JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.02.21

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.02.21

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Ray Fittipaldo

2:22

Claypool should only get better. Next step is for him to be a 1,000-yard WR and make more big plays in the passing game.

Justin

2:22

Any word on any of the Steelers Free Agents they are working to resign?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:23

No word yet, but Cam Sutton, Mike Hilton, Tyson Alualu and Zach Banner are ones to monitor. Maybe Matt Feiler, but I think he'll end up making some nice money on the open market.

2:23

I’m very doubtful that Fields falls to #24. If he did, should the Steelers draft him in your opinion?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:24

They should strongly consider it. But I'm with you. He's not falling that far.

2:24

It seems like the free agent center from the Packers will likely be out of the Steelers price range?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:24

You are correct. He'll make $11 or $12 million a year. The Steelers can't pay that.

Mikey

2:24

Ray,

In last week's chat you put your foot down and essentially said "Quit asking about Bud, they drafted Highsmith to replace him." Can we also say "Quit asking about drafting a QB, they signed Haskins for nothing, he is as good a prospect as any incoming rook, and he eliminates the need to draft a QB?"

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

I would agree with you for the most part. They do need a fourth arm for camp, but that could be a free agent. Or maybe a mid- or late-round pick. They are expected to have nine picks so don't be shocked if they take one at some point. I just don't think you'll see it in the early rounds.

MrCJJr

2:26

Hi Ray, Thanks for the chats...good stuff as usual. Question: Do you think Claypool's numbers will drop if JuJu is gone (similar to JuJu's did after AB left)?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:28

Great receivers don't depend on other players taking coverage away, etc. The truly elite receivers make plays no matter what. Claypool has No. 1 WR traits. He has the size and speed to do it. He's not there yet, but I don't see Smith-Schuster leaving as something that will hinder Claypool. They'll have to find a competent slot/possession type WR to replace JJSS, but as long as they do that there shouldn't be a big dropoff.

Matt from LA

2:29

I read over and over the past few weeks that bringing Ben back gives us the best chance of winning. My question is: WIN WHAT? The Super Bowl? PLEEEEEEEASE! The division? Unlikely! A playoff game? Big maybe! So, why delay the inevitable? Bringing him back just delays and denies us the opportunity to fill other holes on the team. Making his contract cap friendly only ties up future cap money. To me, it is a bad decision for all involved other than Ben's bank account!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

Other teams like to tear it down and do the total rebuild. The Steelers don't subscribe to that way of team building. Every year they're trying to win a Super Bowl.

Ralph

2:30

Hi Ray.Do you see any chance at all Pittsburgh trading up for Trey Lance or another quarterback.Thanks

Ray Fittipaldo

2:32

I highly doubt it unless they absolutely love one of those guys. Otherwise, you might have heard they need a center, a left tackle, a tight end and No. 3 OLB, maybe a nose guard, maybe a corner. You get the point. The Steelers build through the draft. They went for it when they traded up to get Devin Bush. But you can't go for it all the time. You need those draft picks to restock your roster.

2:33

What do you think will happen with Vince Williams?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:35

When it comes to potential cap casualties I always look at age and cap hit. And Williams is over 30 and carries a big cap hit. My guess is they ask him to come back on a cheaper deal, but I'm not sure he'll accept that. In that event, they'll probably release him. I still think Williams has value for the Steelers, but he carries a big number for a part-time player.

Matt from LA

2:35

The HBO "Real Sports'" story about the lack of minority head coaching hirings in NFL, despite the "Rooney Rule," revealed the true hypocrisy of the NFL! Token interviews with minority candidates is not the way to end discrimination no matter Goodell says.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:36

I agree. Mike Tomlin had some additional thoughts on that in a column that Ron Cook filed over the weekend. I would encourage NFL fans to read it. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/ron-cook/2021/02/27/pittsburgh-ste...

2:37

Would you consider Sean Davis a bust?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:38

He was a second-round pick who started a bunch of games. Not good enough to sign a contract, but bust? No, I don't think of him as a bust. Scott Shields was a bust if you're looking for underwhelming safeties drafted in the second round.

2:38

Hi Ray. Thanks for the chats and insights. Does any team run the ball effectively if the quarterback stays in the gun most of the time? Isn’t play action the key to opening up running lanes? I guess I’m asking if there is any point in drafting a Najee Harris if we are just going to try draw plays.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:39

The Steelers are revamping their running game. If they are serious about getting better they will tell BR he has to get under center and run play-action. It's really that simple.

Forca

2:39

Ray I know im not a scout but the more I watch Javonte Wiliams the more i can picture him in black and gold. Wise move to trade down and Rd1 add some picks and select this kid? btw Tomlinson on NFL network grades him best RB coming out.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:39

We shall see. He's probably the No. 3 RB after Najee Harris and Travis Etienne.

Ryan

2:40

Good afternoon Ray what do you think about the Steelers drafting Robert hainsey the guard out of Notre Dame

Ray Fittipaldo

2:40

In the middle or later rounds, sure.

2:41

Do you anticipate cuts or restructuring to get under the cap? A little of both? If cuts are looming, who do you see as a surprise?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:41

I don't know about surprises, but Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Dave DeCastro and Vince Williams all have bloated cap hits.

MD Jay

2:42

With so many potential holes on the roster, where should the Steelers focus first? And... any chance Jesse James could return if released by Detriot?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:43

James was an OK blocker, but it's not like he was great at it. But I could see him coming back if they can't find a better option in free agency or the draft.

Dave loves Ray

2:43

Steelers need depth at ILB. See VanNoy was cut. If he’s healthy, they could plug him in for more than a few years in the Williams role, assuming he doesn’t resign with his old team the Pats. Two years younger and great locker room leader. Thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:43

He'll make too much money.

2:44

#19, back or not?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:44

Highly doubt it.

iowasteelersfan

2:44

There aren't many Heath Millers out there in the NCAA anymore. With that said, do you think they should look for a blocker to help the run game or a pass catcher this draft to help Ben more quickly? Any names?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:45

Jeremy Sprinkle and McCoyle Pruitt are a couple of TEs who are about to become free agents. Low-teir free agents that are likely affordable for the Steelers. If you're looking in the draft I suppose Pat Freiermuth is the closest thing to a complete old-school tight end, but he still has a ways to go with his blocking.

Jerry

2:46

What do you think of Edmunds going forward?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:46

I can't see them picking up his fifth-year option, so I am thinking he's like Jarvis Jones -- a first-round pick that's only here for 4 years.

2:46

Do you think we'll see more McFarland next year? I thought he earned more touches than he got

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