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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.01.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
Yes I would like that. He was my second-round pick in my last mock draft. He's rising. Not sure if he'll be available at No. 52 now. He's had a strong performance in the predraft process.
Swannsworth
12:20
Now that DHB is likely gone, do you think the Steelers will finally show the same respect to Swann and Stallworth that they do the rest of the legends by taking 82 and 88 out of rotation? I understand the rationality of having to keep them before, but now that receivers can wear numbers in the 10’s, there are enough to go around.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
They've never had that approach with 88 and 82. Not sure why. They don't give out 12, 32, 52 or 75. 75 is the only one that is officially retired.
Bones
12:21
Ray, thanks for the chat, no question, just a small rant. I see today in a national weekly NFL article, Freddie Kitchens referred to OBJ as a "kid".  Doing a little searching, but not a single ex-player seems to be railing him for calling a grown man a "kid".  But Colbert does it (in a different context) when whiny players want out of Pittsburgh, and they paint him and the Steelers Organization as anti-player villains.  Too bad.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
Good point. It's the way people in football talk from GMs to scouts to coaches. It seems there is an agenda against the Steelers and Colbert.
scott in dallas
12:22
What do you think about the Steelers letting Ben play out the last year of his contract? I bet his numbers drop off without AB and more focus on the run. Let him prove he can carry the team to "Success". If he cannot it might be reload time...
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
They'd like to extend him. I thought it would be done sooner, but that's their intent.
mtsteel
12:23
Hi Ray and thanks for your ongoing chats.  Did you feel the Steelers should have pursued Zack Brown from the Redskins considering the money they spent on Barron? Brown appears to be an all around complete ILB and produced great numbers in Washington. Thanks again
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
Barron has versatility as a former safety and could bump down to dime LB if necessary. That might have been part of the equation.
Steeler Joe
12:24
In a deep draft for defensive linemen, when do the Steelers take one?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
I think they will. Probably not high but I could see them taking on anytime from the third round on.
scott in dallas
12:25
I am really concerned about the front office not forcing the issue with Boswell & Dupree. If either were cut before their Bonus/Option year guaranteed neither would get close to what they are making on the open market. Not to mention the Foster signing, though I am sure that is All About Ben... How does that give confidence?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
Each circumstance is different. With Boswell, he was very good before last season. So they don't want to give up on him without giving him an offseason to work on his issues. The situation with Dupree simply could be about depth. If they cut Dupree they'd have to start Anthonyc Chickillo or draft an OLB in Round 1 again and start him. It's a big number ($9.2 million) but if he plays well it's not a bad contract. They just need him to play better than he has his first four seasons.
John MA
12:27
I don't understand why the Steelers would say they are going to release Burnette on April 1st if they were also trying to trade him.  Wouldn't potential trade partners just wait until he is released?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Burnett's agent leaked that to Adam Schefter. Apparently it wasn't true. The Steelers' intention is to trade him. If not, they'll release him. But as Colbert said at the owner's meetings: "We'll do it when it's comfortable for us." In other words, "Morgan you can sit for a while and we'll release you when we are good and ready."
Kyle
12:29
If both Devin's are gone, do you think the Steelers should consider OLB over CB in the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
I'd be OK with either. They need to find a playmaker one way or the other. Colbert said they are putting a big emphasis on turnovers. So look for a player who was productive in college.
WV Black & Gold
12:30
Ray, I’m seeing mock drafts with DK Metcalf going after the 20th spot.  If the Steeles aren’t able to move up for one of the Devins, do you think he might be a realistic choice?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
Yes they need a WR. It all depends on how their board falls. As I've noted previously, by signing Donte Moncrife, Steven Nelson and Mark Barron they are in position to draft the best player available at No. 20.
Coach 15
12:31
What is the bigger chance, Steelers retain all their 2019 draft picks, since they need to fill many holes, or they lump several together, to get one player, & still have many holes?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
I think they'll trade up if there is a player they believe is worthy of such a move. And they won't know how much they'l have to give up until draft night. They have to wait to see how the first 10 fall before they make any determinations.
Bake
12:33
Ray, if they are unable to get either Devin, which other ILB do you think thet should target in 2nd of 3rd round?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Mack Wilson of Alabama is probably the third LB. You used to see him in the first round of mock drafts, but he's slid down draft boards. Not sure if he'll be a second-round pick.
K Dot
12:34
We trade our 1st, 3rd (ours), 5th, and maybe a player or 2 (25 or 42) for a top 10 and maybe a 5th in return?  Or is that giving up too much just to get a Devin?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
You might have to give up No. 20 both thirds and a fifth or a sixth to move up that high.
Bake
12:35
Everyone mentions going after Michigan ILB Bush, but I also like their DE/OLB, local product Chase Winovich. How about you?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Winovich is a good player. He tested very well at the combine too. He's a second or third round guy.
Bake
12:35
With Nelson signing, does that mean this is the final year for Haden in black and gold?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
I think they'd like to extend him of they can. He is in the final year of his contract.
Shawn
12:36
Vegas have the browns and Steelers both at 9 wins. Does that surprise you as much as it does me and what’s your over/under for both teams?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Saw that this morning. It doesn't surprise me at all. The Browns have the talent. Now let's see if they can put it all together.
GERRY
12:37
Seeing as he drops into coverage often and is not the greatest edge rusher, have the Steelers ever given thought to moving Bud Dupree to inside linebacker?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
I don't think he has the intanglibles to play ILB. He's athletic enough and he does cover well, but he's not the most physical player on the edge. What makes you think he'd be physical enough to survive inside?
Leaper
12:38
Is Sean Davis a player the Steelers are interested in resigning or are the preparing to let him walk?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Good question. I'm not sure they know yet. Guess we'll find out this summer. Either they'll extend him or let him play out the final year of his rookie contract.
Merrill Hoge
12:38
Considering Conner's and McDonald's injury history do you see them taking a RB or TE in 3rd round?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
TE before RB
ALB
12:39
Ray, with picks to trade, how high in the first round do you think Steelers need to be situated to guarantee they get a Devin?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
For White? Probably into the top 10. For Bush, into the teens I think
Cj
12:40
How would you rank the AFC north right now. I know the big hype is about the Browns but just wanted an insight to how you think the teams rank before the draft.
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