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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.06.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
He's a good player, but as you noted JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson have been ahead of him on the depth chart. And Chase Claypool saw more playing time than him too. But that's OK. Washington is a quality No. 4 WR. I don't think he'll sign a second contract with the Steelers, but he's a good player.
LivingInMyFears
2:16
Hi Ray, how long until we see an 18-game season? They would have to make modifications to roster-limits to compensate for increased injuries/fatigue, would they not? Should it have been done for the 17-game format? Thanks in advance.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
I don't think you'll see it in the next year or two, but it'll definitely happen. The owners wanted the 17th game because it meant billions in new revenue. More billions means it will eventually happen.
Just Mike
2:17
Hi Ray! Former OC Randy Fichtner. Why did fans dislike him to such a degree? Also what is his educational background?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Randy graduated from Purdue.
LivingInMyFears
2:18
James Conner is not a "bad" RB. Do you think he finds himself on a roster before or after the draft? Or even at all this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
It seems like after the draft now.
BPOS
2:19
What are the odds that either Etienne or Harris are still on the board before Steeles are up?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I think the odds are pretty good. Teams have been shying away from taking RBs in Round 1. Only one RB has been selected in Round 1 in each of the past two drafts, and last year the Chiefs took Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the final pick of Round 1.
Yates
2:20
Ray -  Rank your guesses for who Steelers will draft to man center position this year and include guess on Round the pick witl be made?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Creed Humphrey -- Round 2.
Polovtsian Dance No.2 by Borodin
2:20
ETN: -  EIGHT FUMBLES ( 7 LOST) ~ The guy you & Batko like less... 1 Fumble (late whistle) Same Game: 5 TDs 206 YDs
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
I've been pretty consistent that Etienne or Harris would be good picks at No. 24.
LivingInMyFears
2:21
Do you think the NFLPA lost some "player safety" clout by allowing an extended regular season at the return of more income?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
I don't mean to trash the union because that's not what I'm doing, but money always talks.
Ron
2:22
Would the Steelers consider Teven Jenkins LT material?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
He said he's more comfortable on the right side. And he's only played on the right side. So it's hard for me to believe the Steelers believe 100 % they can make him the LT. They might think he has the tools to do it, but until he does it...
tommy
2:24
Any chance we get Nelson and Williams back, and possibly sign Jesse James? He can block and catch and doesn't have the alligator arms and dropsie of Eric Ebron.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Maybe Williams, but I don't think Nelson. And James could be signed to add depth, but he's not a great blocker. He's adequate, which might be better than what they have, but let's not make James out to be George Kittle, either.
Polovtsian Dance No.2 by Borodin
2:25
THE NFL Owners write off all their losses & most of their expenses, as they should but given that... tell me why the CAP went down... considering the new TV/Streaming money went up?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Most teams lost 33% or more of their yearly revenue streams -- gate receipts, parking, concessions, merchandise, etc.
Polovtsian Dance No.2 by Borodin
2:26
Even though Guard is the least pressing need for the Steeler O-Line, do you think a guy like Ohio's Wyatt Davis is on the Steelers board?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
If he checks out medically and there are no off-field issues, of course. He's one of the top guards in this class.
Polovtsian Dance No.2 by Borodin
2:27
Kudos for Adam T's question/analysis... Speaking of "thresholds" Would the fact that ETN is a fumbler be of concern to them?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
I'm quite sure it's been discussed, but it's only part of the equation. You have to study the tape, know the situations, know if his issues are correctable. With fumbling, it almost always is with good coaching if the player is conscientious.
Emilio
2:28
Who will get a job in the NFL first Todd Haley or Fitchner?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Hmmmm. Todd is coaching high school right now. Not sure what Randy is up to. Maybe Randy, but probably not as an OC right away again.
Jim
2:30
Why is a player of need considered a reach if they can't get that player with their next draft pick? Seems like a no brainer to me if they really like him.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
If they really like him and have a first-round grade on him then yes. I'm just letting you know that not many draft analysts out there have Humphrey has a first-round talent. All it takes is one though.
Jim
2:31
Do you think they will take a QB late this year? Mond, etc?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Maybe but I doubt it.
21-58-66
2:32
Ray - Has the train left the station on the Steelers possibly signing Jesse James to help them at tight end?  Does it now seem they would prefer to take their chances in the draft to bolster that position?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
I could see them signing James, but I'm not sure why it has to happen anytime soon.
BPOS
2:32
Can you give me hope that Matt C will draw up a more innovative offensive game plan? I know he'll focus on the run assuming we get a competent back and line in place.  Has to be better than Randy's right?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
That's what they're hoping, but Canada has never coordinated an NFL offense. He was known as a creative guy at his various college stops, including Pitt, so I think people think they'll see those concepts. But again, the NFL is different from college. Some of that stuff will work but not all of it.
AlVA
2:35
Ray, seems like so much pressure being put on the team to get a starting LT in the draft. Outside of the rare draft gem, that’s not a typical position that’s plug n play for rookies drafted outside of the first 15 picks. Given our draft position, it would seem to be a much more prudent decision to draft a guy who could come in as a starting caliber LG and could possibly develop into the LT position. The line works as a unit and having a high quality player next to an average one can make the average one look a heck of a lot better. Your thoughts? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
You might be right, but I think Darrisaw can do it. He has everything you look for in a left tackle. He might be gone by 24 though so I get your point. That's why getting one of the RBs in Round 1 and then an OL in this deep class in Round 2 is something to strongly consider when trying to figurer out how they're going about this draft.
Alan
2:37
Do you have a sense of who the Steeers would prefer between Harris and Etienne if both are available at #24?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Honestly I don't. I know a lot of people are writing about zooms calls, but this is a different year. Teams basically have unlimited zoom opportunities with prospects because of the pandemic. There are no top-30 visits this year. The Steelers will have hundreds of zooms with prospects before the draft. That's just the way this year is working.
Jim
2:39
I think we have RT covered, why is everyone mocking Jenkins to us who is a RT? Do the "experts" even look at our roster when they do these mock drafts?
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