You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.23.24
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Yates
2:18
Hi Ray-  would Coach Fitt look to bring back Mason Cole or roll with Herbig or Anderson as back up to our  new starting center?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Depends what happens in the draft, but I think they roll with Herbig and the others with center capabilities.
Gus in Alaska
2:20
What’s the possibility of the Steelers taking TEs Theo Johnson in mid round or TEs Tip Reiman or Brevyn Spann-Ford or taking CB Khyree Jackson or thumper like S Kitan Oladapo or S Dominque Hampton in a later round?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
They've taken TEs in each of the past three drafts so I'm not sure they'll pick another one this year. But a CB and/or S, for sure. They could draft both.
Jim
2:21
Are you surprised that the Steelers would even consider drafting at #20 someone to play center who hasn’t played that position since his freshman year or someone to play right tackle who only had 8 starts and is injury prone? I can see taking a chance on potential in a later round but not at pick #20. Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
I don't think NFL people view the Barton center transition as a big risk. The more I think about Mims and what the Steelers need he just doesn't fit in the first round for them. They need a plug-and-play starter, which is why I mocked Troy Fautanu to them in my final mock draft.
Sal
2:22
Happy Tuesday Ray! I liked your final mock draft. In another matter: I know the role that Andy Weidl plays in the draft, but how does he and his team of scouts influence on the Free Agency acquisitions? Is he active scouting and suggesting suitable players ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Yes. They have pro scouts and they have college scouts. The pro scouts are responsible for keeping tabs on players who will become free agents.
Emilio
2:23
Hi Ray, The highly paid Steelers defense was far from dominant, they allowed over 5 yards per rush in the playoffs game vs the bills. But most of the  draft projections are focused on the offense. Under what circumstances would the Steelers go for a player in defense on the first round?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
If there is a CB who is their highest-rated player on the board at the time they select at 20.
Gordon Bombay
2:24
I keep hearing about Pat Pete coming back as a slot corner. Watching him last year, it is hard to imagine him covering shifty slot receivers. Am I missing something?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
They'd have to consider matchups, but he could simply be their third or fourth corner if the draft doesn't unfold in such a manner that they get a starter for the slot on the first two days of the draft.
Cole Medina
2:25
I believe you initially had Malachi Corley going to the Steelers in the 2nd round. What changed?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Nothing changed. He's a good player. But I think teams will be trying to get CBs earlier than WRs so I gave them Melton in Round 2 and WR Roman Wilson in Round 3. CBs not as deep as WRs in this draft.
Gus in Alaska
2:26
Thanks for your topping of your mocks this year with a stellar lineup. Any insight on why the Steelers wouldn’t have Baylor DT Gabe Hall in for a visit? Compared to some of the other lower rated DT they did bring in like Logan Lee and Krystian Boyd, his measurables and system/role experience seems to be a better fit, at least as a depth role for Cam’s eventual replacement, if not a Brett Keisel like late round gem.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
As Tomlin mentioned yesterday sometimes they use these top-30 visits on guys who aren't invited to the combine or guys they don't get a chance to meet with at the Senior Bowl or combine. They drafted four players who took top-30 visits last year. So not every player they draft will have been in for a visit.
Gregg from Shaler
2:28
Hi Ray - if Barton, JPJ, Mims and Fashanu are all on the board who should we take?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Probably Barton.
Randy Savage
2:28
More likely local pick at Tackle in the middle rounds... Gonalves from Pitt or Caeden Wallace from PSU?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
I guess the kid from Pitt.
Fort Wayne Nate
2:30
Who had a better catch, Ricky Pearsall against Charlotte or Odell Beckham's back in the day?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
I'd say it's close, but I still have to go with Beckham's catch.
Fort Wayne Nate
2:31
what's a better combo? Ricky Pearsall and Sedrick Van Pran or Zach Frazier and Roman Wilson?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Frazier and Wilson in my opinion.
Zell
2:32
I've read that the C from GA is not far behind the *top 3* who are always mentioned.  Maybe we can get him in the 3rd?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Maybe. Third round is probably where he'll land.
TC in CLT
2:35
Hi Ray,  in your mock draft, if the Steelers draft Hunter N. in the 4th round, does he start right away or is he eased in total he lineup
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Don't think he'd be a Day 1 starter, but I think he could play as a rookie.
scott
2:36
Do you think we will still make a trade for a WR or draft a WR and just run with the current depth?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
They'll draft a WR for sure. Could also make a trade. I never put it past Khan to make a big move.
Dave
2:37
Ray, love the mock but am skeptical that Fautanu will be there.  On another note would Maason Smith be drafted as a potential Hayward successor, or is he a nose?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
He's a five technique like Heyward.
Danny
2:38
If mcconkey is available at 51 pick will the steelers draft him
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
I think he'd definitely be in their mix, but I doubt he falls to 51.
Chris
2:38
With Donte Jackson being a free agent, would the Steelers draft cornerback early to develop behind him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Yes they could. I gave them Max Melton in the second round in my mock draft.
Chuck from Michigan
2:39
Hi Ray, I think Khan artist will work a trade with Seattle or Indy to move up and select JC Latham.  Any other player you think they would trade up for if JC Latham is off the board between picks 10 to 15?  Luv your chats and mock drafts.  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Yeah I'd do that for Latham. I think he's going to be really good.
Dave
2:40
Ray, answer for Tampa's question:  2010.  Pouncey, Worilds, Sanders, AB
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Yeah not sure there is a Hall of Famer in there, but Brown would have been if he didn't go off the deep end. And he did say 10-15 years. That was 16 years ago!
Connecting…