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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.18.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
It seems to be Open Season on Roethlisberger and the Steelers as a whole for that matter. I don't know. Most of it comes from these talk shows that need controversy to thrive. Slow offseason I guess for them.
Bake
12:19
Which of the FA's do you see having the biggest impact this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
Steven Nelson. He's the most expensive player they signed and he's going to be a starter for sure.
Ryno
12:19
Have the Steelers new signings been enough to plug the leaks in the defense as is? Or do they still need to knock it out of the park with a draft pick or two?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
I'm thinking they need to knock a few out of the park the way they did in 2017 when Watt, JuJu and Conner came along. If they do that I think they'll be in good shape. If not, it could be a season of transition.
Fineline
12:20
If the 2 Devins are gone when the Steelers pick at 20 what are the chances they take one of the Iowa tight ends?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
All depends on how the draft falls, but I still think a defender is their first priority. This is a good defensive draft. They should be able to find a quality player at No. 20 if it comes to that.
Jake in DC
12:21
Honestly, I have loved what the Steelers have done in free agency this year. They addressed all their needs with high athleticism and upside, Moncrief and Nelson are still very young, and Barron while not "young" is nothing if not consistent. This frees us up for the draft to go after BPA. If you had your choice now, what position would you draft in the 1st? I'd still go ILB if one of the Devins were there.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
I agree. ILB if they can grab Bush or White.
Matt
12:22
Do you expect Barron to start opposite of Vince Williams at ILB? Or more of a safety role?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Depends on what happens in the draft. I think for now they'll pencil him to start alongside Williams. But he has versatility should they take an ILB early.
MTScott
12:23
Do you think V.Williams could be converted to an OLB now that we have Barron & will certainly try to get a ILB early in the draft.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
Williams is a very good rusher, but I think he's an ILB all the way. With Barron signing he won't be forced to play in as many passing situations.
Pitt Grad
12:24
In your opinion, who has more quality years left: Brown (at 31) or Bell (being a running back with the pounding that goes along with that)?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
I think Brown. He takes care of himself and will be motivated.
Kurt
12:25
With the signing of Barron do you think Colbert would still use some of their draft capital to move up and get a Devin White or Bush if they can't get White? I still think ILB is a big need even with the addition of Barron.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
Yes I think he will try to do that.
John in Florida
12:25
With FA signings at CB, ILB, and WR, it seems the pressure is lessened to choose a specific area of need in the first round of this year’s draft. This should enable the team to be open to best player available, even if that is DL, Edge, or OL. Your thoughts? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
Maybe not OL, but I agree with you. If they have a player fall to them that's really high on their board, and that player is an OLB or DL I think that player would be an option now.
Stinkpot
12:26
Love your chats. Thanks for them. After the free agent signings, what are the Steelers' top 3 draft needs?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
1. ILB and then I'm up in the air with WR, CB and S.
Jacob
12:27
Do you foresee this year being make-or-break for Tomlin as coach? This offseason has been rough for Steelers fans, and it appears (fair or unfair) that Tomlin does not have the locker room as much as some thought. Will it take a SB to keep him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
It's a big year for the Steelers overall. But yes, I think Tomlin has much to prove to ownership.
Tux
12:28
Would you give up a 1st, 2nd and 3rd to move up into the top 10?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Great question. If you do that you're basically saying you're going to draft a generational type of talent that will be an All-Pro or Pro Bowl caliber player for years to come. They made a big move for Polamalu, and he turned out to be exactly that type of player. So I won't rule it out. But boy, that would be expensive.
Rocky
12:29
With the punter's new contract do you think they will still draft a punter?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
Perhaps. At the very least one will be brought in as a free agent to compete with Berry.
Kevin
12:30
Ray, what's the knock on the ILB  from Bama. I don't see either of the Devins around when we select. How about this kid in Rd 2?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
Mack Wilson is not as explosive as either of the Devins. Not as fast, not as quick. He does have nice size and could end up going anywhere from second to third round. He just doesn't have the traits NFL teams are looking for now in ILBs. He's OK against the pass and OK against the run, but he doesn't really stand out in either category.
Doug from Raleigh
12:32
If they get one of the Devins, does he start with Barron and Vince is backup?  Or does Barron and Vince start and Devin learns on the fly?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Lots of options if that happens. I would imagine if a rookie was ready to play they'd have him playing alongside Williams and then have Barron move to a dime LB role. I'm not ruling out a Barron-Rookie duo, but Williams is good against the run.
Cj
12:33
You said earlier they were not close on Bens contract. Do think it is money or the amount of years.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Not sure. I just know it wasn't close at the end of last week. Again, things can change quickly.
Mike
12:34
In regard to Ben criticizing players...no what where you work or in sports it's unprofessional to openly bad mouth co-workers/teammates in front of others...especially in a public forum. Ben and AB are both culpable in not being adult enough to handle the situation and especially Tomlin for not addressing as the coach. Your opinion?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
The QB didn't quit on his team.
Gravel
12:35
Do you think Eli or Switz has better chance of stepping up in 2019?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Ben has always liked Eli, but he also took a liking to Switzer last year. Will be a good competition. Honestly, I don't think they need both on the roster. They're kind of the same player.
Mark in KY
12:37
It seems to me, the smart play now would be to bundle picks 20/66/and maybe one of the 6th rounders, move up as far as that will take you and grab the best Devin left on the board. Baltimore is only two spots behind us and in the market for a LB as well. I'd hate to see them leap frog us at the last minute. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
It seems like that's their plan. At least now they have options after signing those free agents.
Mike
12:38
Any chance the Steelers sign a veteran Rb such as Crowell or yeldon?
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