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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.09.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:51
Ok let's get started.
Nathan C.
11:51
Hey Ray...does Tomlin have final say in draft and free agency,
Ray Fittipaldo
11:52
It's a collaborative effort between GM Kevin Colbert and Tomlin.
Nathan C.
11:52
Hey Ray, whatever happened with Teryl Austin?  Wasn’t he supposed to be Tomlin’s replay guy?  If not, who was?  And why did Tomlin stop listening to him at one point (at least it seemed like he did)?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:53
Austin is still on the staff. He also assisted Tom Bradley with the secondary the past two years, but with Bradley's contract not being renewed Austin now that job to himself.
Nathan C.
11:53
Do you think Ben has the ability and willingness to swallow his ego this season and allow Matt Canada and Sullivan coach him this year?  And will he run Canada’s schemes and play calls that he’s uncomfortable with (like being under center, play action, etc)?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:55
I would imagine those conversations were had between Roethlisberger and Art Rooney II when they met before the contract talks. Rooney has no desire to see the Steelers return to the offense they were running the past three years. He wants a strong running game, and he is handing over the keys to Canada to make that happen. Roethlisberger knew going in that he was going to have to adapt. He should welcome it based on the way the past three seasons ended. They needed a change. It was probably overdue.
Pugs
11:55
If things don't go well this year ..Tomlin on the Hot seat ?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:56
Yes and one might argue the seat is already warm based on the way last season ended.
Pugs
11:57
Conner coming back on a discount?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:57
No. They need a fresh start with the running game.
Boulder
11:58
At least once in each of the Steelers chats conducted by you and your colleagues, I see someone complaining about the social media activities of some of the current Steelers.  However, they are strangely silent about similar activities by other Steelers.  Remember when Terry Bradshaw was recording country music and was acting in movies such as Cannonball Run?  That's much more time intensive than a 30 second social media video.  Seems like a certain percentage of the fan base will never be comfortable with players of color.  Kordell Stewart's article a few weeks ago only confirmed that.  What do you recommend?  Is there even a solution?  I hate to see some of our best players being treated like this.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:58
Do you know what Terry Bradshaw and other members of the Super Steelers of the 70s had? Super Bowl rings. It has absolutely nothing to do with color.
Tarzan
11:58
Will you be doing another mock draft this year? And how early do you see the Steelers going for a tight end?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
Yes, I'll do another one after free agency, likely near the end of the month. Then one or two more after that before the draft. I could see the Steelers taking Pat Freiermuth if he's available in the second round. I think you'll see them pick up a cheap option in free agency because after Kyle Pitts and Freiermuth, it's not a great TE class. Some guys available in rounds 3 and after, but I'm not sure any of them are sure-fire starters.
Yankton Ern
12:01
Ray,   Rebuilding the offensive line in my opinion should be the focus.  With a few maulers and a half decent back, things can be more balanced.  Do you buy into this thinking?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
They definitely need to  rebuild their line. I think it's a top priority in this draft along with RB. And don't be surprised if they take multiple linemen after taking one in the first two rounds.
Gino
12:02
So what position will be the free agent signing....center?? any chance of any former Steeler OL get resigned?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
Yes I think center is the top priority in free agency because it's not a deep draft for centers. They can't count on getting one in the draft. And yes I could see them going after BJ Finney, who should come relatively cheap. They can't afford one of the top free agent centers.
Nathan C.
12:04
People say Ben was horrible the last part of the season, and he was.  But do you agree that with a running game defenses have to respect, and (hopefully) still a top defense, that Ben can lead the team to a SB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
I don't know about a Super Bowl, but I am of the belief he can be better than he was last season with a better running game.
The GM
12:05
I just read an article, the Front Office will not use the Franchise Tag on Bud Dupree. Is this a sign they plan to resign JuJu?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
It only would have been news if they used the franchise tag on Dupree. And no I don't believe this is a sign the Steelers will tag or re-sign JuJu. It's simply a matter of math. Where would the money come from?
21-58-66
12:06
Ray - Center or tight end in free agency, or both?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
Center.
Nathan C.
12:07
Is David DeCastro simply past his prime, or have you too noticed that he has seemed almost uninterested in the game ever since the Le’Veon Bell holdout drama?  I remember he once said after a big game—can’t remember which one—that it “felt like a practice out there” energy-wise.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
He's 31 and coming off a year when he dealt with a couple of injuries. I still think he can be a good player when he's healthy, but like everyone else on that line, he will be looking to rebound after a subpar season.
MrCJJr
12:08
Hi Ray. Why is it so hard for fans to accept that Dupree and JuJu won't be back? The Steelers cannot afford to pay them. Don't they understand that the 2nd contract is where most NFL players make their biggest money (unless they were a 1st rounder)? Please try and talk some sense into them. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:09
I believe them when they say they enjoy playing for the Steelers, but every player wants to maximize their value on the open market. And I don't blame them. I'd do the same if I was in their position.
Roscoe1937
12:10
What are your thoughts on the Steelers getting one of the 3 best RB
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
Can probably get one of them if they pull the trigger on one of them at No. 24. I doubt any of them are around at No. 55.
Newman
12:11
Chances they resign Mason Rudolph next offseason?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
I think the chances are decent. I think deep down Rudolph knows this is the best place for him to be a starting QB. He's been in the system for four years. Why would he want to start over with another team?
12:14
I could see them signing a low- or mid-tier free agent center and drafting one. Other than JC Hassenaur there is not another center on the offseason roster. And while you are right about Williams likely not being a first-rounder I am not sure the Steelers can get him in the second round.
SteelerinNorCal
12:14
Do you see them doubling up with a Center in FA and a draft pick to replace Pouncey? Also, where do yo see them going with a RB? Williams from UNC looks the part and probably won't require we use our 1st on him
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
Question to previous answer.
Jud
12:16
Drafting a QB would be a waste right?  They don't keep 4 and Ben, Mason, Haskins are there.  They would have to get rid of one of those correct?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
I think any new QB will be in the form of a camp arm. Maybe a mid- to late-round pick to compete with Rudolph and Haskins. I'm not sure why people are thinking Haskins is going to be on the 53-man roster. This is like when they signed Paxton Lynch. They're going to take a look at him, evaluate him and see if he's worth keeping around.
Nathan C.
12:18
Do you think Rudolph has improvement left or has he hit his ceiling?  He looked much better after having an actual QB coach for an offseason.  Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
He's still young. Of course, he can get better. He only has 9 or 10 NFL starts.
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