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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.14.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Post your questions and we will get started soon.
Cody
1:56
Ray as we get closer to the Draft what are you hearing as far as the teams main priority? Any chance we get a shot at a Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins, Laviska Shenault at #49 kind of how Metcalf slid last year?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
Out of the three WR you mentioned my pick would be Laviska Shenault. He's big and rugged and has the speed to be a deep threat too. Right now he's best in short and intermediate routes -- get the ball in his hands and let him run. But there is upside if he can develop as an outside threat. Jefferson is more of a possession receiver. Not sure if the Steelers need someone like him. Higgins would be a tall, fast deep threat but probably not someone who is going to do a lot more for you. At least night as a rookie.
Tom in Dallas
1:58
What did you make of the recent Dak Prescott party on Friday?  Cowboys tag him, and are trying to negotiate a longer term contract, then he ignores the social distancing and gets caught.  Any current Steelers doing stupid things?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
It shows a tremendous amount of arrogance to throw a party while we're fighting this. I just saw on the news this morning that a pastor in Virginia that ignored social distancing died as a result. For young athletes it's not so much their health. Most studies show young people can fight this off. It's spreading it to the most vulnerable among us. Too bad the police didn't do more to protect the citizens.
And no, I haven't heard of any Steelers doing questionable things.
Tom in Dallas
2:01
Will the NFL during the draft modify any procedures?  I can see technology causing a problem and putting a team in a tough spot.  I would like to think there will be some flexibility if technology creates havoc.  I think it will be a good distraction, keep the NFL moving on schedule.  Do you agree with going forward with the draft as planned?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
I think you'll see a lot of trades talked about in advance of the draft and then teams circling back with those GMs to do the deal in real time. Because you're right. It's going to be a challenge with everyone holed up in their respective homes. I'm sure the league will be lenient and understanding, but they also can't have a six-hour draft. It's still a made-for-TV event. They have to keep it moving along.
Tom in Dallas
2:03
Has anyone associated with the Steelers been infected with the virus?  How about at the Post G?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I haven't heard of anyone with either organization testing positive.
steelmann58
2:03
Hi Ray. As we get closer do you feel like offense in rounds 2-3 unless a guy like Winfield on the board at 49 ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
I'm still leaning offense at 49 but I think Colbert has to address some defensive needs in this draft, too. And I don't think a safety like Winfield is their top need unless they committed to moving Terrell Edmunds to dime LB full-time. And I don't see that happening. They have bigger needs, in my opinion, at ILB, OLB and possibly DT, although the acquisition of Chris Wormley lessened that a bit.
steelmann58
2:05
Hi Ray if Taylor is gone who do you see the next Rb they look at think they need a home run hitter like Evans from App St
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I like Cam Akers from Florida State as an option. He's not necessarily a home run hitter, but he's a good solid all-around back. But you are right. They need a different type of back than what they have now. They don't have a speed back that can break a long run. Taylor is the fastest back in this draft, but there are some others in the middle or later rounds that could fit that mold, too.
steelmann58
2:07
Hi ray think we all know the Steelers will draft a WR but do you think they will draft a deep vertical threat ,
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
I think they need a playmaker, period. Could be a deep threat, could be a fast and shifty slot WR. They just need someone else to complement JuJu, Diontae Johnson and James Washington.
pdxJaxon
2:08
Hey Ray,
Im actually hoping we draft one of the RBs in Round 2 Such as Swift, Dobbins or Akers and wait until 3 for a WR such as Pittman, Duverney or Claypool

You thinking, like others, that the Steelers will skip RB in Round 2 and possibly the entire draft ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
I really like Duvernay. I think he's going to be a great pro. Can get him in round 3, maybe even round 4. Not sure why others aren't as high on him as I am. Claypool is probably in that second-round range if the Steelers want him. Don't think he'll last to 102. As for selecting a RB, if they don't get one in Round 2 then they might not draft one at all.
Annie
2:10
Ray, only DeCastro is playing at a very high level in OL, we are getting old there, if (1)Ezra Cleveland or (2)Cesar Ruiz by miracle are there @49 we must take one.. a very good WR could be had later, Trenches are vital and we must address it.. RB is not really a big need at all.. agree? What’s on your mind?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
I'd rather have a tackle at 49 than an interior player. Pouncey has two more years left on his deal. And a left tackle prospect like Cleveland would be ideal if he's there at 49. Not sure he will be though. I'm with you. They have to start planning for the future with that offensive line. I think we're in the minority, though.
RealityMan
2:12
With the potential of Ben not being the player he once was ( although a big upgrade over last year’s QB play) is it even more imperative that we build a running game? I think without it Ben is vulnerable as we are one dimensional. Without a full overhaul of the O-line we are likely not a great run blocking team so...that tells me a quality 3 down RB has to be a top priority in the draft. Even if Connor comes back strong we likely cannot resign him for ‘21 so we need to act now.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
That's certainly a logical analysis. I guess it all depends on how they view the RBs in this class. It's a good class, but I don't know if it's a deep class for three-down backs.
Jeff
2:13
I like Rons article about taking a look at McCoy, frees us up to take best player on the board.  What are your thoughts.  Assuming he has something left in the tank.  Thanks for the chats
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
They've turned to veteran RBs in the past and have had success. DeAngelo Williams was really good in his role as a backup to Bell. But I'm not sure they'll go that route this time. They have plenty of RBs -- Benny Snell, Jaylen Samuels, etc. It's just a matter of finding the right roles for them.
Courtney W
2:15
Do you the Steelers becoming more run oriented this season to take the pressure of Big Ben and to keep the defense fresh in the fourth quarter?? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Art Rooney II came out and said after the season that he'd like to see a more effective running game. So I think you'll see more of a commitment to that this year. Doesn't mean they'll be one of the top 10 rushing teams in the league, but it would be nice if they're not 30th or 31st like they have been in recent years. That certainly would help Roethlisberger as he enters the final few years of his contract.
G Money
2:17
Ray last season the Steelers opened season with five WR's, and the top 4 WR Set was Juju, Montcrief, Switzer and Holton.  To me, that is roster malfeasance.  What were Colbert/Tomlin thinking?  Washington, who's a decent 3rd, had to sit and wait,  Not to mention Grimble and McDonald as TE's.  Grimble, Montcrief,Holton are gone.  Switzer--who was awful will probably be back because Ben likes him.  Still I don't get it.  Its seems as if the Steelers front office, From a roster perspective are reaching.  Vannett cost them a 5th--got nothing out of him.  They had Kam Kelly start the season.  Chickello was paid $4.5M last year.  Barron was paid Close to $6M last year.  What are they doing?  They traded another 5th for Worsmley?  Why??  McCullers is still on the roster? Foster should have never been brought back and paid $4m last year.  Duck Hodges?   What are they doing?  Ebron, who everyone loves-- has had one decent year in 6 seasons.  Stop with the craziness.  Draft and Develop.  What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
It's hard to fill every hole in the draft. This year will be a great example of that. They only have six picks and certainly more than six needs. It's just the way it goes in today's salary-cap era. Sometimes you have to fill in the holes with undrafted free agents or make trades to build your roster.
rcc prof
2:18
I think I am bored because I'm thinking too much about the Steelers. One thought is for the Steelers to forget the so-called open window for Ben and do draft Hurts at 49 if available and continue to solidify the defense for the future with this draft. Perhaps that might make for a better future for the Steelers. Does that make sense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Not to me, but plenty of others out there share your opinion. I just can't wrap my arms around bringing in a potential replacement for Roethlisberger when the front office knows they have to maximize these final few years before he retires.
Nate
2:19
Hi Ray, love the chats!  If Dobbins, Taylor and Swift are all gone by pick 49, do you like Cam Akers (as #1 RB at the next level)?  If you don't like him (or don't see anyone else remaining as #1 RB), should Steelers just wait until next year then to draft one like Batko suggested?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I like Akers. Not sure if the Steelers have a mid-second-round grade on him, but I think he's going to be really good. And yes, if they don't take a RB early there is a decent chance they don't draft one at all. As I have mentioned in previous chats they have enough mid-round RBs already on their roster. They need an eventual replacement for James Conner, not another developmental back that might be that guy.
steelmann58
2:21
Hi Ray Do you feel 2021 is the draft for Ben replacement?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Maybe. My guess right now is they'd think hard about taking one to develop as he enters the final year of his deal.
Paul
2:21
Ray hope you and family are staying healthy. Enjoy your work thanks for giving us all a diversion during these times. What position draft wise has the best chance to make an impact rookie year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Definitely RB or WR. We've seen that in the past with early picks. JuJu SMith-Schuster was terrific as a rookie. Le'Veon Bell was really good, too. Both were taken in the second round. With other positions, you kind of know they'll take more time to develop.
Jacque Strap
2:23
Would Chuks be a LT candidate after Villanueva moves on? In the limited action I've seen of him, he seems athletic enough.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
That's a good question and I've been contemplating it myself in recent weeks. I think the short answer is yes. He does have the athleticism to play left tackle. But let's say he wins the right tackle job this year. Is it ideal to move him to LT after settling in on the right side after one year? I don't know. But it is an option.
Artie Bridge
2:25
Ray, I'm going to assume Steelers use #49 to select a so-called "skilled position" player (btw, I hate that term.  Don't ALL  positions require skills?).  So, where do we go with our third-round picks?  I'm looking for what positions and some possible names.  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
OLB is a possibility. I like Anfernee Jennings of Alabama in the fourth round or after. His teammate Terrell Lewis will probably go a little higher. There are a bunch of guys this year who played DE in college and might have to covnert to OLB. Jabari Zuniga and Jonathan Greenard of Florida would fit that mold... ILB Malik Harrison of Ohio State or Logan Wilson of Wyoming in the third round. Maybe Jacob Phillips of LSU in the fourth round or after.... DTs are a pretty deep group. Davon Hamilton, Leki Fotu and others will be available in the middle rounds. Hope that helps.
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