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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.04.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Maybe they'll do that next year. Pouncey has two years left on his deal. Why draft a guy who will sit for two years?
JuJu
2:28
Ray, since Art Rooney has publicly stated the Steelers need to run the ball more and effectively, the 2nd Rd pick will be?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
I said an offensive lineman in my first mock draft. Here is the link if you missed it: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/02/03/Ray-Fittipaldo...
But I can also see them taking a RB, TE or WR. They have needs at those positions too.
Hugh DeMann
2:30
The popular sentiment seems to be that the Steelers will tag Dupree, but in various lists of top free agents he doesn't make the top-50. Maybe the demand for Dupree isn't as high fans think? Maybe a reasonable deal can be worked out with him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Sorry, but I have a hard time putting any stock into a list where Dupree isn't among the top 25 free agents much less the top 50.
Sasha
2:31
Hello.  Barring injuries or unforeseen circumstances, does Ryan Switzer make the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
If they draft a WR it will be tough for Switzer to make this team.
Greg
2:32
What's your take on the XFL? Should we Steelers fans start watching it to pass the time until our team starts back up again?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Sure, knock yourself out. I'll pass though.
SteelersFanInGA
2:33
As draft time approaches without a first round pick how do you grade the Fitzpatrick trade?  I say big win for the Steelers.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Huge win. He's an All-Pro.
AK
2:33
Do you think Faneca will get in the Hall of Fame, or permanently suffer from Steelers bias?  What do think of Peter King not voting for Polamalu and his explanation?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
I don't really understand why Peter King did what he did much less admit to that line of thinking. It really shouldn't be that hard as a voter. You vote for the five guys you think are the best. Period. Why are people making this into some kind of sympathy party for fringe Hall of Famers?
Fringe candidates...
Fishing the Mon
2:34
Hi Ray, assuming a 100% healthy Ben, are the Steelers current OL options good enough to draft the best available offensive skill position (even if its a reach ala Edmunds)?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Sure, but I wouldn't discount a lineman at No. 49. When are they going to address the age of the unit? It has to be soon.
GPT
2:35
Ben's recovery is obviously factor #1 in determining if the Steelers are a playoff team next year.  What is #2?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Their ability to supplement the offense with an effective running game that complements the offense and the defense.
Steeler Fan Dan
2:36
Ron Cook wrote today that the NFL is headed to a 17-game season. How do you think this will effect the preseason schedule? What happened to talk of an 18-game schedule? As a season ticket holder of 30+ years, I'll like to see preseason reduced to 2 games, 1 home/1 away. An 18- game schedule with 2 preseason games still adds up to 20 paydays for owners and 1 less ripoff for season ticket holders .
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
I'd much rather see the league to expanded playoffs rather than an extended regular season. I think they generate just as much revenue if they do that.
KDUB
2:37
After watching the Chiefs, it made me realize how far away the Steelers are offensively. Not to mention the Ravens. It really makes me sick that that their window of opportunity has been squandered while having Ben. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
The 49ers made Mahomes look pretty average for three quarters. If the 49ers had won we'd all be talking about how defense and running games can still win championships. The Steelers have a championship-caliber defense. Now it's all about building around it and finding some final pieces for the offense.
AK
2:39
If Faneca had the same stats and played for a different team, he’d be in;yes?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Yes.
Guest
2:40
I am a believer can sign a RB off the streets if your O line is good enough and have a decent passing game to prevent Defenses from stacking the box. Why is everyone so high on taking a RB? we need a TE/OL. Heck, id even go defense in the second round before RB. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
I'm with you unless there is a generational back that falls to them at 49. Otherwise, I agree. Fix the line.
Alan
2:41
Do you think there will be any RBS available in round 2 worth taking?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
My guess on Feb. 4 is probably not.
kevin in Punxsy
2:41
Now that "Groundhog Day" is over we can all focus on the State of the Steelers. (Just joking)  Ray, do you think that moving Feiler to left guard and replacing him with a true ROT is enough to form a legitimate OL?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
I think it's a start, and it has less to do with Feiler and more to do with him being an immediate upgrade over Foster at left guard. So, in essence, Feiler's versatility allows them to get better at two positions if they identify a capable RT in the draft or promote an in-house candidate like Zach Banner or Chuks Okorafor.
Gm
2:43
Hi Ray, thanks for the mock draft yesterday.  I saw a different 7 round draft yesterday, and it had us drafting a CB with our 1st pick?  Did I miss something or will that be a need sooner than later?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
No, you didn't miss anything. The Steelers signed Steven Nelson to a three-year deal last March, and they signed Joe Haden to a three-year deal in August. They're set at CB for a couple of more years.
Greg
2:44
I think I remember reading that any international Steelers games would involve the opponent changing their home game (which would have been an away Steelers game anyway) since we signed a stadium lease that guarantees a certain number of home games each year. Is that true? If we went to a 17 game schedule would that change?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
That is true, and yes, that could potentially change things with a 17-game schedule.
Jim
2:45
which divisional opponent's venue has the best food in the pressbox?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
It really is the offseason, isn't it.
AK
2:46
Maybe King should vote for Faneca next year instead of Peyton Manning, if that’s how he thinks😜
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
Right. If he's consistent, he'll do that.
Nate
2:46
Hi Ray, I know your mock draft had an Olineman in 2nd round.  But what if RB or WR with 1st round grade falls in the draft.  Would you still go with that Olineman, or are you now picking that skill position player?  I know some people feel it all starts in the trenches, so I'm curious if you'd now be swayed differently.  Thanks!
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