JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.08.22

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.08.22

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2:13

I was hoping Davis, the giant DL from Georgia, would slip to the Steelers in the 1st round, but given his performance at the combine (pretty impressive for his size), that seems highly unlikely now. Are there any other run-stuffers or beast defensive linemen in this draft and in what round(s) may they be available?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:13

Travis Jones and Phidarias Mathis might be there in Round 2.

Dish

2:14

How much say does Canada have towards selecting a QB? We have a QB drafted to reflect Canada’s offense and Canada gets let go after another dismal year, now what?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:14

It's Colbert, Tomlin and Rooney making the call.

John P

2:14

What about brining Stevie Nelson back as a reliable corner which we need desperately?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:15

They might need a corner, but I'm not sure Steven Nelson is coming back.

Doug from Spring City

2:15

Hi Ray. With everyone talking about the QB position, and the situation the Steelers are in with Ben retiring, there are WAY too many unrealistic scenarios floating around about what we'll do. I've seen several opinions that the Steelers should go after Trubisky, and I believe that he offers the best short-term fix and has a ton of upside which could translate into a long-term solution. Your thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:15

I agree for the most part, but I'm not even sure he'd work out. It's a gamble.

SW Steel

2:16

Hey Ray! Sorry for the bundled question. What is your guess as to the percentage of Steelers players are in the facilities during the off-season? For those that are on-site, what are they doing? Is there a noticeable difference in how these players perform and are regarded as a result of them being on-site during the off-season?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:17

Most return for lifting and conditioning in March/April. OTAs in May. Minicamp in June. Some of the stars train on their own and for the most part the Steelers are OK with that. But I'd say 80-85% of the offseason roster is around in the spring, if not more.

PaulB

2:17

Hi Ray, How accurate is Desmond Ridder? Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:17

That's one of the knocks against him. He's not terribly accurate.

Steve Columbus

2:17

Hi Ray. I appreciate all your work! I don't see the Steelers using a draft pick to draft, or trade, for a QB. I think Trubisky makes sense if they can get him. Do you think they will bring in a WR during FA?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:18

Maybe a cheap one, but this is a deep class for WRs in the draft. That's more likely.

Matt P Venice FL

2:18

what are your thoughts on how the dominoes fall with QBs in the draft? Is Pickett 20 worthy? Corral? Willis won’t be there. Ridder or Howell in 2nd? Or wait until next year?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:19

We're starting to get some clarity, but Carolina still might want a QB at No. 6. Washington needs a QB and they pick at 11. The Eagles pick before the Steelers two or three times, and they might want a QB. So let's not connect the dots with Pickett or Willis just yet.

Where is My Clark Bar?

2:19

Hi Ray, what is the Steelers area of strength right now that can be the future building block?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:20

Hmmm. RB and TE?

Bones in Iowa

2:20

Pro Football Network has an awesome draft simulator. Every sim I run seems to make this team better if I ignore the QB and go DT-OT-WR-S-MLB-OG..in that order and hope 3 of the 1st 4 are starters. That being said, do you pass up Pickett if he falls to 20 somehow?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:20

Tough call, but I don't think he falls to 20.

JerseySteel

2:20

Hi Ray - Gerry thinks the Ravens are taking Jordan Davis at 14 and the Steelers have no shot at him. Do you agree?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:21

Like the Steelers, the Ravens have a bunch of needs. But Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell are free agents so I can see where Gerry is going. I could also see the Ravens going OL at No. 14.

Frank

2:21

Hi Ray Thanks for these chats. Appreciate the insight. When can we start to hear about free agent signings, especially the resigning of some current eligible Steelers? Have you heard of anyone in particular that the front office is actively trying to resign?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:22

4 p.m. Monday, but you might hear something over the weekend in terms of signing their own guys.

Joe Deeeee

2:22

Now that Rogers is officially off the table(cough cough), Malik Willis has cemented his top 10 draft position(darn), do you think Steelers go Trubisky or take a flyer on a late round qb- just in case ?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:23

In your scenario Trubisky because why draft one late? If you really want one go get him early.

JerseySteel

2:23

Hi Ray - which of these players are resigned: JuJu, Montravius Adams, Witherspoon, Edmunds, Maulet, Schobert, Okorafor, Turner?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:23

Adams, Witherspoon and Edmunds. Schobert is under contract. They could ask him to take a pay cut, but more than likely they'd just cut him to save $.

Jud

2:24

In the past Bouchette used to say that we don't draft a DL high because we only use on 30% of downs...do you think otherwise?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:24

Not DLs. Nose guards. So yes they'd have to be convinced Jordan Davis is more than a nose guard who just stops the run.

Famous Jameis

2:24

I'm looking for a new home. Think I'd be good in Pittsburgh ?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:25

How's your knee doing?

Paul

2:25

Ray, you seriously believe we will be in playoffs in 2022? It’s a QB league and we have the 12 or 13 best one in our conference!!!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:25

I said I was half-joking, but I was serious in pointing out the Chargers and Ravens lost out to a late-stage Ben and an injury-depleted Steelers team.

Ken

2:26

Good afternoon and great chats! Possibilities of the Steelers trading out of Round 1 for more picks if OL or DL they want not available? I get the sense that the Steelers will let talk of drafting QB heat up to see what they can get for the 20th pick.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:27

I don't know that they want to trade out of Round 1. I could see them trading back a few spots to accumulate more picks, but trading back 12 spots is pretty drastic. You better get a boatload of picks in return and have an idea of who will be drafting with those picks.

Mike from D.C.

2:27

Russel Wilson just traded to the Broncos for 2 1st rd picks, 2 second rd picks, a 5th, drew lock, Shelby Harris, and Noah Fant. Think he’s worth it? Seems like a lot for a player that will eat up 50 mil of your cap. Do you think the Steelers should have pulled the trigger on a similar deal?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:27

No.

Jay

2:27

Hello Ray. Any surprise pick at 20? LB, DB, WR?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:27

I suppose CB is in play, but their history of drafting CBs is so bad I can't imagine them going that route.

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