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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.05.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:49
Good afternoon, we'll get the chat started monetarily.
TJ
1:51
saw reports we are close to deal with Minkah? does that possibly mean we may try to land Mathiu as well. Seems unusual for us to get a big money deal done this early?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
Getting a long-term extension done at this juncture of the offseason certainly would be out of character for the Steelers. As you saw last year with TJ Watt they're not afraid to let things go to the wire. I did some research earlier today. As far as I can tell when Maurkice Pouncey signed an extension in June of 2014 that was the earliest they've done a deal with one of their star players. So we'll see what happens with Fitzpatrick. As far as the Honey Badger goes, he's visiting the Saints today. It's his first visit. He doesn't seem to be in a hurry to get his deal.
Brian
1:53
Is it realistic to say that all 7 Draft Picks will make the team due to the fact that they have soo many holes to fill.  Is that a correct assessment?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:54
It happened last year, but it doesn't happen every year. But you are correct in your assessment the Steelers still have some holes to fill.
Jay
1:54
Hello Ray.  Are you optimistic about this offense?  It was bad last year and probably worse this year, but has the potential to be say top 20-25.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
Those are some lofty goals -- being in the top 2o or 25. Lol. I would venture a guess and say if the Steelers are 20-25 in the offensive rankings in 2022 there will be a new coordinator in 2023.
Bob A.
1:55
If Malik Willis is indeed the apple of the Steelers’ eyes, do you think they’ll be willing to give up a first round pick next year to move up to get him? I don’t see any way he will be there at pick 20.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
That would be a very big move by the Steelers. They're not afraid to trade up. They did it for Troy Polamalu. That worked out great. They also did it for Devin Bush... not so great so far. I do agree with you that it appears Willis will be gone by the 20th overall selection.
ppozone6031@gmail.com
1:57
Hi Ray, I feel by waiting until next year to draft a QB you are betting against yourself. Your saying I'll have a higher pick because my record will be worse? I say draft one this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
They're certainly doing their homework.
Kris
1:57
Good Day Sir!
The Steelers won a SB in Ben's 2nd season on the back of a dominant defense and running game with him being more of a game manager tasked with not turning the ball over.
Is that the likely direction they are looking to take now?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
That wouldn't be a bad idea. They have some foundational pieces in place on defense. If they make a couple of moves in the draft I think they can get back to being one of the better defenses in the NFL.
SMF
1:58
Hi Ray:  Thanks for the chats.  Don’t the Steelers have to have a 100% yes/no answer on Tuitt before the draft?   If he were serious about playing in 2022 wouldn’t he have done an announcement by now saying he loved the Steelers and all his teammates and is ready for the Superbowl?  Are there $$ issues going on?  Very strange.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I think they want to take their time and make sure he's in shape and committed to playing football in 2022. And while it would be nice to know before the draft I am of the belief they have to draft a defensive linemen early no matter what. Tuitt is 29, Cam Heyward 32 and Tyson Alualu 35. It's time get younger at the position.
Guest
2:00
I am a huge fan of the Trubisky signing and I believe there is potential he can be the next franchise guy.  I know there has been a lot of buzz about Willis and Ridder, but I believe we are now in position to draft best available at 20.  What are your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
Based on what they did in free agency they put themselves in that position, for sure. They don't have to draft a certain position now.
MrCJJr
2:01
Hello Ray. Thanks for the chats as always. My question is who in your opinion is RB2? I would think the Steelers wouldn't use a draft pick to select one. Having said that do they go with a FA or stick with who they already have? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Snell and McFarland were fourth-round picks. If one of them can't be RB 2 then shame of the Steelers' scouting staff. You just need someone who can play 10-12 snaps per game.
Kris
2:02
With the Steelers building for the future, without admitting they are building for the future, do you see them possibly taking another KG in Kenyon Green to pair with his former line mate at A&M, Dan Moore?
Would set the run game up for better success, which I believe the focus of the team will be, than hoping the other KG can play guard after failing at center...
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I like Kenyon Green, but when they acquired James Daniels and Mason Cole in free agency it might have eliminated interior lineman from the list of possibilities in the first round. I might be wrong, but I think they take an OL in the middle rounds.
Kris
2:03
With the draft profiles of players at many positions being compared to last years draft and coming up short it sure seems like this is one of those drafts that will be looked back on in a few years as very weak overall.
Does it make sense to trade back or even out of some picks to stockpile for better options coming in next year since we are in a couple of year rebuild/refresh cycle?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
This QB class is not considered strong, but I don't think this draft overall will be considered weak. It might lack star power at the top, but it's been termed a deep draft at several positions. I think there is a lot of value in rounds 2-4 and even beyond this year. So in that sense, it is a good year to trade down if it makes sense for your team to do that.
Baron Large
2:06
Hope you are well...looking at some draft boards, it's almost imperative to draft a WR in First Round...there might be four gone by #20 (or maybe/hopefully two gone) and then most boards show like nine WRs taken before #52...then looks like next batch is in #75-80 range...at #20: DLondon>GWilson>JWilliams.>COlave...thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
Not sure if it will be round 1, but the Steelers will take a WR in the first three rounds, I think.
Guest
2:06
Ray, let's assume the team wants to draft a DL with their first pick, and that Jordan Davis is off the board along with Hutchinson and the player from FL. Who do they take, or do they pivot to the best OL available? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I think they would pivot to CB or another defensive position before OL, but some DL who might still be on the board if Davis is gone are: Devonte Wyatt of Georgia and maybe George Karlaftis of Purdue.
Javi
2:08
Hello Ray. Dont you find it telling or interesting that we now have 2 former 1st round QBs on roster and draft may give us a 3rd 1st rounder? I guess point is drafting QB 1st round can be really a crapshoot and odds are stacked with finding a gem.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
You're right about that. Not sure collecting failed first-rounders is a great plan, either, but we're going to find out.
Jason
2:08
Hi Ray! I know this is a bit of a touchy subject by why didn’t the Steelers just tank the last few games to get a better pick in the draft? Pens did it to get a generational talent for Mario people got over it real quick didn’t they? If you’re not good enough to win a SB and everyone knows it going into the last few weeks why win meaningless games and push yourself farther back in the draft order.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
There is no 66 or 87 in this draft. And regardless, it's not in the Steelers' DNA to do that.
Yankton Ern
2:09
Ray,                            If Tuit comes back and plays at a high level, Alualu and or a top tier draft pick at Nose and Heyward continues his stellar play, why can’t this be a top 5 defense?  The line playing at a high level will make the ILB better to scrape sideline to sideline, the DB’s were decent last year but should be better with additions and draft choices.  Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
I tend to agree with you, but when you have older players they sometimes break down and get injured more frequently than younger players. That's why I think they need a DL early. And you're right. An improved DL will help the ILBs and the secondary, not that the secondary was terrible.
Kyle
2:11
I keep hearing how the Steelers can find WR's in later rounds, but is that really true or did we just get lucky with a couple of picks?  Only Brown and Juju received a 2nd contract.  For every Dionte Johnson there is a James Washington.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
I will admit their track record with WRs has taken a little bit of a hit in recent years with Washington not panning out and the jury still very much out on Claypool. But there is a long history suggesting they might be the exception rather than the rule.
pdxJaxon
2:12
Hey Ray, Thanks for the chats.  If both Defensive Linemen from Georgia area available at #20, which do you think the Steelers would lean towards? Jordan Davis or Devonte Wyatt ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I think Davis. He'd immediately improve the run defense and has some special athletic traits beyond his size.
Jeff
2:13
Thanks for the chats Ray.  Whereas I have heard a lot of good reviews on the Daniels signing, it has been mixed on the Cole signing.  I admit I know nothing about the guy.  Is he slated to start and is he any good or is this like a Jeff Hartings signing?  Solid but not a superstar.  and if Green was too small to be a center then isnt he super small to be a guard?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
The Steelers are Cole's third team in four years. He's solid. I don't view him as a long-term starter, if that's what you're asking. I do view Daniels that way.
Kyle
2:14
If Tuitt returns next year and Pittsburgh drafts an early round defensive lineman, who is the odd man out?  Adams played well in spots and they traded up to get Loudermilk.
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