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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.05.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
You're worried about Adams, Loudermilk, Mondeaux and Davis? I think they can live without one or two of those guys. They were last in the league in run defense with them. Not sure why you're holding any of them in such high esteem.
Brian in CA
2:15
Steelers had one of the worst OL in the NFL last year.   With the FA signings and player development,  how do you think they'll do this year? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Let's see how they jell, but they moved to make some upgrades on the interior. They obviously though that was a big issue last season.
xturtlepowerx
2:16
AFC is going to be a gauntlet this year... so many good Qb's in a offensive league. Do you see the NFL calling more penalties on the offense to give the defenses a chance? I think Mitch can keep our heads above water and get us 17-21 points a game. As long as we keep teams under 21 we should have a shot
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
That's an awful lot of pressure on the defense, but I think that's the way it's trending.
MTScott
2:17
If Tuitt doesn’t participate in OTAs, is that a key indicator that Steelers will move on without him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
That wouldn't be a good sign.
Alex Madison
2:17
What happens around the 412 if the Steelers pass on Pickett?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
We'll all find a way to move on somehow.
Alan
2:17
Do you think the Steelers are done addressing their OL with what they did in free agency or do you see them taking someone in the first 3 rounds if there’s one available?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
I see them taking an OL in this draft. I'd say top four rounds.
J$Money
2:18
In your opinion, did the Saints trade with the Eagles with the intent of trading those picks and more to move up to get the quarterback they want, most likely Willis? Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Probably. They have Jameis Winston on a relatively cheap contract. If they like one of those QBs and think they can develop him then it makes all the sense in the world for them.
MG
2:19
No one ever mentions Anthony Miller when talking about WR room, and in truth he didn't see any action last year, but when I watch Trubisky's 2019 highlights, a lot of those balls were caught by Miller, and he sure looked like he was getting much better separation than I ever saw from James Washington, or Claypool for that matter. So what's the deal with Anthony Miller? Why is he so far down the bench?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
He's on the 90-man offseason roster. Right now, he'd be in the mix in the slot, but I am sure they'll draft a WR or two to compete with him and others in camp.
Boiler G Dog
2:20
Ray: Thanks for all your work. How do you see the Steelers in the AFC North? I’m not a believer in the Bengals or the Browns. With our FA additions and the upcoming draft, I can see us 2nd in the North or maybe winning it. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Not a believer in the Bengals? They represented the AFC in the Super Bowl and have one of the top young QBs in the game in Joe Burrow. What's not to like about them? I think the Ravens will rebound with a better season if they can stay healthier than they did last season. So I'd put the Steelers and Browns in the same group in the division. If the Browns can be .500 when Watson is suspended they'll have a shot to make some noise.
Azsteel
2:22
Are you comfortable with the Steelers offensive tackles? When should one be selected? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Second, third or fourth round. I think they're OK there, but I can think of about 20 teams with better tackle situations.
ms
2:23
Hi Ray! Is the 2023 QB draft class much stronger than this year’s? Assuming we draft in a similar spot next year, would we have a shot at any of the top prospects?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Probably not, but they might be inclined to trade up more if that class is indeed better than this one. And by all accounts, it is.
Guest
2:23
Is Wyatt a better option than Davis?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Different types of players. I don't think Wyatt would offer as much in run support as Davis would. But I think Wyatt obviously offers more in terms of the pass rush.
Ed in Carrick
2:24
Does the trade between Saints and Eagles yesterday impact the Steelers?  I don’t see the Saints NOT trading up with Giants.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
The Saints now have ammunition to trade up if they love one of the QBs. So yes, it could affect the Steelers.
AK
2:25
If the Steelers were to trade Rudolph, what do you think they could get for him?  5th round pick?  6th or 7th? Or none?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Late round if anything. Depends on what happens with these other QB situations around the league.
Guest
2:27
Hi Ray - rumor on the FAN yesterday was that the Steelers are finalizing a deal to make Minkah the highest paid safety in the league.  I like Minkah a lot, but do not consider him among the very top S in the league.  What is it about his skill set that Mike Tomlin and the team see as so impactful?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
When the Steelers could stop the run he was a ball hawk in 2019 and 2020. His role changed last season when the defensive line was injured and struggled. I think they believe he can create turnovers and be one of the top all-around safeties in the NFL for a long time.
Tom
2:28
With Tuitt and Alualu coming back, isn't DL the Steelers' deepest position? I get they are older but would a #1 pick play much in the next two years?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Alualu and Tuitt are in the last years of their deals. Better to have someone on the roster ready to rock and roll than developing a rookie in 2023.
AK
2:29
Ridder and Howell would be reaches in the first round, correct?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
In my opinion, yes, but the Steelers and maybe some other teams might feel differently. All of these QBs have warts.
JP from Quebec
2:30
Our receivers seem to lack the toughness to make contested catches, how about hiring a coach who was the toughest... Hines Ward to teach them how its done?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
That ship sailed a few years ago. Tomlin was unhappy with Hilliard so he brought in Frisman Jackson. We'll see if he can get more out of this inconsistent group.
Tom
2:31
If Haden isn't picked up after the draft would you reach out to reopen negotiations with him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Where would he fit now with Wallace, Sutton and Witherspoon under contract? I don't think so.
Tom
2:31
Do you feel comfortable with Witherspoon and Wallace as your starting corners? I think they will go corner in round 1.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
All three CBs are signed to reasonable contracts that will not preclude them from selecting a CB in round 1.
Chris M
2:32
Ray, I keep hearing conflicting reports about Desmond Ridder’s footwork as it pertains to his throwing accuracy, or lack thereof. What are you hearing about that facet of his game?
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