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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.02.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Would depend on how many spots they had to drop down but probably BPA at those positions you mentioned.
Paul
2:26
Hi Ray, do you think it's risky if Steelers don't add a potential starter to their DL lineup. Seems like relying on Larry O, and Cam to last whole season isn't a great plan.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
I agree with you. That's why I think they'll draft a player who can potentially help this year. Not sure if they'll do that super early in the draft, but i9t is a big need.
Fred Garvin - Draft Expert
2:27
How are ya, Ray? I don't know how much free time you get, but have you ever tried one of the free online NFL Draft Simulators, at all? Without taking most of the computer-generated trades from other teams, it's been averaging out that the Steelers will have to choose between Mims or Powers-Johnson in Round 1. Also - your thoughts on LSU DT Maason Smith being there for Pittsburgh with one of the 3rd Round picks?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
I don't really use those simulators. I try to figure out on my own when players will be available. As for Maason Smith, he has the size and athletic traits, but he never put it all together at LSU. I think that's why he's a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.
Man of Steel
2:29
Hi Ray, thanks for the chats. I also really enjoy your insight on the Steelers podcast. I had the chance to use the mock draft tracker on NFL.com site for the first time today and this is what I got the first time thru
sorry. Hit send too early. Round 1 T Mims, 2 CB Sainristil 3 WRCorley and C Van Pran
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
Well, Mims and Corley have been in for predraft visits so the Steelers are interested. I sat this every year but fans should pay attention to the predraft visits. Last year their first four picks call came in for visits.
SOMD
2:31
What do you think the chances are that the Steelers get a dynamite OT in the first and one of the good centers in the 2nd?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Not great. I'm afraid JPJ, Barton and Frazier will all be gone by the middle of the second round.
Ryan
2:32
Good afternoon Ray do We Draft Zach Frazier And When does your next mock draft come out
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Thursday and if Frazier is there at 51 I think he'll get consideration from the Steelers.
Ranger 73
2:33
Mr. Fittipaldo -   QBs Wilson and Fields of course are no Mahomes, Burrow, etc. Therefore Steelers need to excel with the run game which means a quality offensive line. First pick should be OL and maybe the second pick as well. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
How about two OL in the first two days of the draft with their first four picks? They have picks at 20, 51, 84 and 98.
marty
2:34
Omar fired most of the Steelers scouting staff.  Was this because they weren't doing a good job or did he just want to hire his own people?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Assistant GM Andy Weidl heads up the personnel department, and I think Omar wanted to give him a chance to bring in some of his own people, or people he knows well. Doesn't mean the scouts who were not retained did a bad job. This kind of stuff happens all the time when there is a change in the front office.
Fred Garvin - Draft Expert
2:36
Thoughts on the Yale OT - He seems to have everything you look for as an NFL Tackle.. Is he 'Plug & Play' even in Round 3, Ray?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
He's coming off an injury and didn't face great competition in the Ivy League. I'm guessing he's Day 3 and likely early Day 3 because he does have the measurables.
LarryG from Punxy
2:37
Do you like the new kickoff rules?  Or are you implementing a wait-and-see approach?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Definitely in wait-and-see mode. I don't think anyone can sit here in April and give a strong opinion on it. I don't think we can know until we see it and see how special teams coaches try to strategize around the new rule.
Guest
2:38
If they go OT with the first round, your gut tells you WR in the second, C third? Think they will pigeon hole themselves like that?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Yeah C with one of the two third-round picks.
madmaxworld.tv
2:39
Ray in your opinion is the 'depth' at DL on the roster a illusion... In other words, isn't DL the top need after Center?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
It is, but it's not a very good or deep year for DE and DTs. I think the DT class is a little better than DE class.
Guest
2:40
What’s your take on the bucco’s hot start?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I actually turn the TV to catch an inning or two now. Can't remember the last time I did that. Maybe 2015 or something like that. I like some of their arms. When does Skenes arrive? I want to see Jared Jones and Skenes pitch in this rotation.
LarryG from Punxy
2:41
It seems we have been building our roster more with free agents, and the like, rather than by drafting and developing players.  Do you get the same sense?  And if so, is this a product of the coaches not being able to develop their draft picks?  Or is it just the way it goes now in trying to build a roster?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
Just the way it goes. Some of the draft picks in the final years of Kevin Colbert did not pan out and Khan is trying to rectify some of those problems through free agency.
Tex
2:42
If McConkey, Corley and Legette all available at 51, who is the pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
All good options. Legette and Corley have been in for visits so I'll say Corley.
Tom M.
2:43
Queen played next to Roquan Smith and behind a good line in Baltimore. The Steelers don’t have that and I’m concerned if he’ll be able to duplicate his success here.  On the other hand, he’ll be “the guy” here and he might ascend to new heights. Which camp are you in?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
He doesn't have to be The Man in the Steelers defense. He might be The Man at ILB, but he doesn't have to carry the unit in any way shape or form. That defense has TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick in their primes.
Colonel
2:45
What are the chances that the Steelers will draft a QB in the later rounds?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
Small chance. They have three QBs with NFL experience on their roster in Wilson, Fields and Allen.
GLB
2:46
hey Ray - does it seem odd that GMOK & HCMT have not gone to the pro days of one of top 3 C in the draft?  Typically they go to the first round pick’s proday. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Not really. Pat Meyer was at JPJ's pro day at Oregon and Arthur Smith was at Barton's pro day. I don't recall who was at the Big 12 pro day, but I'm sure the Steelers were well-represented there. I know there is some kind of streak there with Tomlin/pro days and first-round picks, but I don't think it eliminates any of those guys from consideration at 20.
marty
2:48
Have the Steelers spoken with WR Ladd McConkey from Ga.?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
They have but he hasn't been in for a predaft visit yet.
madmaxworld.tv
2:49
The onsides kick is essentially eliminated by the new rules, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
Right. Now you have to declare an onside kick, which eliminates any surprise onside kicks.
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