You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.01.19
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
I view the Steelers, Browns and Ravens about the same. WOuld not be surprised if any of those three won the division. And remember, the Browns have a third-place schedule. That should help them.
Rigel
12:41
Does Jaylen Samuels get used more as a tight end with James leaving for Detroit?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
I don't think so. He's the backup RB right now. I do think they could look to get him involved more because he was good as a rookie, but I'm not sure it will be as a TE. Could see him lining up in the slot and running routes to take advantage of his receiving ability.
Jeff M
12:42
If the Steelers decide to go WR in rd 1? Not my preference, who would you have as their best option?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
A big, tall fast guy like Metcalf or Hakeem Butler.
Jeff M
12:43
Is drafting a CB a bigger need than some think? Haden is a pending FA and Hilton seemed to be picked on late in the season.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
I think they'll take a CB in the top three rounds.
Taz
12:44
What's your take on why the turnovers didn't follow the sack #s?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
Sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way, but there is something to be said for having players that are opportunistic or have a nose for the ball. I don;t think they have enough of those guys on their defense.
Steeltowntim@aol.com
12:45
Ray, I thought Ernie Stautner was also retired. I think maybe 70?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
You are correct. My bad.
Mike
12:45
Huge Heath Miller fan. Do you think his number could ever be retired. I believe he was one of the most perfect traditional Steelers.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Well, they gave 83 to Cobi Hamilton a few months after he retired so the answer is no.
REID
12:46
hi Ray,  i’m in the minority thinking the Steelers will be a better team without AB this year, at least a better record in 2019. They’ve already replaced Bell,  so now we get rid of another poison in Brown,  but there still a lot of fire power to surround a Hall of Fame quarterback.   What do you think ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
I think the Steelers will be competitive. But I don't view them as one of the top contenders in the AFC any longer. I think of the Patriots and Chiefs when it comes to that.
James
12:47
If the Steelers sit at 20, I don't see them getting either of the Devins. But I also think a CB is a reach at 20. I truly will not be shocked if they take an OLB or best receiver (TE or WR) available at 20. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
You might be right. There doesn't appear to be an elite CB this year. Maybe they like one, but WR or OLB are in play I think at No. 20.
NC Steel
12:49
Ray, What do you think about the team re-signing Ramon Foster? You indicated soon after the season that he might have been the weakest of the OL last year (and he's 32)--you cited the Raiders game when Ben got hurt--it was Foster's man who made the hit.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
I was surprised they re-signed Foster. He didn't finish the year strong. Just my opinion. Obviously, they felt different.
Boston Steeler Fan
12:50
It seems like many of the cable sports channels have become marketing vehicles for the players' agents propagating stories, real or not, to further players' contracting strategies.  Do you think the NFL owners have second thoughts about the NFL Network or is anything that gets people talking about the NFL worth the cost?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
Owners know there are problems with the NFL Network. It's not at the top of their list, but believe me, they know there are issues.
DSF
12:51
Ray, any representatives at the Univ of Washington Pro day today?  Any thoughts on the ILB there Burr Kirven?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:52
I'm sure the Steelers are represented there. That's Mark Bruener's territory. And there are a lot of good players from Washington in the draft this year including CB Byron Murphy and S Taylor Rapp. As for Burr Kirven, I view him as a late-round ILB.
NC Yinzer
12:52
I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz on the receiver out of Arizona State.  Do you believe he’ll be available in the 2nd round when we pick?  Or do you think we have to move up to grab him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
N'Keal Harry is a big-bodied WR who put up some nice stats for the Sun Devils. Doesn't have great speed but he gets open and makes big plays. I've seen him late in the first round and into the second round. Don't think he gets to Round 3.
Jim in New Zealand
12:53
Will the Steelers pick up a compensatory pick in two years for losing Jesse James?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:54
James is part of the compensatory equation for 2020 along with Le'Veon Bell.
Doug from Raleigh
12:54
You alluded to a competition between Boswell and McGrane, but  the latter can't even reach the endzone on kickoffs.  Is this a bogus "competition" and they're  just trying to push Boswell?   Seems they can do better than McGrane if they are serious
Ray Fittipaldo
12:55
McGrane told me after the Bengals game that he was going to work on his leg strength during the offseason. He knows it's a weakness. And if McGrane isn't the answer they'll bring in someone else to compete.
Mineos is Better
12:55
What is status of Heyward Bey? He is unrestricted, will Steelers offer him a contract after the April draft
Ray Fittipaldo
12:56
He's an UFA, free to sign anywhere. A day or to after the season ended DHB popped his head inside the media room and thanked the reporters. I think he knew at that point he probably wasn't coming back.
Heath Miller Fan
12:56
Ray you mentioned the Steelers desire to acquire playmakers. Isn’t that the knock against Sean Davis.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:57
Well, he only had one INT as a free safety. Most teams look for more production from their free safety. It was his first season there so maybe there will be more turnovers next season.
@BENZADO
12:57
Why have Tomlin and Colbert not been questioned more aggressively this absurd re-signing of Bud Depree? In what world is he worth over $9,000,000 year? He does not even start on most NFL teams!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:59
What do you mean by "more aggressively"? They've been asked and they've given their answers. They believe there is more room for growth. What are we supposed to do? Pound our fists on our desks and demand he be cut? All we do is ask questions. They provide answers.
MTScott
12:59
Are there anymore bad apples on the team that need to be removed?!
Ray Fittipaldo
1:00
I think most of the bad apples are gone. Burnett will be gone soon.
Ok thanks for all the questions this week. We'll do it again next week.
Connecting…