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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.08.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Welcome and let's get the chat going.
paul from sacramento
1:57
Hi Ray, I really like your chats and podcasts with Brian B. I'm hoping that Colbert brings in a few OL via FA and draft a few DL in the first round and maybe some OL in the next round or two. I also don't understand the hate on Mason R? He played one game (albeit - Detroit) in HORRIBLE weather and gave the a possible chance to win if not for a fumble by Dionte J. Maybe pick up a QB next year after other positions are solidified?  What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
It might work out that way. They definitely have many other needs. I think they'll sign a starting OL in free agency and draft another OL high. And I think they'll draft a DL high. They need to rebuild the trenches.
TSH
1:59
Hi Ray!  Thank you for your chats and appreciated your 2nd mock draft and not including a QB, just because!  WR, FA - I saw the names Marquez Valdes-Scantling with Green Bay and Russell Gage w/ The Falcons as affordable FA.  Are they worth the Steelers time regardless of JuJu remains a Steeler or not?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
A lot of this hinges on what JuJu does. If he stays then there really isn't a big need for a WR. But if he goes there is a big need. They'll need to get one in the first three or four rounds. They might grab a cheap WR in free agency, but it wouldn't be a splash signing.
Austin
2:00
Hi Ray thanks for doing this! The Steelers are a team who never seem to make the big move in situations like this. Why do you think that is?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
Well, they trust their plan. Denver has been in QB purgatory since 2016. They made a big move. The Steelers have been in QB purgatory since January. Desperate times call for desperate measures and clearly Denver was much more desperate than the Steelers.
Utah Jim
2:02
Do they need to get one of the WRs that ran sub 4.4 forty times?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
No, but I think they'll take a WR in the first four rounds.
GM
2:02
Hi Ray, I thought the mock was pretty good, but you think the team would go C or NT from GA in that spot as well?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
I don't get the sense they'll take a center, but I could definitely see DL at 20, yes.
Guest
2:02
What does Rodgers staying in GB snd Russell Wilson going to Den do to Steelers QB search? Will it affect draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I think it pushes QBs down draft boards for sure, so there is a higher likelihood Pickett or Willis will be there at 20 now. But other than that, no.
Utah Jim
2:03
It sounds like Willis needs at least a year to be a starter. The cost of drafting him in the first round is improving the line of scrimmage. I won’t say it’s a wasted pick, but is it worth the cost?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
I'm sure that's the calculus the Steelers are doing now. He has tools to develop, but you need the right coaching to develop him.
Guest
2:04
Hey Ray, since some cards have dropped, who is the best option, in your opinion, left at QB that is not on the roster?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
QB not on the roster? Trubiksy, but I still think Rudolph is going to be the guy.
Tommy
2:05
4 all the people who want to draft QB in rd1: the afc now has Mahomes, Herbert, Russel, Allen, Lamar, Burrow and Carr. We have Rudolph. Tell me when we will be in playoffs again.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
2022?
2:06
I'm half-joking, but the Steelers got in last year with Roethlisberger at the very end of his career while the Ravens with Jackson and the Chargers with Herbert did not get in. I'm just saying. QB is important, but more is involved in winning.
GM
2:06
At this point is there a QB we're not linked to?  I get it we need one... with that said I'm ok with drafting Willis at 20 his mobility can make up for a bad O-line!  Lamar did it
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Yeah, but he's probably redshirting in 2022.
Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus
2:07
It doesn't rank as their top two or even three need, but the Steelers must find a quality second running back behind Harris. Most contenders have either two good backs that split the carries or a lead runner with a competent back up. Do you think they'll look to free agency or a later round draft pick to add a running back?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Late-round pick or undrafted free agent to add to the mix. You forget they have two fourth-round picks already on the roster in Snell and McFarland.
ev
2:08
Hello Ray, Do you believe that Jordan Davis will be available at 20 after his combine performance (4.78 40yd dash)? In spite of OL needs, I think he's the right choice if available.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
He could be there, and it's not an easy call for the Steelers. He's big and can move, but why didn't he play more for Georgia. He was basically relegated to a run-stopping role with the Bulldogs.
obxandy
2:09
When do you expect we will hear about Steelers signing their own free agents? Thanks for your enjoyable chats.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
Monday at 4 p.m. is the start of the legal tampering period. That's when you'll start to see some movement.
Scott
2:09
I am so happy! We can finally put an end to all the Aaron Rodgers nonsense!!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
At least until next year when he threatens to retire. Lol
TSH
2:10
Hi Ray!  I bet you are relieved A. Rodgers resigned with GB and you don't have to take those questions anymore :)   Everyone at the PG did a good job around those story lines and debunk the talking heads trying to draw lines to PIT - thank you for helping us stay even-keel!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
That's what we're here for.
wiscoken
2:10
Ray - do you think Willis has a higher draft grade than Trubiski?  I seriously wonder which is the greater gamble at this stage, Trubisky, Willis or Pickett?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Pickett probably the safest of that trio, but the issue is investing a first-round pick in him when you have so many other needs. And, of course, not knowing if he'll be able to lead you to a Super Bowl.
Lou
2:11
Hi Ray.  So Wilson and Rodgers are not coming to help....so, what does Trubinski have that Mason doesn't?  Games started aside.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
More mobility. But beyond that, I'm not sure.
Ray
2:12
Isn’t part of ownership job to sell hope to their fans. As a Steelers season ticket holder if we comeback with Rudolph why would I spend my hard earned $$. If we draft someone in RD1 at least we have hope and reason to come to games. Ageee?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
They don't think that way. They're trying to compete for Super Bowls every year.
TXSteeler
2:13
Rodgers was always going to become the highest paid offensive player in the game. Steelers already have the highest paid defensive player in the game. In what salary cap world would it have made sense for the Steelers to have added Rodgers? Does the national media not look at these things?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Guess not.
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