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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.14.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:01
OK let's get the chat going.
Seferg
1:02
I know that this years draft hasnt happened yet, but last year at this time they said that next year (now) would be better for QBs.  Now they are saying that for next year.  Who is supposed to be worth hoping for next year?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:04
We can only report what we hear from the sources we have. Yes, there was an expectation the 2026 QB class would be better. It's not for a variety of reasons. Manning and Moore decided to go back to school. Some of the other highly touted prospects did not perform as well as NFL personnel people were expecting. I can tell you this: Scouts are higher on the 2027 class than they ever were on the 2026 class, and the 2028 class is shaping up to be really good.
Stairway to seventh seed
1:04
Ray: I have a lot more confidence in Anderson/Hoffman at LG than Cook/Jones at LT so I think taking an LT is pretty necessary with one of the top two picks.  Do you think it ever makes sense in the first two rounds to take high ceiling/low floor, "boom/bust" offensive tackles?  Even if they hit the ceiling you still need 4 other good linemen and it will be hard to pay the "boom" tackles down the road.  Who do you see as fitting that description that project as available at 21?  Which OTs are higher floor "sure things" that might be there?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:08
Well, it seems like they are more focused on guards in the first round than tackles. Most of the tackle prospects they've brought in are late Day 2 and early Day 3 prospects. Vega Ioane is in for a visit today. Spencer Fano was in earlier this week. He played tackle in college but many believe he'll move inside as a pro. They also brought in Keylan Rutledge, who is projected to go in the second round. Fano's versatility might win  out. Remember many in the scouting community said similar things about Troy Fautanu. He's been good enough to remain at tackle, but there were people who thought he'd be better inside. It will be interesting to see what the new offensive line coach does when he has to fit all these pieces together.
1:24
Looks like more people are trickling in. We had some technical issues before. Please post your questions and we'll continue on with the chat.
Greenwood
1:27
Do you think a player like Aaron Smith who made such a big impact on the game in a great defense will ever be inducted into the HoF?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:29
He was a terrific player, but generally speaking you need multiple All-Pro honors to be considered. He played defensive end for the Steelers. He was a selfless player. I think what LeBeau said about him speaks volumes.
We are doing a series on the Steelers' top picks of all-time. Here is my writeup on Smith: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2026/04/14/best-draft-pic...
Ken
1:30
Versatile OT in Round 1 for either LG if Jones is back or replace Jones if his injury is too degenerative to play LT?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:31
Spencer Fano would fit that mold. So would Troy Fautanu, but I don't get the idea they would make that move now.
Rob in CT
1:31
I know some players are working out at the facility.  Is it just weight lifting and such or can Will Howard be throwing passes in front of McCarthy
Ray Fittipaldo
1:32
Because the Steelers have a new coach there will be a voluntary minicamp Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week. That will be the first time McCarthy can coach Howard on the field. Then they can do it again at OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
Oak in NC
1:32
With McCarthy's preference of 11 personnel, what's with the sudden interest in TE's?  Some type of move in the TE room seems afoot, no?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:33
Well, they already cut Jonnu Smith and allowed Connor Heyward to walk in free agency so these TEs they are bringing in could simply be No. 3 TEs.
Leemarvinwannab
1:33
How many QB's will be taken in the overall draft? Thanks for all you do, and best of luck in the future.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:34
That's hard to say. Probably only one in the first round, but you could see five or six go in the second and third rounds. And then maybe 6-8 more on Day 3 (rounds 4-7).
Vegas Steeler
1:34
Are you doing the whole series on the top Steelers draft picks, or is this divided up among the other writers?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:34
I wrote five and Gerry wrote five.
IL Steel
1:35
My perfect draft scenario would be sitting at 21 (or moving up no more than 2-3 spots), adding a second pick in the 2nd, and still having a 3rd-rounder to grab a 2nd-rounder in 2027.  Is that possible? If so, who would you expect to be available?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:35
Sure it's possible, but lots of teams are going to want to trade picks in this year's draft for next year's draft. You have to find a team that's willing to make that work.
Ryan
1:36
Ray what do you think about the Steelers taking a tight end or signing a undrafted free agent like dinkins i think they should either draft the Ohio state tight end or someone else
Ray Fittipaldo
1:36
I'm guessing fourth round or later for a TE, which has been reflected in the top 30 visits. They already have Friermuth and Washington as their top two TEs. They just need a third to fill out the roster.
Poppy
1:37
Do you think the Steelers  regret trading Pickens? I know he was a problem child but man he’d be nice to have this year.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:37
I never once got the idea anyone in that building was sorry the Steelers made that trade. That ought to tell you something.
Ken
1:39
Anthony Hill or Jake Golday as a 2nd or 3rd round pick at LB?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:40
They've been more interested in ILBs than I anticipated. I think they've brought in five for visits. Queen and Harrison entering the final years of their deals. Makes sense to get someone they can groom if they don't re-sign those guys.
Kevin
1:42
Hi Ray, if the Steelers draft a QB in the third round or later how many reps will they realistic get ?  With  AR, Rudolph, Howard, and a rookie is Rudolph the odd man out ?  That  leaves Howard and the rookie backing up AR.  Seems fairly risky.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:44
Or maybe it's time to turn the page and see what's next if there is an injury. You're not advocating they keep Rudolph as a third QB, are you? Everyone I talk to wants to see what Howard has. I'm curious. The Steelers are curious. So what if he has some growing pains and the Steelers take their lumps. It happens to every team in the NFL. That's sometimes how quick turnarounds happen.
Ken
1:44
QB Taylen Green of Arkansas looks intriguing for 4th or 5th round selection. Your thoughts on him?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:45
I agree and they have two fourth-round picks. He ran a 4.36 at the combine and is a spectacular athlete.
ElderCmar
1:46
Ray.. You had Cade Klubnik as a late round QB possibility.. Any thoughts on what the Steelers management in the thinks of him?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:48
They did not meet formally with him at the combine and he hasn't been in for a visit (Those end tomorrow). I think they're more interested in guys Like Carson Beck, Cole Payton and Taylen Green, who were in for visits. And guys like Drew Allar, who had a formal meeting at the combine.
Immaculate Resurrection
1:48
How does the draft scenario change with Aaron Rodgers if he decides to wait until June?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:48
The Steelers re expecting an answer before the draft. If they don't get one maybe they get one a little sooner than expected, but I don't think it will be in the first round.
The Dude Abides
1:49
Tyson, Vega, Fano, and Sadiq are all available at pick 21. Who makes the most sense for our pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:49
Tyson or the O-linemen. I don't think a TE at that spot makes sense for them. I'd argue WR is the play at 21, but they've had just as many O-linemen in for visits.
Bucs21
1:50
I know you are not Rogers, but if you are thinking this is your last year. It seems you would be all, showing up asap, being at all practices, team activies, etc. Not trying to avoid practices. And giving it your best shot or is he that good, he doesn't need to be here?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:51
He played in the offense for 15 years. I don't think he needs the practice time. The Steelers might even argue it's better for them because they get to see Howard get more reps.
Tom
1:51
Intriguing read:  
The Pittsburgh Steelers are showing significant interest in 
North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton for the 2026 NFL Draft
, hosting him for a Top 30 visit after attending his pro day. A 6'3", 232-pound dual-threat lefty, Payton is regarded as a high-upside developmental QB3 or Day 3 pick (4th-6th round) with impressive rushing ability (777 yards, 13 TDs in 2025). 
Has this been reported in PG?
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