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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.24.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
Someone with traits like Allar. Those developmental guys who have traits you can't teach.
Bpos
12:20
Is it a stretch to say the Steelers are one step short of desperate to have Rogers return? Sure, they could get by with having Rudolf start the season, but they'd have to likely overpay for a Malik Willis, who is still a sketchy option anyway, and all the other FA QB's have major baggage. No one is thrilled about Rogers returning but he seems by far, the best option, unless you are rooting for a losing season.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
I agree, and I think they agree too.
Stairway to seventh seed
12:21
Ray: wasn't Jackson Dart a far better prospect than Ty Simpson?  Better stats in the same conference, more college experience, a way better athlete, similar accuracy and arm strength.  Does it make sense to pass on Dart at 21 one year to take Simpson at 21 the next?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
No it does not which is why Simpson seems unlikely for the Steelers.
Bill
12:22
Ray--Which DL should the Steelers draft and when? Decent NTs seem to outnumber the DEs.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
They have four picks in rounds 2 and 3 so I'm guessing somewhere in that range.
Ogk71000
12:23
Greetings Ray, hope all is well! Given the interest that Omar has on bringing back Gainwell would you consider trading Jaylen to give Kaleb more reps? It seems that the Steelers have missed on a few draft picks the last couple of years.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
I don't think so. Johnson has to earn what he gets. He didn't play well as a rookie so I don't think they're going to promote him at the expense of a player who has been productive from the day he set foot in the building.
Nakedcurtis
12:25
I’m tired of being stuck in the middle. At what point does management embrace the suck ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
Don't hold your breath. The Steelers always want to build a team that can compete.
IL Steel
12:26
Do the Steelers have enough significant draft capital to move up in both the 1st and 2nd rounds and still have a 3rd & 4th? I'd really like to get starters rather than projects.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
Depends how much you want to move up in each round. If it's only a few spots the cost isn't as high. But if you want to jump a bunch of teams you're going to pay a premium price.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:27
Who are your cap casualties this year? Queen, Harrison a few of the corners and safties,  Austin, Seumalo?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Seumalo and Austin wouldn't be labeled as cap casualties. They're going to be free agents. Guys like Queen would be categorized that way. Khan was asked about Queen today but didn't really tip his hand one way or the other. As I have been saying, the new staff is going to have some input on these decisions. And we don't really know how they feel about guys like Queen.
Carl in Carrick
12:30
Hi Ray.  I’m old enough remember when offensive linemen like the late Jim Otto wore neck collars to protect against injury.  It’s rare to see that these days.  With the injury to Broderick Jones, don’t you think it would make sense for linemen to wear such collars?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
Those collars restrict your range of motion. It's harder to see the whole field. I think for the most part they're worn now if the player is coming off a stringer. I don't think many wear them to prevent injuries. It's to deal with current injuries.
George T
12:32
Hi Ray, I am hearing the Steelers will have 12 in this year’s draft.  With the QB class not with any depth should they use the draft to get younger and build the roster?  I would not use any for the day 1 & 2 picks to move up unless we get one back. We need WR, CB, and S with DL and OL depth.  I use day 3 picks to help get these.  I also hear Steelers should not use all 12 picks but I ask why? What is the difference between a 7 round pick and undrafted free agent?  How would you like them to use their draft picks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Ideally, they can trade and acquire picks for next year's draft, which is expected to be much better than this draft especially at QB. But that's easier said than done. So I guess if there's a player you really want you go up to get him. Otherwise, sit tight and make your picks early and then move up on Day to get some prospects you think won't last.
MM 2.0
12:34
Ray, Please shed some light on something. When the subject of extending Ben after his injury was in the news I seem to recall that Colbert was not on board with it but Tomlin and AR2 were. Do I have that correct?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
I think you're on the right track.
Southside Jimmy
12:34
Ray, did Omar say anything at the combine that surprised you?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Not really. To me, the biggest news to come out of this morning was the uncertainty surrounding Broderick Jones. He's a former No. 14 overall pick and they don't know a timeline for his return three months after he had surgery.
Peter
12:36
Hi Ray. Thanks for your time. Assume we pick up a stud WR in draft. McCarthyis said to like one TE sets. Presumably that means Muth. Where does Washington fit in? He was a real asset last season. Too good to sit out most plays
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Khan said earlier today they'd like to sign Washington. He's their best run blocker I think Washington and Freiermuth can coexist in Mike McCarthy's offense.
Mike From PH
12:38
Hi Ray - I'm not convinced the JP jr. has become the shutdown corner that many are proclaiming...is there any talk of extending him this year (hopefully not)? I think he needs another season to prove himself...and it would also be wise for the team to pick a corner in the top 3 rounds.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
He's one of their top offseason priorities. He's trending in the right direction. He might not be a shutdown CB yet, but he could be that in the near future.
George T
12:39
Ray, do you think Mendoza is a franchise QB and if so what draft capital would you give up to get him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
I don't think he's a can't-miss prospect especially with the Raiders being his likely team. But if you surround him with good coaches and good players I think he can be a good NFL QB.
Mountain Gus
12:40
Back to Broderick Jones......what exactly is his injury?  I recall seeing it.  A player kind of blatently yanked his head towards the ground intentially and he was in distress.  It was obvious Jones was upset with the play and knew he was injured immediately.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I saw the play a different way. Jones ducked his head, which put him in a bad spot. Yes, the defender made an unnatural move that might have injured Jones, but Jones put himself in that position because he has a bad habit of ducking his head.
12:43
OK that's all the time I have today. I have to go get some interviews at the combine. We'll do another chat next Tuesday.
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