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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.10.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:52
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Raymund
1:52
Ray, at the end of round 2 or beginning of 3rd there will be very good players available this draft is deep wouldn’t be a good idea to trade back from 49 if possible and grab an early 4th round pick in the process with someone? Would you?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:52
No, I would not. I think you can get a good player at 49. And a lot of other people do.
Paul
1:53
I'm thinking Kerrith Whyte can be a decent RB for us. Your thoughts
Ray Fittipaldo
1:54
Whyte was signed in the middle of the season and showed some promise as a speed back, something they didn't have in their arsenal before he arrived. We'll see how it goes, but they need to upgrade their running game somehow, someway. My opinion is the line has to be upgraded first, but the front office might have a different opinion. They might believe they need a new feature back. We shall see.
Anujdjango
1:54
Hey Ray, love the chats.  Is Adeniyi the next James Harrison?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
Adeniyi has a similar build and did some nice things as a rookie in camp in 2018. But he has to find a way to stay healthy first before anyone makes any comparisons.
Tprod
1:55
Ray, assuming the new CBA is approved and the cap rises significantly, any surprise releases beyond the obvious of Foster and Chikillo?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
I don't get the idea the cap will rise significantly for this year if the CBA is passed. Teams have been told it will be in the $200 million range in 2020. I would expect only a slight increase if there is one. Big jump in cap number will be 2021 if new TV contracts are finalized.
ALB
1:56
Ray, do you know how extensively the Steelers are scouting XFL players?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
I know they didn't sign very many street free agents in January because most of those guys are playing in the XFL. So I suspect once the XFL season ends the Steelers could take a crack at signing some of them much in the same way they did last year after the Alliance of American Football folded. If you remember they signed Kameron Kelly and J.C. Hassenauer. Kelly was their top reserve safety last season before he was released after an off-field incident. And Hassenauer was elevated to the 53-man roster late in the season.
pozone
1:59
I am very much against signing players that only perform in contract years. I say let Dupree go and give the money to TJ. I am sure they can find another OLB FA or Draft. Any chance they take Hurt in Rd 2 or 3 if he is available?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I just don't think they have the quality depth at OLB to make that move. If they did, it would significantly weaken their defense. Plus, they'd probably have to draft an OLB in the second round. Why do that in a year when you have so many offensive needs? And no, they won't draft Hurts.
Comac
2:00
Everyone seems down on Big Al at left tackle. Too old, doesn’t run block, time to move on????Has his play dropped off that dramatically
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
He's entering the final year of his contract. I imagine it will be his last with the Steelers. Like many of the offensive linemen he's getting older.
2:02
Villanueva can be a solid pass protector. He just doesn't offer very much as a run blocker.
Tprod
2:02
Ray, how big is the need to bring in a safety as a quality backup—start if Edmunds or Fitzpatrick are unavailable for a length of time—and as part of the three safety defense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
You're right on. That's why I wrote about their defensive needs today. Check out the story: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/03/10/nfl-draft-mid-...
Tom from VA
2:03
Hey Ray, I think it's time to get back to the basics and start rebuilding/reenforcing the  offensive and defensive lines.  How about you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
I'm with you when it comes to the offensive line. And I think they realize they have to retool there. On the defensive line I think Heyward and Tuitt are good for a few more years. They do have to find a replacement for Hargrave, who is expected to leave as an undrafted free agent.
Tom from VA
2:04
Hey Ray, Just wondering if playing in the HOF game is popular with the players?  More training camp and an extra game, but should be a great Steeler weekend!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
Players hate it because it shortens their summer. (Mine too!). But yes, it will be a nice weekend for fans. And by the way, don't bother looking for hotels. All the Marriott properties for that week are sold out.
BB
2:05
Ray - thanks for your chats and pre-draft analysis....very informative.  Hall of Fame game now set with the Steelers so I guess you get the short straw and have to report to Latrobe earlier than usual.  Will you be at the Hall of Fame game and inductions?  Do you have a favorite HOF induction speech?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Yes we will be there to write about the game and the ceremonies in August and September. (Remember Donnie Shell will be enshrined in September). And for favorite Hall of fame speech it's Jack Lambert's. Isn't it that way for every Steelers fan?
Jr high
2:07
I know others would disagree, but given Ben's age and the uncertain quality of his backups, I think if Jalen Hurts is available in the third round (assuming we get the compensatory pick) we should take him.  Look at the younger QBs succeeding in the league: L Jackson, DeSeaun Watson, Mahomes, Josh Allen, Wentz to some extent, Russell Wilson. All can run as well as throw.  It seems to me it's a new era. I know Hurrs isn't polished as yet but he has the talent. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Why would you compare Jalen Hurts to any of those guys? He couldn't even keep his job at 'Bama.
Chuck from Michigan
2:08
Hi Ray, Steelers have had a heavy emphasis and success with drafting Big Ten players the last several years!  Which Big Ten players do you like in the draft for RB/TE/OL positions with the 49th pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin is one of the top RB prospects. And there are always some good linemen coming out of the Big Ten. Tight ends? Not so much this year.
Georgia Fan
2:09
Ray, any update news on #7. Don't hear much about the Steelers down here. We used to back when Westinghouse took over SRS but not much any more. Masters Badges will be selling at a all time low next month.   thanks for the chat.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
No news is good news I guess. Everything is on track for his return this summer.
Big Bens Elbow
2:10
Hi Ray,  I have a question with the salary cap. The Steelers are projected 2.2 million Over the cap. I keep hearing about this 30% rule under the current CBA. I did some research on it, but I am still a little confused. I was wondering if you would elaborate on it for me? Thanks for your time.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
The 30% rule will only apply if the proposed CBA is rejected. It affects the way the Steelers structure their contracts. In most years they sign guys to second contracts and give them a signing bonus that is spread out over the length of the contract. But with the 30% rule in effect this season they can't do that.
schnail
2:11
Signs are pointing to the 49ers not re-signing Emmanuel Sanders.  Do you think the Steelers would consider him a realistic acquisition option this offseason?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
I think they can find a shiny new WR from the draft who will be much less expensive.
YinzerinVA
2:12
L. Bell sighting! I think Steeler Nation would welcome him back.  Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Hard pass.
DaquidoBazzini
2:12
I'm all for an offense heavy draft, but I worry some about the Steeler defense having trouble against the run as 2019 went on and the loss of Hargrave. What if someone like Neville Gallimore is sitting there at #49?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Maybe in the third or fourth round for Gallimore or any other defensive lineman. Can't see them using their first pick on one.
Tom
2:13
Do we need another 2nd round level ability wide receiver?  Would it really fill any hole and improve the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Here's what people are missing when it comes to that. This year, when the WR pool is so deep, you might be getting a WR that would be a first-round pick, or close to it, in any other year.
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