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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.26.21
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TJ
2:26
I know we have some work to do player\cap wise but are we as bad of as many fans\media members seem to think?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Well, it's not a great situation because the Ravens and the Browns are going to be good for a while. They have QBs on rookie deals for at least another year although Jackson might do a deal before next season. Either way, he's not going to be a problem for their cap for a couple of more years. In addition, the Steelers have to play the first-place schedule next season. It just makes for a very challenging season in a lot of ways.
Linebacker Lounge
2:28
Ray, I believe we are thin at DL but needing cap room, I feel like Tuitt coming off his best year, tweets about stats, defensive scheme discipline (if true), and with the high salary, is a possible trade candidate .. What say you? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
He's finally come into his own so he's more tradeable than ever, but the Steelers usually like to keep ascending players.
Gregg
2:29
Anyone form the Steelers present for the Senior Bowl this week?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
Yes they'll be represented down there. Not as many as usual due to COVID, but they'll have guys there to scout and interview.
daniel
2:30
Don't you think so many 3 and outs have hurt the defense? If we had a legitimate run game, we may have had a chance to reach AFC championship and beyond. That is why we must draft a stud LT, a center and a RB with 1st 3 picks. Any thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
How about we make you assistant GM? I like it.
Utah Jim
2:31
A lot of people are saying OL is the first priority in the daft, and I agree, but is DL a close second? Heyward and Tuitt are terrific, but Aluala is a FA and will be 34 next season and there is not much else. They haven’t invested more than sixth round pick in the DL since 2014 with the exception of Hargrave who obviously is no longer around.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
You are right, but they have so many needs this year. The way Alualu is playing I'd see if he comes back for one year (maybe $4 million). Then you put off the need for one more year.
Utah Jim
2:32
With how well the Browns and Ravens run the ball is it time for the Steelers to add a traditional NT?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
I don't think you'll ever see a traditional nose tackle like Casey Hampton again. Plus, when you defend the Ravens run game so much happens on the edge, too. It's a different game now.
Jake from state farm
2:34
Ever wonder what the outcome might have been for the Steelers over the past few years if BA hadn’t unfortunately decided to retire?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
You mean "retire". Yes, that's a great question. THe way things have turned out for both parties it's fair to wonder if it was the right call.
Polovtsian Dance #2 by Borodin
2:34
Draft N. Harris... let Juju walk Harris is a astounding pass catcher, as well as, a top shelf RB.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Probably have to do that in the first round. Not saying it's out of the question, but it would be a bold move and definitely signal the direction they'd be hoping to go with the offense.
Polovtsian Dance #2 by Borodin
2:36
The future looks bright for Claypool. However  imo social media aside he needs to work on hand strength/ upper body... fighting for contested catches. Do you agree, Ray?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Yes, he's young and has so much room for improvement. He had a great rookie year and I don't think he's close to reaching his potential.
Polovtsian Dance #2 by Borodin
2:37
From what I saw... Najee H. has as good of hands & ball catching skills, body control, etc.,  as any current Steeler WR. Add his running prowess it's a 2fer & I think they should target him.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
This is going to be like the Devins draft speculation from a couple of years ago, isn't it?
Rocky B
2:38
Hi Ray - everyone knows that fixing the running game is an offseason priority. In your opinion, is our OL better equipped for a power back or a quick scatback type?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
They need some new linemen. That's their biggest problem. The scheme wasn't great last year, but the line is old as a whole and needs an injection of young talent.
Pat
2:39
Why did Vance retire?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
He wants to get on with his life's work and live on his farm in Ligonier. Plus, he hasn't exactly been an explosive player the past two years. The writing was on the wall.
VaSteelerFan
2:41
Hi Ray, what are the odds Haskins jumps Rudolph on the depth chart at any point next year? I want to believe.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Those odds aren't very good.
Rob
2:41
Do you think Tomlin gets an extension this offseason?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
I do not.
Mike J.
2:41
Mock draft season is upon us! I saw this morning that Mel Kiper has Steelers drafting a LB in first round. Would you be shocked if they went anywhere other than OL or RB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
I would be surprised, yes.
Jeff
2:42
I wonder... is there a real reason Ben would want to come back if there isn't a nucleus that can make it to championship? It seems clear retooling has to begin. Why would he want to stay for that?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
The $ he is owed. About $22 million, I believe.
Bil
2:43
Hi Ray, Appreciate your insight of o-linemen as much as anybodies. Is steeler o-line able to turn around ground game with a new center and tackles?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
I think a turnover in personnel is desperately needed. But they need to make sure there is a competent RB for the new line they build, too.
Jay_In_Indy
2:44
Ray, do you think the chance is that Bud will sign a team friendly deal, since he is coming back from an injury?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
I think Dupree, even coming off a knee injury, will make more on the open market than the Steelers can afford.
KD
2:46
Would you pick up the 5th year on Edmunds?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
I would not.
Renegade
2:47
Can you improve the line and RB situation in one draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Sure you can, if you get the right players.
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