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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.12.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
There do not have a shortage of interior linemen, that's for sure. They signed Daniels and Cole in free agency. Both have played guard and center. And they have Green, who appears to be transitioning to guard. So let the competition begin. I doubt the Steelers would have signed Cole and Daniels if they had a lot of confidence in Dotson.
Brandon
2:15
Ray, if the quarterbacks the Steelers supposedly like are gone before pick #20, would you trade up to draft aJordan Davis if he is available?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Depends how far up you have to go and what the price is, but I think you can get a quality defender at No. 20 if you stand pat.
Ed in Carrick
2:16
If the Steelers take a qb in first round it will be a redshirt year. Is it going to be same for rest of draft picks?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
No especially a WR
Jeff
2:16
Thanks for the chats Ray and condolences to the Haskins family.  If by the time we draft there is an ok DL on the board and a stud OL (tackle or center) who would you take?  I can see arguments on both sides
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
Always take the better prospect. That's why the Steelers made the moves they did in free agency. They're in position to select the best player available at a position of need.
Gene
2:17
Do you think the Steelers could end up drafting 2 WRs?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
I would not be surprised at all if they did that. One on Day 1 or Day 2 and then another on Day 3.
Ron
2:18
What inside Chase Claypool made him post that sad video? Never want to tell anyone how to mourn, but I am worried that this young man will not mature and that Johnson will be too expensive…
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
It's a different generation and all people mourn in different ways.
wiscoken
2:18
Based on the current WR signings in NFL, what is the likelihood the steelers come to an agreement with Diontae?  Hard seeing the steelers offer up $20M per year (I'm just not sure they are sold on him) - if true, this places even more pressure on drafting a WR (or 2), betting on further development of Claypool (a big unknown), and some other type of FA move to strengthen WR bench.  WR has quickly become a top issue going into draft that mus be addressed in a big way.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
I agree with everything you said, which is why I won't rule out a WR in Round 1. I don't think it's likely, but I won't rule it out.
50 year fan
2:19
Hi Ray which free agent signings do you think will help us the most?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
James Daniels and Myles Jack.
Guest
2:19
This draft is deep almost everywhere except QB. I can't help but think the steelers are better off loading up on OL, WR, Secondary, and DL prospects and see what Trubisky can do. Then go into next year with a better QB class and an understanding of what you can get out of Trubisky. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
A very solid plan.
Squirrel Hill Dave
2:20
What do you see as the Steelers most glaring weakness? OL, DL, ILB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Tough questions because we have yet to see how the new free agents will fit in and play with the Steelers. But I'll bite. I'll say OL then ILB and then DL. But that doesn't have anything to do with their draft plan.
David from Kalamazoo
2:21
Ray, I think if one of the quarterbacks the Steelers want is available in the first round at #20 fine but don’t give up other draft picks when WR and DL are also big needs - what do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
I agree. They need to shore up the entire roster and it's hard to do that when you're trading away premium picks.
NM Steelers
2:22
Hi Ray, do you believe Zach Gentry will earn a second contact? He has turned himself into a valuable player.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Not out of the question. He won't break the bank either. He's looking like a good solid No. 2 TE. A Matt Spaeth type.
Brian
2:22
Hi, Do you think if Hamilton is there at 20 or drops passed 15 that will be the Steelers pick? Same with Stingly and then trade back into first for QB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
I think Stingley fills a bigger need. I just wonder why Hamilton would drop so far. I know what he ran at the ND pro day. I've heard it was a slow track for everyone. But even so, that's a slow time for a safety.
Jj
2:23
Do you believe there are any franchise QB's in this draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
So much goes into it. It's the player, the team he goes to, the system.
kevin in Punxsy
2:24
Ray, do you predict any more signings before the draft?  If, so, any thoughts as to who?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Doesn't seem like it's trending in that direction. They seem to be focused on top 30 visits at the moment.
John Y
2:25
Hi Ray I’m getting more and more concerned about Minkah  Fitzpatrick’s contract Do you think the Steelers will be willing to pay the money to resign him
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Why would you be concerned? They never do contracts for star players this early.
Ryan
2:26
Good afternoon Ray what positions do we need to draft and did you have any interactions with Haskins
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
We only had a couple of opportunities to interview Dwayne in person. He seemed very personable. As for the draft, they need in no particular order: WR, DL, CB, S and OL first and foremost.
Steve in Dexter, Iowa
2:27
Dear Mr. Fittipaldo,

  Thank you and Mr. Batko for your work on the mail bags and podcast (you guys' podcast is head and shoulders above the "fan-boy" podcasts out there). My question is: do you have any DE prospects for the Steelers on your radar in the "Loudermilk mold" (mid/late rounds with prototypical size/length)?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
That's tough. I'm more familiar with the first and second-round prospects. I think Karlaftis is a tweener who could play 3-4 DE if he adds some weight to his frame. Then you have guys like Logan Hall and Demarvin Leal. It's not a deep draft for DEs.
kevin in Punxsy
2:29
Ray, what are the chances that the Steelers fool a lot of draft prognosticaters and draft an ILB in the 1st Rd, which will soon need additional players?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
I don't think the chances are great, but I won't rule it out, either.
stallworthswann
2:30
Do you see the Steelers as the worst team in the division for the next 2 years? I think it's possible given their many weaknesses. That OC alone makes me believe that.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
On paper, for this year, yes. But that's why they play the games. I'm expecting a big bounce-back from the defense. As for the offense? Yeah they need to prove it to me, too.
Alan
2:31
Is Corral a sleeper pick at #20?
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