JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.28.23

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.28.23

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Ray Fittipaldo

2:19

Typically yes, but this is a new regime and they could do it earlier.

Guest

2:20

It seems like Terrell Edmonds could have been brought back for pretty cheap. While he isn’t an elite player he did sort of cover 2 positions. 1. SS. 2. Nickel LB. He’s also been very durable. Why not bring him back at least on a one year deal to avoid making these positions we may have to reach for in rather weak classes respectively?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:21

I just think they believed it was time to try something different. In addition to not providing much in terms of turnovers, Edmunds also struggled in coverage at times. It's not like they lost Troy Polamlau to the Eagles.

Dom

2:21

Who will be the starting safety opposite Minkah? Kazee? Free agent?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:21

Might not be on the roster yet, but Kazee can do it.

Steve in Canton

2:22

Ray, thanks for the chats each week. One of Pickett & Co.'s bigger issues seems to be Red Zone offense. Why not target TE D. Washington of Ga. with #32? A 6'7" guy would be a great weapon inside the 20. What say you?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:22

It's possible, but they already have Pat Freiermuth. They can start by targeting him more.

Jana

2:22

Do you see us taking an outside CB and a slot guy in this draft?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:22

That definitely can happen. They need to get younger in both spots.

Mike

2:22

what do you think about the steers getting a nose tackle like the big snack, Casey Hampton could do it all

Ray Fittipaldo

2:24

For as great as Casey Hampton was he came off the field a lot on third downs. The game has changed. The past few years the Steelers have valued versatility over one-trick run-stoppers although I will point out Andy Weidl was with the Eagles last spring when they drafted Jordan Davis in Round 1.

Ryan

2:24

Good afternoon Ray of the Steelers unsigned free agents who comes back I’m thinking Boykin

Ray Fittipaldo

2:24

That's a possibility because he's good on teams.

Robbie

2:24

Do you think Adrian Amos is a realistic option at safety? Are you hearing the Steelers have interest in any free agents?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:25

It's been quiet early this week, but I think that's because of the owner's meetings in Phoenix, where coaches and GMs are as well. And while some signings might happen in the next few weeks before the draft there are signings in July and trades in August and waiver wire pickups in September.

AG in Anaheim

2:26

Hi Ray-Thanks for the chats! You think the Steelers could get a 5th rounder for Dotson?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

I doubt it. He's going to make $2.7 million if he's on a roster coming out of camp. It's not like he's a big bargain.

Steve

2:27

Do u think OSU tackle Jones has hurt his draft stock by not doing any drills but also declining to even get on the scale? His work ethic may be an issue, What do u think?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:27

That is why you have scouts on campus throughout the season. The teams that draft well have the necessary information on guys like Dawand Jones.

Bumblebee

2:27

Did Clevland’s Watson deal set unrealistic expectations for QB/s like Lamar?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:28

100% yes.

I'd prefer Van Ness in that spot, but Murphy is a nice prospect, too.

Steve in Canton

2:28

Would you take DE Myles Murphy if he slips to #17, assuming top 3 OT's and top 3 CB's are off the board?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:28

Whoops. Question to previous answer.

Daniel1111

2:28

If your team's kicker has gone into a slump, what does a team do? I know Danny isn't a kicking specialist, so do you bring in an outside help or let Boz figure out himself?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:29

The last time it happened they took away his bonus until after he made the 53 man roster out of camp. They didn't do that this time. I just think you hope he figures it out.

Eddie O.

2:29

Hi Ray! Odds of a Bud Dupree return to the team?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

Better than 50%. If he's coming in for a visit it's not for the Steelers to get to know him. They already know him and what he can do for the team. I imagine it's for a physical and money has already been discussed.

DaquidoBazzini

2:30

Any idea if Herbig is capable of playing OT?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

Perhaps in a pinch, but he's a guard with center capability.

Gene in Southlake, TX

2:31

Greetings Ray from Texas
Your insight into the Steelers is appreciated. Your two draft projections so far were almost identical regarding the positions; however, all the players’ names were different. What changed that you decided to select different players in your updated draft?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:32

Darnell Wright has been gaining momentum in the run-up to the draft. We find out information on where the Steelers are on the scouting trail, etc. But some of it is presenting different scenarios because that's what the draft is all about. The Steelers don't know what's going to happen either. They have to be prepared for lots of scenarios. That's why they have their board and do exercises in the days leading up to the draft.

Bumblebee

2:33

What are the top DE/s with 17-32 grades associated with them?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:34

There are guys like Van Ness, Myles Murphy, Keion White who are classified as edge rushers but can also play inside. In fact, Van Ness played inside until last season. Of the more traditional five techniques I would say Brian Bresee would be in that range.

Guest

2:34

Ray, everyone seems to be mocking the top 3 tackles to be drafted before pick 17, maybe even before pick 12 or 13. Is any of them good enough to give up a 2nd round pick to move up? That OL could be pretty, pretty good if we had a good left tackle to add to the guards. If that isn't the plan, why not sign Orlando Brown and then use all your top picks on the defense? I think if you don't have to pay the QB, you can afford $16 million per for a primo tackle. Thanks

Ray Fittipaldo

2:35

None of these guys are generational talents at left tackle so I don't think it's worth moving up for any of them. Maybe one or two spots but definitely not a big move.

Bumblebee

2:35

Had Edmunds been a second round pick would he had been judged more favorably?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:36

Perhaps. What if the Steelers had taken Lamar Jackson instead? Hahaha

Bumblebee

2:37

When are they likely to draft a WR in this draft?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:37

You never know, but I would guess Round 3 or after.