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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.13.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
Two very good coaching staffs although Shanahan has held two 10-point leads in Super Bowls over the Chiefs and failed to win either game. That was after he was the OC for the Falcons when they blew a 28-3 lead to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. We can criticize Tomlin all we want, but at least he got one Super Bowl on his resume.
Ben
2:46
Do you think the Omar was pissed that the SB went to OT? It seems like he couldn't get those guys out of the building fast enough!! Hard to believe they couldn't get something for Chuks though, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
Late-round pick maybe. And I'm sure they tried. It's hard to trade someone when everyone knows he's not going to be on your roster. So just wait it out and then sign him, and you don't have to give up anything in return. Seems pretty simple to me.
DL from NJ
2:47
Other than QB and assuming cost was reasonable, who would you trade up for in this draft and what position would you target?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Could be several positions if they have a high enough grade on a guy -- CB, DL or OL. Just depends on how they see these prospects and how they're coming off the board on Day 1 of the draft.
John from Toronto
2:49
Kyle Shanahan has blown 10 point leads three times in the Super Bowl. Twice as a HC, once as an OC. Unlucky? Cursed? Or due to win the big one soon?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
D.) Doesn't know how to close out games.
Steve in Canton
2:49
How much cap space do the Steelers have available with Monday's cuts? If they cut Robinson and Peterson, will they have enough to sign a big-name player or two?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:50
The Steelers never sign big-name players in free agency. Their big moves are usually tier 2 types like Isaac Seumalo last year. And yes, with the moves you mentioned, they can make that happen.
Steve in Canton
2:50
So Kenny Pickett will be 26 to start next season. Isn't "pushing the ball down the field more, more big plays, reading defenses better, improving his accuracy, not turning his back on oncoming rushers and running into sack" a lot to ask from a guy who should be in his prime?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
I guess we're going to find out. And I have my suspicions on how it's going to turn out. But let's see how he does with a new OC before we usher him out of the building.
Artie
2:51
Hi Ray, I hear a lot of talk for the need to find Cam's replacement.  I was under the impression that Benton was his replacement. Shouldn't they be trying to find Ogbunjobi's replacement? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:52
Benton isn't a five technique. He's a nose tackle who can bump out and play three technique in sub-packages. The Steelers need a future five technique. And I readily admit the colleges aren't producing them like they used to.
Artie
2:52
Hi Ray - do you think they're going to focus on CB, OC, and DL with the first 3 picks assuming the board falls their way, or it OT a very high priority
Ray Fittipaldo
2:53
I could see them going OT too, but I am going to guess four or five tackles will already be off the board by the time the Steelers pick at No. 20.
Steve in Canton
2:53
Does cutting Trubisky, Harvin and Chuks equate to a change in Steelers philosophy? I don't recall the team releasing players this early, or right after the Super Bowl.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:54
Different regimes do things in different ways. Kevin Colbert would always make these moves just before the start of the new league year and free agency. Now Khan and Weidl make them earlier. We all knew they were coming so it doesn't really change anything.
Rocky,
2:54
Ray, why do they keep talking about KP as the starter?  Isn't it Mason's job to lose?  He has demonstrated that he can win when it counts.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:55
But Rudolph is not under contract. He's set to become a free agent. And I'm not sure if he re-signs if it will actually be an open competition although I think it should be.
mrbig
2:55
Do you think the nfl didn't want to give the steelers 2 awards (Walter Payton & dpoy) so they pulled this ridiculous Myles Garrett stunt?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:56
The NFL doesn't pull those strings. The Associated Press has a cast of voters from across the country vote on those awards, including DPOY. Well, I shouldn't say across this country. I think they have some people from at least one other country vote. Funny how that works.
Steve in Canton
2:57
Would you do a trade for Justin Fields for a 3rd rounder this year or in 2025?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:57
For a third rounder I'd consider it, but again it goes against what Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney said after the season ended. But hey, situations present themselves and you have to react.
Steve in Canton
2:58
Is there a center in free agency that would be an upgrade over Mason Cole?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:58
Lloyd Cushenberry is probably the top free agent center unless I'm missing someone else. And I'm not familiar enough with his game to give you a good answer.
KJ
2:59
I missed the Pat MacAfee Show yesterday.  What did Adam Shefter say on that show regarding the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:59
Something to the effect that Mike Tomlin loves or likes Justin Fields.
Bubbymopsupfornobody!
2:59
Ray, Dionte Johnson is closing in on 30 and hardly a superstar. Do you foresee a lucrative multiyear extension?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:59
I don't.
Rocky,
2:59
I believe with all the cap money they have now they could sign Mike Evans to a 3 year contract for $45 million and shore up the receiver room.  What say you ?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:00
Good year for WRs in the draft so just draft one high in the first two days.
Steve in Canton
3:00
Thanks for the chats Ray. When will your next mock draft be coming out?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:01
The week after the combine.
Luca
3:01
Just curious.  You said that 5 OTs could be drafted before. 20.  Maybe.  But they’d all be LTs.  Daniel Jeremiah has about 8 tackles with first round grades including several who play only RT.  Wouldn’t drafting a pure RT make sense so we could move Jones over to his more natural LT position?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:02
Yes. JC Latham would be perfect. I'd do that in a heartbeat, but there are no guarantees he'd be there at No. 20.
Steve in Canton
3:03
After seeing him in practice recently, what round in the draft do you see QB Michael Penix Jr. going in?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:03
Guessing mid to late Day 2 some team will take a chance on him.
Marnie
3:03
What makes a OT better at Left tackle than Right tackle?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:04
Left tackles tend to be more athletic and more important if you have a right handed QB because he's protecting the blind side.
Mark
3:04
Do you see Tyler Boyd as a Steeler this upcoming season?
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