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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.17.20
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MTScott
2:36
We seem to be very light on ILB & OLB now - Draft, FA or both?!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
One or the other. They definitely have to replenish their depth at the position.
Jerry
2:37
I see on a news feed that we can get Suh, Vic Beasley or Delanie Walker. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Walker probably the cheapest of that group. So probably the most likely in your scenario.
574Fan
2:38
Living near South Bend, I watched Kmet and Claypool play every weekend for the past few years.  I'd like your opinion on Claypool at pick 49.  He grew up in Canada, came to ND having not played a single down against decent competition, and it showed the first few years.  He blew up this year, and then he crushed the combine. 6-4, 238lbs, 4.4, 40" vert, 6-8 wingspan.  His ceiling is as high as anyone at the position, and the arrow is trending up the past two seasons.  If he's there at 49, I take him. You?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
He certainly has the size and athleticism. The only thing you worry about is how long it takes him to get it. He's an intriguing prospect. I think he's going to be in that second- or third-round range.
Leo58nj
2:40
Sorry forgot my name.. how do you see Pitt dealing with 5th year options on #39 and #34 in 2 years. I know it's far away, but we got time to kill these days. Second question is have you heard or spoken to anyone in steelers org about possibility of Snell being suspended for his airport arrest last year and how that will go into roster plans?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
They definitely pick up the option on Fitzpatrick. They'll wait to see how Edmunds plays this season. As for Snell, I thought that was a traffic stop for pot and a citation, not an arrest. Also, with new CBA, no more suspensions for pot.
ASIANGOLFERMAN
2:42
Steelers didn't have to release A. Burns correct?  Why is Switzer still on the roster?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
No on Burns. He played out his contract and will be a free agent tomorrow. Switzer doesn't make a lot of money. He had a rapport with Ben. Not very effective without him. So we'll see where that goes. He by no means has a roster spot locked up.
Justin
2:43
Any difference in the salary cap savings/hit between a player retiring or being cut?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
No.
Uncle Jim
2:43
If Ben’s elbow doesn’t respond this year and he’s forced to retire, how does that effect the cap hit next year? Does he get that money regardless?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
Yes.
Matt P
2:44
Watched Jonathan Taylor’s pro day, if he’s there at 49, take him! Or Cam Akers. Someone to compete and team up with Conner/Snell.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
I like Taylor and Akers. Taylor took a lot of hits in college though.
Adam
2:45
To answer another person's question, I think Flozell Adams was their last 1 year FA... and he was an emergency signing. Ray, what do you think of A'shawn Robinson? Great in 2018, down year in 2019. Run stuffer only so he shouldn't be terribly expensive. Don't think Dunbar coached him but I'd guess there's still an Alabama connection there too.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
I liked Robinson coming out of college. If it's for the right price, sure.
SWVAstiller
2:46
Assuming no FA or draft pick for immediate starting help, do you feel better with some combo of Fieler/Chucks/Banner on the Oline or Alualu/Big Dan/Buggs on the Dline?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
Good question. Don't feel all that strong about either. But I guess the O-line because I like Felier's versatility and figure Banner or Okorafor would step up in a competition.
Guest
2:47
Question for the future, being you cant pay 2 guys top money at the same position,, how do you see it playing out being Minka and Edmunds both being from the same draft class, same 5th year option etc? Obviously you pick up #39. I'm not down at all on #34 in fact I like him as a player.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Well, if you're asking me to pick between the two, I'm definitely going with Minkah. That's a slam dunk
AK
2:48
McCullers is mediocre at best, agreed?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
Not even sure about that. But yeah.
Scott
2:49
Where do you think the Greatest Cheater Of All Time will end up?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:50
My guess right now is the Chargers because I think he wants to get into the entertainment business after his career is over. But there seems to be a lot of buzz around the Bucs.
JImmy
2:50
Ray,  Your thinking on QB's what cost them on Marino.  If and that is a big if take a QB if he grades high on your draft scale.  Mahones was somewhat of a risk but KC took that and set for a number of years.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
Mahomes was taken with the No. 12 overall pick. The Steelers are picking at 49.
Jeff
2:51
Big red getting 9MM for 2 years?  what am I missing?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:52
Bills got lots of cap space. And it "up to $9 million on a two-year deal." So it might just be a one-year deal for $2 or 3 million. I haven't seen the details yet.
Cody
2:52
Do you think we’re interested in Billings ? I know we had a lot of interest in drafting him and he won’t break the bank.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:53
His name came up four years ago at draft time, but I think he fell to the fourth round due to him being pretty much strictly a run-stopper. So maybe on a cheap one- or two-year deal. It's just that the Steelers don't play true noses a whole heck of a lot.
David
2:53
Hi Ray. Thanks for the distraction during this crazy time. What does your gut say they will do about keeping JuJu? Will he be a priority to keep in Pitt? I would hate to see him go because he's exactly the kind of guy teams should want around. I'm very nervous about this.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:54
Honestly, it depends on the kind of year he has in 2020. If he returns to form they can franchise him and then try to sign him to a long-term deal.
2:55
Ok thanks for all the questions this week. Big turnout for the chat today. I guess we can keep each other company and talk some Steelers every week during the quarantine. See you next week.
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