You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.02.21
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
I would have leaned toward that type of coach, too. Tomlin interviewed James Campen, who had been a longtime line coach with the Packers and most recently with the Chargers. Not sure why he wasn't an option or why Klemm was better for the job, but these Canada and Klemm hires could come to define Tomlin's later years as the Steelers head coach.
Tprod
2:31
Ray, given the reports of coaches turning down interviews, have the Steelers prospects diminished so much that outside coaches no longer wish to work for the them?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Who is turning down interviews?
Tina
2:32
Hi Ray, did Coach Tomlin stay away from the Senior Bowl because of the virus travel restrictions?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
There were restrictions this year, but I know the Steelers were represented by others there. Could just be a matter of scouts having to do their jobs with interviews, etc.
Tprod
2:33
Ray, is Okorafor salvageable? PFF rated him as the next to the bottom rated offensive tackle last year. While his pass protection was barely marginal, his run blocking was absolutely atrocious.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
He better be. Unless they draft a tackle who comes in and starts AND they bring back Zach Banner, it looks like Okorafor is going to start. He's a finesse tackle. Not great in the run game. I thought he was solid in pass pro. Bottom line: big year for him in terms of getting a second contract with the Steelers. I think he has to show more in his fourth year if he wants to sign another deal.
Zuzu
2:35
LB or CB...which position will the Steelers draft first?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Could make an argument for either. CB could be a big need with Hilton and Sutton unrestricted free agents and Haden and Nelson entering the final years of their deals. But ILB could be a big need as well, especially if they cut Vince Williams for cap purposes. Also, they could use a good backup behind Watt and Highsmith.
Jim Brown
2:37
Don't the Steelers have to draft a running back in the first round, assuming there is a star still on the board? After all that is the position most easily learned.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
They certainly do not have to draft a back in the first round. Lots of good backs have gone in the second and third round in recent years. I will point out this is a top-heavy RB class. In my opinion, there is a dropoff after Harris and Etienne. So if you really like one of them you might feel compelled to take them in the first round.
Greg
2:38
Watched the playoffs this year and I don't see any way the Steelers are competitive next year. Maybe they could sneak in next year but they wouldn't stand a chance. Move on from BR and get a mid-tier priced QB to compete with MR to see who can throw the most competent passes mid level and beyond. This opens up the running game since the line won't be so stacked. Stock up on offense with BPA among OL, TE, RB and even WR in no particular order with the first few picks and build a better offense. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
The Steelers don't think your way. They believe Ben gives them the best chance of winning as long as the cap hit is reduced. So that is what they are working toward.
Tprod
2:39
Ray, why did the run defense falter so badly down the stretch? Missing Bush, Dupree, too many snaps for Hayward and Tuitt, or a schematic issue?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
I think a little bit of everything you mentioned. Losing Bush and Dupree are likely the two biggest factors. You're talking about half your starting LB corps. Heyward and Tuitt were forced to play a lot, so maybe they got worn down. I'm not discounting that. As far as the scheme goes, it's effective if everyone does their job, but we've heard guys like Heyward said it's susceptible if players freelance. So it's a balance. Guys like Tuitt have to do what they're told and not act outside of the defense.
Greg
2:41
Do you seen the Steelers moving down to get more picks this year? The offense needs a near  complete overhaul.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
I won't rule that out. They have a lot of needs so the more picks the better.
SW Steel
2:42
Do you see any scenario where the Steelers unload some expensive talent in order to acquire draft picks this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
If they unload expensive talent it will be for salary cap purposes.
STEEL72
2:42
Does it bother you at all that Antonio Brown or Leveon Bell will get a Super Bowl ring due to the simple act of complaining their way to the top?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
No. Bell barely plays for the Chiefs and Brown has been injured. It's not like they've been crucial pieces to their winning formula.
Diego Montoya
2:43
Will Klemm make any philosophical difference to the offensive line?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
He better.
KN
2:43
Hello. Thank you as always for the chat. I am surprised , as I guess many Steelers fans, about  Klemm hire. Why do you think that Steelers made this move , even though it appears from the outside that he did not make a big impact on the OL working as an assistant OL coach for the last 2 years ? Also , last year you did a series of Steelers draft needs and possible prospects which was awesome.  Do you plan to do it again this year and if so , when would that start ?  Thank you very much.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
My first mock draft will debut Monday. I'll have a little bit of everything you mentioned sprinkled in that mock draft.
Steeler in Virginia
2:44
Since the refs don't call holding anymore, why not just draft run blocking specialists and tell them to just hold on pass plays...
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
Unless, of course, they change the rules again over the offseason and all of a sudden start calling them again. You know the NFL is prone to do that.
Sunner in Orlando
2:45
Which running backs in addition to Conner are shown the door before the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
Not sure any of them will be. You still need depth, especially at RB.
Buzz
2:45
Do they try to move up to get Harris if necessary? Any lineman they are looking "hard" at?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
Not sure it's worth it to move up for a RB. As for the OL, it's a pretty good class.
AK
2:46
Do you generally think drafting a RB in the first round is a good idea?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
I'm not totally against the idea the way some people are.
Diego Montoya
2:47
Was someone like Faneca or Max Starks not available to coach the line, and infuse it with some of that old time philosophy?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
Faneca was here as a coaching intern a few years back, but he's not coaching now. Neither is Starks.
kevin in Punxsy
2:48
Hi Ray.Keep in mind that Nick Saban could afford Marrone because he has help from the AFLAC duck.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Right, I forgot about that.
Ryno
2:48
Thoughts of extending someone like a Joe Haden to push a large cap hit down the road a year or so?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Haden is turning 32. As much as I like him, I'm not sure this team should be extending older players.
DSF
2:49
The TB and KC are both top 2 in passing, but apparently are the 16 and 28 in rushing.  Its a passing league, Isnt the steelers need not necc a new rb, but a QB that doesnt turn the ball over so much?
Connecting…