You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.03.20
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
His 2020 cap hit is around $7 million. It's a possibility, but I think they want to avoid that.
Stinkpot
2:22
Really enjoy your chats. WR's Mims & Hamler, TE's Kmet & Trautman and RB Edwards-Helaire are all unpicked at 49. Who do you pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Hmmm. I'd take Mims or Hamler, I think. Hamler is smaller, but great in space. Can stretch the field. Can be used underneath and get YAC. Mims is taller and maybe has a higher ceiling. He's a blazer too. Would be a tough decision.
MTScott
2:24
If Chickillo is a cap casualty - what depth do we have at OLB behind Watt & Dupree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Tuzar Skipper and Ola Adeniyi. That's about it.
Where’s My Clark Bar
2:24
Ray-Does Sean Davis have any value to the Steelers? He can’t be demanding much as a free agent, and it would make sense to keep him for depth.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
I don't think so.
Mtsteel
2:24
Hi Ray, I know money is tight, but do you feel it's a mistake to not get a veteran QB to back up Ben? I feel like if Ben goes down the season would flounder much like this past year, our offense was anemic most times without him. Thanks Sir
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Unless they get some bad news at some point on his rehab I don't think they'll do anything. And so far, all news has been good.
NYStillerfan
2:25
I saw Ray F projected Jalen Reagor (WR) as the second round pic, describing him as a speed reciever. At a couple clicks away from a 4.5 in the 40 I don't see him blowing the doors off of anyone. Who do you like out of the crop of recievers who may be available to them? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
He didn't run slow. He ran a 4.47. And just so you know there are guys who don't time well but play fast. So let's not get down on Reagor just because he didn't run as fast as some people thought he would. There are a bunch of other receivers in this class -- all different shapes and sizes. We've already discussed Hamler and Mims. I like Devin Duvernay of Texas in the middle rounds. I think you can get him at the end of the third or maybe even the fourth round. There are so many receivers. They won't have a hard time finding one they like.
RayRayRay
2:27
Ray, what is the most below the radar position the Steelers need to fill this off-season to make a successful drive to the playoffs?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
That's a good question. How about safety or CB? A versatile backup that could fill in if something happened to Fitzpatrick, Edmunds or Hilton.
Barbarian
2:28
Ray, Who would you pick as of now from these WR group that could be available: Hamler, Reagor (you mock) or Claypool from ND? Claypool looks outstanding and kind of fills 2 needs somewhat .. I’m In are you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Honestly, any of those three would be really good picks at No. 49.  ut if I had to pick I'd say Reagor or Claypool though I doubt Claypool will be available after the way he crushed the combine.
Doug from Raleigh
2:29
Ray, I absolutely agree that WR should be the 49th pick.  Juju needs to move back inside, Washington isn't a bust, but isn't a star either.  Johnson seems legit, but its only 1 year with mediocre QBs.  So yes to WR:  is this purely your opinion or are you hearing whispers?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
Little bit of everything. No NFL teams comes out and tells you what they're going to do. You have to read the tea leaves. You have to look at history and how they've operated in the past. That's why this time of the year is so fun. Lots to speculate on.
Stephen
2:30
I was sorry to learn of the passing of former Steelers Dan Radakovich.   Did you ever interview him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
I met him. He's a legend in the football community. People all over the country knew him or knew of him. Joe Moore was his best friend. Joe became the single greatest offensive line coach in the history of football. But he learned everything he knew from Bad Rad.
rman
2:33
James Conner has been dubbed as being injury prone.  How many games has he missed in his first 3 years compared to Le'veon Bell's first 3 years whether from suspension or injury?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Bell missed 13 games in his first three years with 10 of them coming in 2015 after that Burfict tackle. Conner missed 11 games in his first three years with six coming this past season. So the big chunks of missed time came for each in their third year. Bell, by the way, played in 12 games in 2016.
Ryan
2:36
What is one position that if filled with a good free agent or draft pick would push us over the top or into playoff contention?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
TE but I don't know that it's likely.
NC Steel
2:36
Ray, Seems to me Steelers first pick should be an excellent OL whether guard or tackle. For that matter, even center should be in play as Pouncey nears his end. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
I'd be fine with that. I had them taking Georgia tackle Isaiah Wilson at No. 49 in my first mock draft.
marty v
2:37
For some reason, it takes TE's a year or 2 to become established.  Zach  Gentry seems to have all the tools to become a good TE.  I think drafting a TE in the 2nd round may be foolish.  Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Honestly, I wasn't all that impressed with Gentry so if they like a TE at 49 and think he can play in 2020 I'd be OK with it.
SteelByDesign
2:39
I know not many players are around, but do you have any sense of how the majority of the locker room will vote on the CBA? (Besides Pouncey)
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
I think it's split. Some like Pouncey are against it. Others are more open-minded.
And by open-minded I don't mean that as a shot against Pounjcey's stance. I admire Pouncey's stance. I just think some players have different outlooks.
Ryno
2:41
What is your gut feeling on Dupree?  One year tag, or somehow working out a longer deal with him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
I think they'll tag, try to work out a contract, but it won't get done.
SteelByDesign
2:42
Trautman remind you at all of Heath Miller?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
That's some high praise. Heath Miller was a great TE. I've watched Trautman. He doesn't remind me of Miller, but that's not to say he's a bad player.
Greg
2:43
You report with enthusiasm, and I enjoyed reading your latest mock draft this week! Ed Bouchette said he was a Steelers reporter, not a Steelers fan. Do you regard yourself a Steelers fan?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
No.
Tampa Too
2:43
Outside of 1974 what’s the best Steeler draft in your lifetime? And the worst?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
I've looked at this over the year. 2002 was pretty good. Lots of good players that played a long time. 2004 was good -- Ben and Ike. Two key starters on two Super Bowl teams. Steelers fans have been lucky. There have been a lot of great drafts.
Doug from Raleigh
2:44
Is there any fear that if/when Bud is tagged he pulls a LB26 and takes the year off?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
He said he'd sign the tag in December when I asked him. Doesn't mean he can't change his mind, but that's what he said.
Connecting…