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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.04.23
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Andrew from Johnstown
2:12
Hey Ray. From what I've seen, it looks like Myles Jack is still an FA. Do you think the Steelers bring him back on a cheaper one year deal if he doesn't get signed anytime soon? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
I don't get that sense.
Paul from Sacramento
2:13
Hi Ray, Love your insights and chats. I was wondering if (on draft day) if you know if GM's have pre-draft arrangements with other GM's or trades lined up with other teams prior to their turn up based on certain developments falling at that time? Or do they (when on the clock) just have that time to consummate a deal..  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
It can happen both ways. A lot of times these conversations are had in the days and weeks leading up to the draft.
BPOS
2:14
Boykin impressed last year during camp and I thought his big frame would have been great for end zone work, but yet has been rarely used during the season on offense (but excellent as a special team player). Whats missing from his game that prohibits him from being a bigger part of the offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
He just doesn't have the knack to go up and make plays down the field big receivers have to make. He's a good special teams player and that's about it.
#34Russell for HOF
2:15
Ray, Any word on the younger Watt being resigned before the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
TJ Watt is the youngest of the family. Derek Watt is the middle child and no there has been no movement on re-signing him to this point in the offseason.
Tom P
2:16
Ray, who pays for Wormley’s rehab considering he is a FA?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
The NFL and NFLPA have arrangements for such situations.
Ike Steelheart
2:17
Ray, which rookie position should or is needed to be an immediate starter? I am thinking CB or S, right? Therefore that position has to be addresed early like in the first 3 picks, agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
Yes I would say secondary for sure. And given the depth of this CB class I'd say a CB starting is a better bet.
John
2:18
Who will win a playoff game first? The Steelers or the Jets?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Steelers.
Guest
2:18
Bud makes sense, right? TJ needs to rest a certain amount of snaps even when healthy, so it's not like he won't be getting time even if the starters are healthy. Helps everyone save a little tread.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Correct. The Steelers have interest. It seems the ball is in Bud's court in terms of what he wants to play for this season.
Phil from Montréal
2:19
Hello Ray.. great work. Thank you. My third attempt about Matthew Bergeron to get your pount of view. He's from Montréal, so I'm interested to know how do you evaluate him as an OT and potential sleeeper for the Steelers' 3rd pick? (And I think 2nd pick would be too early, right..?). Thanks again.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I see him as a guard. He's a good run blocker. He's not there yet as a pass protector, which worries me. When you're out there on the edge on an island pass pro has to be plus. Maybe as a project type of pick at tackle.
Westy
2:20
If the top 3 Ots are gone, what about Darnell Wright at 17
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Well, I mocked Wright to the Steelers in my latest mock draft.
AK
2:21
Don’t you think it’s more likely Dupree signs an incentive laden deal with a team that needs pass rush help where he’s likely to play more than he would with the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
He's a free agent. He should shop for the best deal. But we're almost a month into this and he hasn't signed yet. That usually means big money deals aren't out there.
Steel from Jacksonville
2:22
Another chat and still no movement on the Lamar Jackson situation, are owners collaborating to undue the Watson deal influence?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Perhaps, but collusion is hard to prove. Also, it could be that Cleveland gave Watson a deal no other team in the league was willing to give.
Steel from Jacksonville
2:24
Does Harris's career so far validate his first round selection?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
He was injured in camp last year and didn't start to play well until the second half of the season. They're trying to build around him and develop the running game so they're giving him every opportunity to live up to that billing.
Dr. Johnny Fever
2:25
Do you see Keanu Neal as an upgrade over Terrell Edmunds?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
I don't think they'll have similar roles. They;re not looking for Neal to be a full-time starter per se. His role likely will be as a box safety in run support. He could play a lot against teams like the Ravens and Browns and not so much against teams like the Bengals. Edmunds pretty much stayed on the field all the time.
Steel from Jacksonville
2:27
ESPN ranked Daniels and Cole pretty high (7th & 10th) in pass blocking but no where near at run blocking, how did they improved as the year went on in rushing? Could this be the reason behind their thought process in FA and pre draft visits of OL?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
The line works in unison. They all got better. And they stayed healthy all season, which was a big part of that.
Ghost
2:28
In my opinion, Emmanuel Forbes would be getting more buzz if not for his slender frame. Breaking the pick 6 record in the SEC is impressive. I'd love him at #32 if they go OL or DL in RD1. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
That wouldn't be a bad call.
Guest
2:31
Outside of T, I think the only other need on offense right now is someone to attack the middle of the field with besides 88. Maybe Austin is that guy. But doesn't this make Mayer or the GA TE attractive if theyre still there at 32? 12 personnel would be a good base for this team - run first mentality, accurate qb, but not elite arm strength to attack the deep boundaries consistently. Could help both the run game and give the pass game a boost (especially Mayer). Also could free up Pickens more 1 on 1.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
A big slot WR or a tight end. I'd lean WR now after Gentry re-signed, but TE isn't out of the question.
John K
2:32
Who would you say are the three best Steelers not in the HOF not named Ben?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Of those who are eligible, Hines Ward, L.C. Greenwood and probably Andy Russell.
Steve in Canton
2:33
Ray, thanks for the chats each week. Who would be the better starter at LT on Day 1: Dan Moore Jr. or Cody Mauch?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
A lot of people think Mauch will be a guard in the NFL. I would imagine the level of competition is something teams are trying to factor in. He played well as a tackle at the FCS level, but how will he do against elite edge rushers? I don't know how to answer your question, but I think the Steelers can upgrade from Moore.
Steve in Canton
2:35
What would it take to move from #17 to say #12 with Houston to take P. Johnson, P. Skoronski or B. Jones?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Probably No. 17 and 49. Or maybe 17, 80 and 120.
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