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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.11.20
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Alan in Nashville
2:47
Hi Ray, I hate to admit this but if the Steelers never cut Landry Jones, they would have been in the playoffs the past two seasons. I'm not saying they would've advanced but if they would've had a QB that could complete a five-yard pass without turning it over last year, with that defense, they would've been in. Same with the Raider game the year before. Win that game and they were in. Do you agree? It scares me that they are willing to go into a season with very little experience behind a questionable Ben
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
They cut Landry Jones because Josh Dobbs beat him out. You can argue if they were right, but that was their thought process.
James
2:49
Ray, compared to Kevin Colbert, how much influence does Mike Tomlin have in deciding who the Steelers draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
Mike and Kevin attend a lot of pro days together. He has quite a bit of input throughout the process.
'Double Divot Dewey
2:50
Hi Ray - thanks for the chats........if the defense can just stay pat (not even improve), I think the return of #7 will improve the OL, TE, WR and RB enough to be competitive with the Ravens in our division again - what say Ray?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:50
I agree with you although I still think the Ravens would be the preseason favorites.
Doyle37
2:50
Steelers look at Lee ? Too old ? Too costly ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:50
Probably both.
Max
2:51
Ray can you please help us understand what makes an O-lineman good against the pass but weaker against the run?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:52
Well, for a guy like Villanueva, who is 6-9, it's pretty simple. Leverage is always going to be difficult for him to achieve in the run game. But in pass pro, that long wingspan can be quite effective when he's on top of his game. It's hard to get around someone that big, too.
TXSteeler
2:52
You say theyll fravhise Bud buut also that they shouldn’t cut Barron or Vance. Seems that they cant oossible clear enoygh cap spacce to sign Bud, the restricted FAs, and their draft picks if they dont cut ine of not both. Can you emplain?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:52
Cut Foster and Chickillo and sign heyward to a new deal. That might be enough right there.
Nate
2:52
Hi Ray, thanks for the chats!  I've seen a few mock drafts where TEs aren't being picked until 2nd round.  As you have mentioned before, not alot of great talent this year.  However, are there any TEs you do like and would be a good pick in 2nd round?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:53
Maybe Cole Kmet or Harrison Bryant. And maybe the guy from Missouri. But honestly, I'm not sure I would do it. I've watched all of those guys. I think they can find a better skill player at 49.
Heath Miller Fan
2:53
I understand your suggestion to go with either OL or WR because of depth but can you allow another season to collapse because conner and/or McDonal are hurt AGAIN?  Both have to be a priority As well.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:54
Sure, but maybe not in the second round. Maybe you address those a bit later in the draft.
Brian
2:54
Ray, who is the most cooperative interview in your  career and the most stand off-ish on the Steelers  ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:55
Cam Heyward has to be at the top of the list. Others like Markice Pouncey and Joe Haden are really good, too. I could name a bunch of the standoffish guys but I won't.
ASIANGOLFERMAN
2:55
when will all the cuts start happening?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:55
New league year begins March 18 so a week or so before that.
Nate
2:55
Hi Ray, what type of receiver do you think the Steelers will draft?  I'm hoping for a taller one with great hands and can run 4.3-4.4.  It feel like they already have too much of the same.  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:55
Read my story on Monday. I write all about that.
Steeler_Bee
2:55
Whats your take on these mobile QB/s, is it just a matter of time before they get hurt and find themselves on the shelf. For every Wilson, there are lot more Vince Young and RGIII.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:56
Maybe, but most of them including Lamar Jackson did a nice job of not taking big hits this year. I know that can change anytime, but I think NFL coaches are getting smarter on how to use them. And the players are getting smarter, too. They know when to get down, when to go out of bounds, etc.
sean
2:57
is jericho cotchery really qualified as a WR coach or is he currently holding that position somewhere? Not taking any shots at him I jus dont remember hearing him in that vein until recently
Ray Fittipaldo
2:57
He has been an assistant WRs coach in Carolina.
TXSteeler
2:57
Foster and Chik acxoubt for leas than $7mm savibgs. No matter what you did with Heyward thats not enoygh to get Bud, their draft picks, and reayricted FA - let alone alone sign other fillers. Sorry Ray, doesnt add up
Ray Fittipaldo
2:58
The Steelers would save $9 million by cutting Foster and Chickillo. Heyward counts $13 million on the cap, but obviously much less with a new deal.
Guest
2:58
Do you see the O-line as good enough or in decline and is there any word on the Pouncey / Decastro injuries?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:58
Still good, but they have to get younger.
3:00
Ok thanks for all the great questions. If I didn't get to any of your questions I'll try to address them Friday when we tape the podcast. Be sure to download and listen.
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