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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.07.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
He was OK. I see him in some first-round mocks and I'm not sure what those people see.
Tom
2:51
i really think Conner Heyward can be a big contributor on offense.  he runs good routes and has great hands.   should he be a TE or FB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
He can be both
Whenisthenonlosingseasonparade?
2:51
Lots of talk now about looking for physical corners that can tackle and that makes me nervous.  Has the Steelers' problem with drafting corners been that they keep taking bigger guys with straight line speed that can't change direction that well (e.g. Layne, Burns, Cortez Allen)?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:52
Stop with the rundown of names. You're giving Steelers fans nightmares. This is a new regime with Andy Weidl and Sheldon White at the top of the scouting department. Some new sets of eyes on the position could be a benefit.
Heath
2:54
I read that the Steelers may be interested in OL with position flexibility. Why? That is good for backups but shouldn't starters be dominant at one position?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:55
All of their backups are unrestricted free agents. So anyone they draft in the middle rounds must have position flexibility. You have to have versatility if you're a backup offensive lineman. That's how you stay in the league.
If youre a backup...
Tom
2:56
What are the Steelers looking for if they go OL in early rounds? Do they want run blocking size, athletic pass protectors, position flexibility...?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:57
If they go OL at 17 I would think they'd target a left tackle. If at 32 or 49, a guard or right tackle could be in play.
NJ Dan
2:57
Hi Ray - where is the depth and quality in this upcoming draft - how does it align with the Steelers most pressing needs?  Thanks much
Ray Fittipaldo
2:57
Corners, edge rushers and tight ends is where there is quality depth. Interior O-line is decent too.
Jay
2:57
Hello Ray.  Gerry seems to think OL, DL, and CB as the 3 biggest needs.  How about MLB, ED, or WR?  I might be just as concerned in those areas.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:58
I agree with Gerry, and I have OLB as their fourth biggest need.
Mike from DC
2:58
Hey Ray, what do you think of the Steelers bringing in coach Whipple as a senior offensive assistant?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:59
I like the idea, but I haven't heard any buzz on Whipple returning.
Plumbster
2:59
Ray, the big dude from Baylor IKA, in your opinion is he exactly what they need in the middle. If so at 17 or 32?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:00
I wouldn't take him until the third round. I just don't see a three-down player. Sure he could help the run defense, but he's not a guy who would be very effective against passing teams. I see him going somewhere in the 50-100 range. Someone could take him late in the second round, but I think the Steelers have bigger needs than a nose tackle at that point of the draft.
3:01
Ok thanks for all the great questions this week. My mock draft comes out tomorrow morning. We can discuss it in detail next week in the chat. Enjoy the Super Bowl!
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