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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.04.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:52
Good afternoon. Let's get the chat started.
Ken
1:52
Do you think that if Bud Dupree is still available after the draft, that the Steelers may sign him?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:52
Sure. Bud doesn't seem to be in a hurry to sign. And the draft is three weeks away.
Chet
1:53
I think Steelers could draft a WR as early as the second round. Not much behind Pickens and DJ. Austin is fast but small. Not sure I’d putt all my eggs in his basket. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
It would appear, after not addressing the position in free agency, a WR would be in play in the top four rounds. Knowing their history with the position I wouldn't be surprised if they took one in the second round.
Steel from Jacksonville
1:54
Reviewing old games from past years, in particular those killer B/s years. Seems like 2016 was their best team in that era, Bell was on a tear (MIA, KC) prior to getting hurt against NE. Does last season success toward the end with their running game change Tomlin's approach of single featured RB/s?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:54
Tomlin's stance already changed. Jaylen Warren got one third of the offensive snaps last season. They were into 2022 wanting to take some hits off Harris, and they did that.
Steel from Jacksonville
1:55
You mentioned in your podcast that the Steelers may continue to add inside OL in the draft, would that include a new center? Who would be the top choices within this class?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
It's a possibility. Not saying it will happen. The top center this year is John Michael Schmitz, and he visited the Steelers March 24.
Bernard
1:55
Generally speaking, if you were GM and could select an equally impactful player at CB or LT in this years draft at #17, which position would you prioritize and why?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Tackle because this CB class is deeper and you can find a starter at 32 or 49 or maybe even 80.
artie bridge
1:56
Ray, I'm getting buzzed about the prospect of drafting Darnell Washington, TE from Georgia at #32.  He's mammoth (6'7", around 275), tested well at the combine, etc.  So here are my questions:  1) does he last until 32? 2) if so, how interested are the Steelers? and 3)  if Steelers draft him, does that lessen the need for an OT? (blocking is his strength)  Seems to me he provides Kenny with protection and adds another weapon to the arsenal.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
He's a blocking tight end with upside to produce as a pass catcher in the pros. I don't think players with that profile fit at 32 especially when Pat Freiermuth is under contract for two more years and is established as the top TE on the roster.
Steel from Jacksonville
1:58
What trade value would the Steeler's 2nd pick fetch this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
According to the trade value chart the No. 32 overall pick is worth the equivalent of two picks near the end of the second round.
Steel from Jacksonville
1:59
In the case that they draft a center with their second pick, what trade value would Mason Cole fetch?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
Hard to say, but I am guessing a fifth-rounder. Maybe.
Virgil
2:00
Personally, I really like the off season moves. I think it's a better team than last year already. However, I don't think they are going to be genuinely competitive unless they can score 27 points a game. That's mostly on Pickett and Canada. What changes do you think the offense needs to make to become a significantly higher scoring team than they've been the last 2 years (including with HOF QB)?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
Trust the QB more. Open up the playbook.
Jb
2:01
I feel like DL should be talked about more as a priority over OT? If the one of the top three CB are gone at 17 do you see them going after a guy like Bresee? Seems like I’ve of the few great fits in the 1st round for the Steelers and he should be there.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Bresee has the athletic profile to be selected at 17, but he has an injury history and a shorter college resume because of it. So you'd really have to feel comfortable with his health to make that pick there.
Jb
2:02
Do you know if they would take Jack Campbell? And if so how high would they have to take him, would he be there at 49?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I suppose it's a possibility, but they spent some $$$ in free agency to address the ILB position. I'm not thinking it's a top priority.
Guest
2:04
Hi Ray, it seems the top 3 picks for the team in the draft ought to be DL, LT and CB in whatever order. Are there enough quality WRs left that they could snag one in round 4? Or should they consider a TE in 3rd or 4th rd? Are you concerned about Muth's long-term health? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
I'm not concerned about Freiermuth's long-term health moreso than any other player in the league. It's a collision sport, and players are going to get concussions. As I mentioned earlier, I think WR is in play anywhere from rounds two through four. '
Jb
2:05
At this point do you get a feel where they will go focus their top three picks. Big guys on both sides of the ball?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
It depends on how the draft falls, but rebuilding the trenches is a priority for this front office. I think you've seen the beginnings of that take place with the addition of Seumalo and Herbig in free agency.
Jay
2:06
Hello Ray, always enjoy and appreciate your coverage.  At 17 the big 3 CBs and OTs are probably gone.  At 32 the next 3 OTs are likely gone.  Would you reach for the next available OT at 32?  Or Take your chance with the next tier OT at 49?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
The Steelers don't have to take an OL in this draft. I think they'll take best player available at certain positions when it's their time to pick. And the way they are scouting tackles and guards and centers this spring I wouldn't be surprised at all if they took one. But again, it will depend on how the board falls.
TexStill
2:07
Draft day, Steelers head to the podium and announce Mr. X. Forgetting needs and such, of the likely players there, what name (or names) makes you excited as fan where you yell "hell yeah" at your TV set? For me it would be Van Ness or Branch.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Van Ness.
Guest
2:08
Ray I understand a shutdown corner is important in today’s NFL but doesn’t having a young defensive line that pressures the quarterback help even mediocre corners look good. We need to draft for the trenches, do you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Yes, but take a look at the CB room. Only Peterson is under contract for beyond the 2023 season. It's a need, and they will draft at least one.
Tampa Too
2:09
Ray. Of all the draft picks this year how many pics do you think will be on offense and how many pics do you think will be on defense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
That's hard to say. Maybe 4 defensive players and 3 offensive players.
Miles McGuire
2:10
Hi Ray,
I read a report that Matt C has gone to ZERO pro days. This is much to do about nothing, Or, do you think he was grounded, or do you think he is just that arrogant that he feels he does not need to attend?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Ha. He's told where to go. He doesn't get to pick and choose. I don't know what to make of it, but it does seem a bit odd.
2:11
Best player available among OT, DL/EDGE and CB.
Maroon
2:11
What do you think the odds are that two or more rookies will be starters this season for the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Starters at the beginning of the season? Or merely at some point during the season? I'll say if it's the latter.
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