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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.15.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
They actually start OTAs in May, and I thik it will be resolved by then.
Tony
12:19
I’d draft a dl in the first round and wait till 26 to get a quarterback
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
You and me both, Tony.
Anthony G. Halkias II
12:19
Could the Steelers take a RB at 21?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
Yes, but I don't think it's a high percentage.
Anthony G. Halkias II
12:20
Who's the Steelers biggest sleeper pick for round 1 or in this draft they could shock people with??
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
I'm writing about this in my final 7-round mock draft that will be published later in the week, but I don't know what to make of Shemar Stewart and Nick Emmanwori coming in for visits. If I had to pick a sleeper it would be one of those two or Matthew Golden at No. 21. Otherwise, I think it will be DL.
Love You Live
12:21
Would you trade TJ to SF for Purdy?  Commit to 50 mil/yr for a guy that seems a great fit for Arthur Smith O?  Added bonus - Rodgers goes to SF…
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
That's an interesting question, but I have concerns about Purdy's size and durability. He is very good when healthy though.
Robert in VA
12:22
Are the Steelers becoming the Oldsmobile of the NFL?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Or do you prefer a Chevrolet Caprice?
Garland MCG
12:23
Good afternoon Ray.  Are any running backs rising up the draft board behind Jeanty and Hampton.  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
It's a very good year for RBs in the draft, but it's hard to predict who will go off the board and when. One can argue it's such a good year that a lot of these RBs will be pushed down because teams will think they can get them later.
Yogi in Yonkers
12:24
Seems the justification to go DL in the first round is the horrific run defense in the playoff game against Baltimore. Fair enough, but didn’t the less than stellar QB play put the Steelers into their usual early hole and allow the Ravens to fold up their game plan and just run every down? In my mind, it all comes down to QB play. What’s the sin in taking a QB in round 1 and another next year in round 1? This idea of putting off that pick until next year runs the risk of repeating the Kenny Pickett story. So you end up with Dart/Sanders and Manning/Allar both on rookie deals next year. Hopefully one works out, but the odds are better with two, no?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
Giving up 300 yards is certainly a jumping off point when illustrating the problems with the defensive line, but do you really need to point out that Cam Heyward is turning 36 next month? Or that they currently don't have a starting 3-technique after cutting Larry O? Or that they lack a true nose tackle?
Yogi in Yonkers
12:25
Didn’t Jimmy Haslam get his start as a minority owner of the Steelers? Did he learn nothing about how to run a successful franchise? He went to Cleveland and created a dumpster fire. Don’t other owners get fed up with his recklessness in setting the market for key positions?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
Apparently not. Tepper isn't going to win any Owner of the Year awards either and he was a minority investor as well. They should have been paying attention, but honestly all they were doing was happily collecting their dividend checks.
Gus in Alaska
12:27
Ray, with Steelers hosting a variety of RBs for the pre-draft visits, what are the chances they double down and take two?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
Doubt that, but they are being thorough, aren't they?
Gus in Alaska
12:28
which two DL would be an ideal pairing if the Steelers double down by taking two this year? Teammates Derick Harmon and Jamaree Caldwell looks obvious, but what if they go with more of NT first?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
I think it's more likely they get their nose later than early. So think Harmon first and then a Day 3 nose.
epiballo
12:29
Is there a Derrick Henry type RB in the draft, a big bruising runner with speed? Would love to see such a back on the Steelers.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
If there was he'd be a top 15 pick. There are some big backs though. Kaleb Johnson and Ollie Gordon took top-30 visits to the Steelers.
Tim from Canada
12:30
I agree with many who say getting a pick back in the second would be great. DL, RB, DL, WR, QB, OL, WR.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
Or DL, WR, QB, RB, DL, CB, G.
Guest
12:31
I think the odds are pretty good. We trapped it running back in the 2nd to 4th rounds. Which Ohio State running back do you like better?  I think most would say Henderson, but I think the other back is has comparable speed, and can break more tackles than Henderson
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Henderson is here for a visit today, but they got to know both at Ohio State's pro day. Sometimes the top-30 visit is to get to know a prospect better. It doesn't mean they like Henderson better, but whatever they learn could change their mind one way or the other.
Franco
12:33
Hello Ray, thanks for the chats, if they are getting out coached, than isn't it time to get a new coach?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Perhaps but they committed $50 million to him over the next three seasons.
Swannie88
12:33
Ray: IF AR signs before draft day, do the Steelers draft a QB in rounds three or four?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Yes and it could work out that way if AR decides he doesn't want to play too.
Brett
12:34
Any chance the Steelers take South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori if he's there at 21?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Yes.
Ryan
12:34
I know it’s not sexy, but wouldn’t this be the ideal draft to trade back a little in the first or 2nd round?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Yes but two things: you need a trading partner willing to take your deal and you have to know you're going to land a player you want after the trade is made.
Marnie
12:36
Only 1 more day for a 30 visit and it appears that only 1 first round DL has spent time in PGH - Harmon.  I'm surprised, are you?  Makes me reconsider the whole drafting a first round DL.  they can't just assume Harmon will be available at 21.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
A little but they like Grant too. I don't get the feeling they feel the same way about Nolen, but maybe they're keeping their cards close to the vest with him.
Will Howard
12:37
Happy Tax Day (not).  As a big Buckeye fan, I'm curious if you see Howard, Henderson, Sawyer, or Egbuka up up being drafted by Steelers.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
If they had a second-round pick I'd feel a lot better about Henderson or Egbuka. Howard might be in play on Day 3.
Swannie88
12:38
Ray, re: draft pick visits, are these smoke and mirrors, some form of strategery, kicking the tires, real interviews, or a combo? Thanks.
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