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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.13.21
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Donna
2:33
Hi Ray, is there a sleeper you would love to see the Steelers draft?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
This is a great draft for receivers and I could see them getting a mid-round prospect like a Shi Smith or someone of that ilk in the third round or after. It's a sneaky need with Washington entering the final year of his deal and JuJu's status uncertain beyond 2021 as well.
Nate
2:35
Hi Ray, if Harris and Etienne are both gone by pick 24, and Steelers don't really have 1st round grade on the remaining O-linemen.  What direction do you think they'd go in?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
In that case, Williams or the top-rated defender on their board.
Ricky
2:36
Besides the running game, where do you think the biggest opportunity lies for the Steelers to improve upon next season from last season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Passing game. Open it up and throw more than 5 yards beyond the LOS.
ThisGuy
2:37
All 3 RB are available at 24 and the Jaguars or Jets come calling offering their 2nd and 3rd rd picks to move to 24...do you take that deal?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Yes I would do that as long as I was comfortable knowing I'd be able to get one of those RBs at the top of Round 2.
GM
2:38
Hi Ray, I've been watching a lot of Harris/Etienne footage and one thing became clear to me.  If our run game was so bad why did  we never do swing passes or screens to the RB?!  That was TB12's bread and butter
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
I don't think the offensive line was very good at anything last season, GM. And that includes the screen game.
Nate
2:39
Hi Ray, I know Javonte Williams has been elevated to the same status as Harris and Etienne, but do you feel he's as good as both of them, especially as 1st rounder?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
I think he's the third back behind them. Doesn't mean I don't want him if the other two are gone, but those guys are gifted.
TC in CLT
2:40
What's your take of Radunz, the tackle from N. Dakota State?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Second- or third-rounder.
ThisGuy
2:41
3 season ending injuries for Dickerson?  I don't think I'd feel comfortable taking him before round 4.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
I think he'll go before Round 4 if the medicals check out, but if not you might be right.
fredward
2:42
Do you think Okorafor can play LT for a season, if the Steelers get a raw, but gifted prospect in the later rounds who could eventually play the position?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
Yes and I would not be surprised if that happened.
GM
2:43
Been watching tape of 34.  Is it time to call him a bust?  He leads the team in tackles often but he's nothing special for a SS.  Also shouldn't we retire 34 after Mendenhall's fumble.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
Ha! Maybe for Andy Russell. Edmunds improved a bit this past season. Was it enough to pick up his fifth-year option? We'll find out, but it's taken some time for him to develop.
fredward
2:44
Now that JuJu re-signed for this year, do you see him signing a long-term deal after Ben retires?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
Perhaps, but that will depend on a lot of things, including his market next spring.
fredward
2:45
If Finney or Hassenauer is starting Week 1, does that mean the team messed up with the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
No, not at all. Maybe if a rookie isn't ready by midseason.
ThisGuy
2:46
Do you think the Steelers would be happy if their running game rose to middle of the pack league-wide?  I feel like if the O-line plays halfway decent, with a smart veteran QB like Ben, then the running game could get there easily...without an elite/first round RB.  Everyone seems to think they need to go from worst to first in the running game.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
It's unrealistic to go from worst to first. They want and need to improve. They know that. It's their top priority this offseason. They have a new line coach and maybe an impact RB or OL comes in the draft. If they're lucky, an impact player at each position. A lot has to fall in place, but there is no reason for them to be among the worst rushing teams in the league like they have been.
Nate
2:48
Hi Ray, since the Steelers hardly ever pass up a WR, what round do you think they'll select one?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Third round or after.
Turk in MD
2:48
Hi Ray. Thanks for the chats and  North Shore podcast.  The team is trying to win now with too many spots to fill to draft OT with a high pick. Center and RB make a lot more sense. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
You might be right, but I think they'll take a tackle somewhere in the first four rounds.
Thanks for all the great questions this week. We'll do it again next week.
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