You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.22.22
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
Welcome and let's get started.
Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus
1:58
Do you see a wide receiver or two being signed in free agency? Would a guy like Sammy Watkins make sense? Or, even though he's 35, would Emmanuel Sanders  be open to a second stint? It seems like they need at least another veteran to add to WR room in addition to whomever they might draft.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I think the Steelers definitely will draft a WR and probably early. I could see them signing a veteran who could serve as a No. 3 or 4, but it doesn't have to happen right now. They just need a depth WR to be No. 4 or 5. Pat Freiermuth is going to take a jump this year and be a bigger part of the passing game. You have Johnson, Claypool and the draft pick. You don't need a big name. Just a reliable player to play 15-20 snaps a game assuming the draft pick can play early.
exiled in atlanta
2:00
There was a national report last week that CB Witherspoon had agreed to return to the Steelers on a two-year deal, but there's been nothing since. Was that an erroneous report?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
We reported Witherspoon is returning as well. So they have Witherspoon, Levi Wallace and Cam Sutton as their top 3 at the moment. But I can definitely see them adding to that group in the draft.
Joe
2:02
With the recent signings I feel like our biggest needs are in no particular order are DL WR and String safety. I feel like they could get a vet receiver before or after the draft cheap and draft one on day two. Which leaves safety and DL. My question is do they get a safety in FA or draft. I feel like the Steelers would want to get a safe
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I would agree, but drafting a strong safety depends on what happens with Terrell Edmunds. If they bring Edmunds back you can make an argument they don't need to draft a SS this year.
Joe
2:03
Chances Edmunds resigns before the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
The longer he stays unsigned I think it's more likely he returns. He wants to see what his market is. There hasn't been much out there about his market so he might not be getting as many offers as he anticipated.
Joe
2:04
Are there any mid range vet receivers the Steelers may sign or will they wait to draft and then sign a cast off after the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
I could see them waiting until after the draft. This is a good draft for WRs so they might want to see who they get before addressing the position in free agency.
Wayward
2:05
Ray, At what point due the Steelers, if ever, force Tuitt's had about returning or not?  Does it change their draft dramatically knowing they still need to younger on the dline?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
The only thing we have heard since the season ended is Tuitt is "excited" about returning. I think if the Steelers were going to cut him they would have done it at the start of the new league year. I still think DL is a major need in this draft. Tuitt is in the final year of his deal as is Alualu. They need to develop some younger players.
GMan
2:07
Hi Ray.  It appears DL will be the prime target for the Steelers in first round.  If there is not a DL available they feel is worth taking in the first round, what position do you think they could target?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Honestly, any position other than RB or TE. I think every other position on the team would be in play.
ev
2:07
Hi Ray, if Malik Willis is available in Round 2, will the Steelers take him? Reading articles here and there, Coach T seems to be enamored with him.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Malik Willis isn't lasting until Round 2. Certainly not to the Steelers at No. 52.
Jay
2:08
Hello Ray.  Could DB or WR be possible at pick 20?  Given their draft history I hope they give Flores more input on DB.  WR and RB seem to be devalued a bit to be round 1.  I am not sold on Dan Moore or Chuks, I am still hoping for T at round 1 but understand the huge needs at S/CB and WR.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Yes. I mentioned this on the Pod of Steel last week. A new set of scouting eyes on DBs in the form of Flores might be a good things for the Steelers. I think DB is certainly in play at No. 20 -- CB or S. And there should be some very good WRs available at No. 20. It's just a matter of deciding do you pull the trigger early or take advantage of the depth at the position later in the draft.
DALTER
2:11
Hi Ray,  My thoughts are after what the Steelers got in free agency,  they should go heavy on defense with their whole draft.  I know they will need to draft a wide receiver but that would be my only offensive pick in the draft.  My reason for this is the added Watson trade to the Browns.  We already know what Baltimore and Cincy has.  I think the offense might be good enough.....I would love to see a dominant defense.  Your thoughts and what position do you think the Steelers will take at #1?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
My educated guess right now is defense, but I won't rule out WR or OL.
Yates
2:11
Hi Ray/. WR depth in draft is good.  Based on free agent moves which position of need for Steelers do you predict will present highest value for 20th pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
It all depends on what happens with the first 19 picks, but my guess is there will be a good defender available for the Steelers at No. 20.
MrSamsonite
2:12
Hi Ray. The interior of the OL was addressed through free agency. Do you think Tackle will be addressed early in the draft, in addition to needs at safety and DL?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Not sure about early now since they re-signed Chuks and are paying him like a starter, even though it's basically a series of one-year deals. This is a good draft for OL so maybe they take advantage of the depth and draft a developmental player who can eventually be Chuks' replacement rather than a first-round guy who would probably play right away. They could still take a tackle in Round 1 and have him play the left side. That would mean Dan Moore becomes your swing tackle.
Next Coach
2:15
Thinking seems to be that the recent FA signings are meant to bolster Steeler prospects more in 2023 than the upcoming season. Most of the contracts are easily voidable with lots of savings if things don’t work out so maybe this is correct. Agree or disagree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Mostly agree although I think Daniels is a guy who will be here long term. But the others? Yeah, it will depend on how they play.
Gene
2:16
Do you think the Steelers still draft a OT in round 1 or 2 ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
I think they'll draft an OL, but I don't think it has to be in the first or second round after the moves they made.
Greg
2:17
If Mason Rudolph is Neil O'Donnell as Gerry says,  then who do you see is similar to Mitch Trubisky? I've never actually watched one of his games to see his playing style, etc
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
He's more athletic and can make some plays with his feet. Some say the best-case scenario for him is he could be the next Ryan Tannehill, who also was a failed first-round pick who found a second life with Tennessee. Tannehill hasn't led the Titans to a Super Bowl, but they've been pretty darn good the past few years. He has a good team around him, of course. But that wouldn't be a bad scenario if you ask me.
Soggy
2:19
Good Day Ray.  The Steelers have roughly $20 million left in cap space, do you see them spending additional $'s on FA  prior the draft, or holding onto money until after the draft to fill in any remaining holes post draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Need some $ for the draft class and then to fill in some holes. Plus, GMs like to have some flexibility for on-season moves.
Tom M.
2:20
Rod Woodson made a successful transition to safety later in his career.  I’m wondering if Haden could do the same?  He’s probably lost a step but he still has good tackling skills and has good “football smarts”.
Do you think he could make that switch and if so, would the Steelers be interested in him as a safety?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
He's definitely smart enough and savvy enough to make the move, but I don't know if he'd fit with the Steelers. Haden wouldn't be a strong safety and they have Minkah at free.
Luis
2:22
ray Ty 4 chats. 3WR on roster right now. Do they add piece through FA?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
They could, but the more important move is selecting one in the draft.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:23
Do you have any John Clayton anecdotes?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
I shared one on Twitter Friday night. He used to call the Steelers press room every Friday to get an update on injuries. He called the same time every week. I imagine he did the same to 31 other beat reporters around the league. He was known for outworking people.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:26
Seems like every team in AFCN has improved their rosters so far. Any thoughts on other teams' moves?
Connecting…