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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.06.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Gary - LA
1:57
Hello Ray. As always, thank you for your insights. QB questions - Can the Steelers negotiate with Mason Rudolph before the start of free agency next month? Also if not Rudolph, do you think the Steelers would sign another QB in free agency?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
Yes, the Steelers can negotiate with Rudolph in the coming weeks before free agency although once a player get this close to finding out their value on the open market they rarely re-sign with their current team.
Matty Steeler
1:58
Hey Ray! Crystal ball in hand, what positions do you think the Steelers are more likely to tackle in free agency and which do you think will be addressed in the draft. Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
I can definitely see the Steelers signing a veteran receiver in free agency to take the place of Allen Robinson, who is likely to get cut in a salary cap move. I also think they'll draft a WR. Also, this is not a great class for defensive linemen so I could see the Steelers signing a DT in free agency. All depends on the value in free agency compared to how they see the draft.
Guest
2:00
Ray who are your choices for the New WR. Coach
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
I think Smith should get to interview and have a say in some of the coaches on his staff. So I think the job likely will go to someone he has worked with in the past. I think it's valuable to have people on staff who know how Smith wants to operate. Having said that, I'd interview Hines Ward for the job if he's interested. He was interested in 2019 after the death of Darryl Drake. But he was employed by the Jets at the time. Since then, Tomlin and/or Fichtner and Canada went in different directions with the hirings of Ike Hilliard and Frisman Jackson. Doesn't seem likely Ward is a candidate this time either, but as I said Smith should have a say in it.
Lefty
2:03
Ray, the Steelers started running the ball well after the bye in 2022. Last year  they started out bad again and then improved after the off week. Seumalo was the only newcomer.  Can you explain what happened and why it took half the season to get back to where they were at the end of 2022?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
Well, Seumalo was new and I think it took some time for him to adapt to the techniques Pat Meyer was teaching. Also, Chuks Okorafor isn't a good run blocker. Broderick Jones is. So when Jones was inserted into the starting lineup around that same time it made a big difference. I think those two things were factors. Having said that, I like that Smith came out and said his offense will have an identity. I can't tell you how many times over the past two years I've heard players say they don't know what the offense's identity is. I mean, it was comical at times because every offense, or defense for that matter, should have a staple they rely on. But under Matt Canada there wasn't that mindset.
DaquidoBazzini
2:06
Hi Ray…The Steelers have been having DL problems for a few years now. I’m guessing since John Mitchell left that position. What keeps DL Coach Karl Dunbar off the hot seat?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Dunbar is well-respected in NFL circles, but I will admit his young linemen haven't developed as well as the team had hoped. How much can you pin on the coach and how much can you pin on the players? I lean toward placing blame on the players, but Dunbar certainly has to see an uptick in play from his group next season or his time might be short.
HereWeGo
2:07
Last season we struggled quite a bit with zone runs and that seems to be Arthur Smiths preferred running scheme, do you think they're gonna focus on getting a new center and tackle and see if that can make the zone runs work more?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
I remember when Mike Munchak came here and his background was in zone running too. But when he got here he saw what he had to work with and adapted. That's what good coaches do. If the Steelers have linemen that are better suited for power I'm sure Smith and his staff will adapt. If they can add players who mesh well with Smith's scheme the front office will do that too. I can't reiterate enough that good coaches can run all kinds of difference schemes.
LYM
2:09
Hi Ray. With 5 picks in top 120, do you see them taking OL and DL with 4 of them?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
I highly doubt that given the needs at WR and CB and ILB too. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if 2 and perhaps 3 OL/DL are among the top 120 picks. By the way, my first mock draft will be published early tomorrow morning.
Nick
2:11
Any ideas what the Steelers will be looking for in new WR coach? In a wide receiver room that lacks  veteran leadership, it seems like Hines Ward would set better expectations for a talented group that sometimes checks out when times get tough.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Someone who can get the message through to George Pickens and Diontae Johnson first and foremost.
Rahn
2:13
Wouldn’t trading Dionte Johnson for a second-rounder both help alter the attitude in the locker room and give the team another pick to target a center and/or a defensive lineman?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
And who will play WR next season? Pickens, Austin and...
Penny Kickett
2:14
Ray, T or F: The first goal of Sir Arthur should be to banish my twirl o Rama into the loving arms of a DL to the trash bin of Steelers/Steagles franchise history?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
That would be a good start
Retire21
2:15
Steelers, though unlikely, play in Brazil to kick off the season since they have a road game with the Eagles. Would you be up for that?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
I'm not sure why it's unlikely. They like to market recognizable brands when they go to places for the first time. And the Steelers are one of the NFL's best brands. Packers are a possibility too as are the Cowboys. My guess is it would be one of those three teams.
KJ
2:18
What is the likelihood that the Steelers are able to land either Hines Ward or Antwaan Randle El to be their new receivers coach?  Have you heard any other names being mentioned as possible candidates?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
As I said earlier, Smith should be able to bring in people who knows and likes to work with. But I think he'll interview people and should talk to Ward.
the real guest
2:20
Ray, Would it be accurate to say you only go big in FA when you need one or two keys pieces to have a real chance at the prize. You don't go big when you are 7 to 8 pieces away. So why would anyone suggest signing a big $ QB now when DL,OL,CB,ILB and WR are in need of 8 or 9 new starters? Seems to me the 2024 focus should be on the draft, assessing KP/MR and reducing dead cap so that 2025 could present a real chance. Agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I agree they have many more important needs other than QB this year. But they'll always attempt to build a roster that can compete for the Super Bowl. That's how they're wired.
Eddie from Kentucky
2:21
I have heard people say the team should cut Dan Moore and for good reason. However, he is on his rookie deal and due to make just over $1 million this coming year. I do not think he should be the starter but if they can draft/sign a RT and move Jones to LT they can then use Moore as the backup. There are worse guys out there who are a lot more expensive. He does have his usefulness. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
The only problem is Mike Tomlin is on record saying Moore is much better on the left side than the right side. So what if Moore has to play because a rookie isn't ready or because there is an injury? I suppose you can flip Jones back to the right side in that situation, but I'd argue you need to find a home for the No. 14 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Or at the very least leave him where he is best-suited.
KJ
2:23
Since you were at the Senior Bowl last week, who were the top corners and receivers you saw, and what is the likelihood the Steelers are able to draft any of them?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Quinyon Mitchell was the top CB hands down. He might be available at No. 20 if they like him. There were a lot of good receivers. I think they can wait until Day 2 or even Day 3 and still get one that can help the offense.
Retire21
2:24
If Mike Vrabel is not picked up by anyone could you see a scenario like Brian Flores where he comes here for a year in a special capacity?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
I would think someone with Vrabel's background and success as a head coach would be a great asset for any NFL team.
KJ
2:25
Do you believe the Michigan receiver who was at the Senior Bowl will be available in round 2? Does he have the upside to be a #1 NFL receiver? How was his work ethic and commitment to getting better during the week?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Roman Wilson? He's part of a deep WR class. And teams will draft based on the type of WR they need. Wilson is a bigger guy with good hands and some burst to his game. I think late second to early fourth is his range.
Big Lew
2:26
Ray, I really love your insights and appreciate all that you and all the guys at the gazette do. With that being said I would really wish we would address OT round 1 in the draft, and a stud C in round 2. Unless we are blown away with some CB that blows us away to pair with Porter. I know DL is a big concern and I hope we can add a piece later in draft with this years crop of d-lineman being considered a weak class at top. Hopefully Omar can get us some d-line help in free agency. What are your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
I don't think you're off base, but I could see the Steelers going with a center first if they think there is one worthy of being the No. 20 overall pick. And for the record, I wouldn't argue with a corner, either. They've drafted an offensive player with their first pick every year since 2020. At some point you have to add high-end players to ensure the defense continues to excel.
LYM
2:29
Hi Ray, watching NFL Networks SB episodes this weekend reminded me how teams need HOF caliber players to get to SB and win it. None of them seemed to have less than 5 (actual HOFs or candidates). This team may have at most 3. Maybe fans should think about that before claiming they fail every year without a playoff win. Getting there with the talent they’ve have is impressive. Hopefully this draft class and last will add the 3-4 HOFs they’re missing.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
If they add 3 or 4 HOFers this spring they should put Omar in the Hall of Fame too!
LSU Nate
2:30
Favorite non-Steeler stadium you have been to?
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