypool?

Ray Fittipaldo

9:16

Michael

9:16

Claypool seems like a better NFL body out of the box as opposed to Mims

Brian Batko

9:17

Steelers need special teamers, too. Pretty clear to me they put some value on Claypool's versatility in addition to just his receiver skills.

Guest

9:19

I liked Uche. Wish the Steelers got him instead of the Pats

Tomservo

9:19

If they take a safety has to be someone who specializes in coverage so Edmunds can move to Barrons role.

Ratville

9:20

Ben and Juju have already spoken to Claypool. Good for chemistry.

Barley

9:22

How is this team going 10-6 with the same OL and same OL coach, pray tell?

Brian Batko

9:22

They won't have the same OL.

Ralph

9:24

Was it wise to take a wr who is a bit of a project in a year there will be no OTA's and limited training camp/ preseason?

Brian Batko

9:25

I'm not sure he's a major project, Ralph. Not a finished product, but he can help right away, I think.

Guest

9:26

OL or DT in 3rd round? Everyone wants splashy picks but let’s fill needs.

Brian Batko

9:26

Addressed OL in free agency and acquired a defensive lineman, albeit an end, via trade. I'm not sold they go with either position in the third. But they do have options.

CA Ciro

9:26

Much less of a project than Mims who was in a non-pro style/limited offense.

James

9:27

I'm thinking LB in the 3rd

Nitro

9:28

Brian - Amplify on help right away. Is he your #3 receiver? Catches projection?

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