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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.28.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Definitely have to sign or draft a lineman or two this offseason, but yes I think that could be a good move. Before he was pressed into action at right tackle the prevailing thought within the organization was that Feiler's best position was guard. Has that mindset changed? Perhaps. He's been good at right tackle. But I look at where the depth is on this line. It's at tackle, not guard. So that's why I think Feiler is likely to move inside.
John Strange
2:09
Will the Steelers make the playoffs in the next 3 years? And more importantly will Mike Tomlin keep his non-losing season streak intact?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
I think the Steelers will make the playoffs in the next three years.
574Fan
2:09
Another O-line related question: which would do more to revive the teams run game next year - hitting on a stud RB with the 49th pick, or hitting on a stud interior lineman with that pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Good question. Based on what I'm learning about this draft it's not a good year for guards. There are a few, but I'm not really sure if one fits at No. 49 overall. So if I had to choose I'd say RB, but I know Swift and Dobbins likely will be gone by then. It then becomes a question of whether the Steelers like any of the other RBs enough to take at that spot. But what about a tackle at No. 49? Plug him into the starting lineup and move Feiler to guard. Then, after Villenueva's contract expires at the end of next season, Banner and Okorafor can battle it out for the starting job.
Jwandburgh
2:12
An update on Ben is due on Saturday?  So what's a.realistic time for him to start.throwning to.allow him to be ready for.training camp or more importantly ready for Week 1.when its the real deal!!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I think, if all goes well, he'll begin a throwing program in April or May and then slowly ramp up in camp. That's kind of been the timetable all along.
Alan in Nashville
2:13
Hi Ray. With Eddie Boo not attending the SB for the Athletic, any idea of who will be the voice in the room advocating for Troy and Faneca? Whats your guess on bith getting in? My guess is the panel just ripps off the Band-aide and puts them both in instead of hearing about “Steelers fatigue” for a few more years.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Dale Lolley will be presenting the cases for Polamalu and Faneca. I think Troy is a no-brainer. Faneca will eventually get in, but there are a lot of offensive linemen in line now so he might have to wait another year. It's a shame, but that Steelers fatigue you mentioned is very real. Voters just don't like to vote for Steelers all the time.
Ij2cool
2:15
I really think the Steelers need a durable stud rb. Who might be available in round 2? Love Conner  but no break away speed and cant finish a season
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin might be around at No. 49. Productive college player. Took a lot of hits with the Badgers. He's a good all-around back, but I think Swift and Dobbins are better. Will be interesting to see how the Steelers feel about him.
NJC
2:17
Hi Ray.....What, in your opinion, should be the main focus of this off-season?  (Based on positions) Thank you!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
OL, skill positions (RB and WR), DL, TE, OLB, S. Not sure they'll be able to address every need. They only have five picks now and likely six after the compensatory selections are revealed. But that's my outlook.
STEEL72
2:18
Ray, the TE crop doesn't sound compelling enough to just add a body in the second round. No complete players. Additionally, it doesn't sound like we can afford any blue chips that will be free agents. RB, OL will be priorities. What would you do about the TE situation this year, if anything? Does Ben's return make McDonald's return to form more probable?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I think you're onto something. You're right. The TE class is top-heavy. Not sure they'll get the one they want at No. 49. My guess is they keep McDonald and hope he can return to form with Ben. Then you either sign Nick Vannett to a cheap contract to be the backup or sign another TE in free agency. Zach Gentry likely the No. 3 again. They can't give up on him after one year. He was the second pick of the fourth round. That's not a throwaway pick.
574Fan
2:20
While I think Colbert and the FO in general are very good at what they do, there seem to be some positional "blind spots" in their evaluations, like the CB and S positions.  I don't really mind that they took Rudolph with a 3rd round pick, but what does it say about their QB evaluations when they apparently had a 1st rd grade on him?  Landry Jones is another example.  Granted, he was brought in back up Ben, but he wasn't effective enough in that role to keep around. We are going to need Ben's successor in a year or two regardless of his elbow.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
You're right for the most part. But they have scouted WRs very well. And they've developed offensive linemen really well. I don't think any other organization can boast of the number of undrafted free agents that have risen to starter level the way the Steelers have. Most teams are like that. The Ravens have a terrible time scouting receivers. Lots of teams have similar issues. No team is perfect.
Alex
2:22
Do you think the Steelers should resign Bud?  I'm in the minority, but i think it would be crazy to spend that type of money on a LB whose had one good year. Even this year, he didn't beat his man one on one many times.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
No, but I think they should tag him.
Alex
2:22
I would bet Hargrave is more impactful over the next 5 years than Bud. Would you sign Hargrave over Bud?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
I would not. With Tuitt and Heyward as the top two DL, Hargrave wouldn't play enough to have the impact that Dupree is likely to have.
Jon
2:23
I thought the team would have made more coaching changes by now.  Should we expect at least a WR coach to be hired soon?  Or will everything remain status quo?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
I think you'll see that WR coach announced soon.
RJT
2:24
Feiler played well at right tackle.  I have heard they are considering moving Chuks to left guard.  Do you think this is likely?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
I've been to most Steelers practices in the past two years. I'm guessing 80 to 90 percent overall, and I've never seen Okorafor take a rep at guard. When Ramon Foster was hurt for the Rams game they moved Feiler inside and had Chuks start at right tackle. I don't know. Chuks just doesn't strike me as a guard.
rcc prof
2:26
If I were doing this year's draft, I would select a speedy wide receiver, a running back with quickness, a nose tackle and a couple of offensive lineman. That's assuming Dupree is still a steeler and the good ole boys allowed me in the room. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
I like your thinking. You're pretty spot on.
Mike Hilton Here
2:26
Am I a steeler next year?  Everyone keeps talking about 48 but what about 28?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Mike, I think you'll get a second-round tender and make about $3 million a year.
Emma
2:27
Ray even if Bud is tagged , if a OLB or ILB even safety, any Of those has a 1st Rd talent is there at 49 pick I would take them compared to a second rd talent al offense position.. what would you do? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
I'd take the best offensive player available unless there is someone sitting there at 49 they had a first-round grade on.
John
2:29
If about same yearly money Or little more for hunter henry Why not get him and let vance mc go? Is it possible ? Or keep him with Ben ..
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
There is no way they could know if they could definitely sign Henry. I mean, they could release McDonald and hope they can sign Henry, but what happens if they can't? Plus, you' be bringing in one injury-prone TE for another. Not sure that would be the best move considering their luck with free agent TEs in recent years. Remember Ladarius green?
Guest
2:30
With some of the top RB prospects returning to college for another year, do you think there will be a RB worthy of drafting with the 49th pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
I'm guessing not, but we'll see.
Ryno
2:30
I know QB is the most important position, but isnt it crazy how much cap space one player gobbles up?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Yes, that's why there has been some talk about separate salary caps for Qbs in the next CBA.
Doug from Raleigh
2:31
Are you a little surprised as I am that AV78 has dropped from All Star status to no new contract as fast as he did?  I realize he's older than his years as a Steeler would suggest, due to his military commitment, but even at 31 or 32 this seems sudden.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
I think Villanueva is definitely one of the players negatively impacted by Ben's injury. He's an OK pass protector, not a good run blocker. Either way, I think he'll play out the final year of his contract and then they'll get younger.
Utah Jim
2:33
With at least some teams becoming more run heavy, especially the Ravens, will the Steelers use their base 3-4 more often and do they have the defensive tackles on the roster needed for that style?
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