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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.21.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Good question. Kevin Colbert said they'll learn from this draft. He said it might be more cost effective to FaceTime with prospects rather than flying them in.
Phil
2:22
Why do some Steelers fans think Hurts is so good?  He had to transfer to get a starting job and his scouting report says he’s not accurate.  Sounds like a career backup to me.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
I tend to agree with you. I think he's an OK prospect, but you'd have to tailor your offense around his skill set.
GSMP
2:23
I'm not convinced that using an early pick on a receiver is worthwhile. With Smith-Schuster, Johnson, Washington, McDonald and now Ebron there are only so many balls to be caught. They've had success drafting receivers late. I'd rather see a running back, linebacker (OLB or ILB) or OL or DL with the early picks and a receiver late. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
You didn't mention the injuries to JuJu and what that did to the offense last season. You need depth at the position. But I wouldn't mind an RB at 49. Either WR or RB can help this offense this year.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:24
Lamar Jackson said he'd be happy if the Ravens signed Brown. Think there's any chance that Baltimore FO would take a flyer on Brown?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Never say never, but I wouldn't take a chance on screwing up my chemistry by signing someone with his problems.
Eddie T.
2:24
Hey Ray...do you think the Steelers have any interest in Fournette?  Would you give a third round pick for him?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Hell no I'd never give a third-round pick for him. He's probably going to be a rental.
Harry Bacz
2:25
love Connors but every time he carries the ball I have to hold my breath.  What is your assessment of the guys behind him?  Can they get the job done over an extended period?  Seemed like that was a big part of the poor quarterback play last year.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Snell has to find a way to be a little more effective in the open field. He's a good short-yardage back, but I didn't see enough from him to think he can be an every-down back. I like Samuels as a receiver out of the backfield. I don't think the Steelers view him as a three-down feature back.
James
2:27
Ray, if the Steelers don’t draft a running back early, might they consider Antonio Gibson from Memphis?  I understand he’s a good returner as well.  Thanks for the chats.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Gibson is a good prospect. He'll probably go in the third or fourth round. Another fast back, which is what they need.
Wojo
2:27
Hi Ray. If the Steelers can't get RBs Taylor and Aikers, how about getting that bulldozer A.J. Dillon who is faster than Bettis used to be?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
I like Dillon and he'd be a great pick if it was 2000 all over again. Not sure if his style fits this Steelers offense.
RJT
2:28
I believe the Steelers will go for a playmaker, however I would not be very surprised if they went with a guard in the second round, believing they could get a decent receiver in the 3rd round. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Not a great class of guards. The value there is in the middle rounds.
Krugerrand
2:29
Ray, is it too early to get in line to start complaining about the Steelers draft choices?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Give it another 24 hours.
kent
2:29
Ray, I hope you are safe and healthy. I know that Fournette has been injured a bit but is he a proven difference maker. What would it take in terms of a draft pick to get him? I am sure that they could renegotiate another salary to fit him in under the cap. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Sixth or seventh. That's it. No higher.
Angus
2:30
Assuming the season starts normally, at minimum there likely will be no team activities before training camp. Is it even possible for any rookie to make a big contribution this season beyond spot play and special teams?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Good point. Those virtual OTAs will be important for the rookies. They're going to have to learn the playbook over Zoom meetings. That won't be easy. And for that reason, yes it will be harder for rookies to contribute.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:31
I read the NFL owners aren't going to renew PI video review. Was it lack of clarity on the rule or poor execution by the review judge (New York) that killed video review for PI?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
It was a disaster. There was no consistency. Anything they can do to leave Al Riveron out of the equation they should do.
RJT
2:31
Is there a potential Bud Dupree replacement in the 3rd round?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Maybe. Guys like Jonathan Greenard, Jubari Zuniga, Terrell Lewis and Anfernee Jennings could be in that range. Some others too. Might even be able to get one in the fourth round.
steelmann58
2:32
H Ray are they going extend Cam after the Draft and any others that might happen?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Yes I think they will do Cam. Not sure about others.
RJT
2:33
How will they replace Barron?  He was playing more downs than Bush toward the end of the season. Who will take on the nickel linebacker role?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
The more I think about it, Edmunds might be ticketed for that role. Of course, that would require someone else playing in the back end, but they have Cam Sutton and Mike Hilton. Both are capable of doing that. Maybe they'd draft someone, too.
seferg
2:34
Sometimes a high quality prospect unexpectedly slides to where the Steelers can draft him.  What position would you like to see a high quality prospect slide to the Steelers at pick 49 this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
WR or RB!
Milly
2:34
Ray let’s say it’s your call and this are available only on BPA Steelers Board: Akers Pittman Claypool @ 49 .. rank them one thru 3 for us, all other top WR & RB gone.. stay safe!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Akers and Pittman are pretty close. Claypool third. For the Steelers I'd rather have Akers. Pittman is another big WR. Don't think the Steelers necessarily need another one of him. He's good. I just think they need a different variety.
Buzzard Bill
2:37
Imagine this scenario:  It is the end of game 5 and BR goes down with an arm injury.  He is questionable for the rest of the year, and Rudolph is now the QB.  Looking back, would it have been better to have taken a RB or a WR with the 49th pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Rb for sure.
Jeff
2:37
Thanks for the chats Ray.  Why do we think the same line with exception of Foster will be able to improve in the running game?  Seems we should be worried about a repeat performance from essentially the same personnel.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
You're right to a certain extent. But if Feiler moves to guard he'd be a huge upgrade over Foster. We'd have to see how the new right tackle fit and how he performs in the run game. But they'd be better just because Foster isn't playing. How much better? I don't know.
Ryno
2:39
It seems a lot of fans are down on Conner and want a RB in the draft.  But has he been out much more than Bell or other running backs in the league?  Furthermore, weren't all his injuries the type that dont linger from one season to the next?
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