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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.25.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
I'd have to go back and look. I know they had four in the top 80 in 2000, Kevin Colbert's first draft.
Paul from Sacramento
2:16
Is the 2nd round 1st draft pick more coveted due to the team paying 2nd round dollars vs 1st round dollars for say a QB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
To a certain extent yes, but plenty of teams trade up to take one at the end of the first round so they have the club option in the fifth year on the rookie deal.
TexStill
2:18
How serious do you think they are at getting a young guy in the QB pipeline? The guys guys they brought in are probably too early in the 4th but probably gone by their 7th. Think they would pull a Loudermilk and offer a future 4-5th if one of these guys was around late 5th?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Maybe they'd do that. Or maybe they'd just wait it out to see if they can get a guy they like. It's not like No. 3 QB is something that's going to make or break this team. It might be the least important guy on the roster (except for the curious case of 2019 of course).
Steve in Canton
2:19
Would Van Ness be better suited for DL or EDGE in the Steelers' defensive system?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I think five technique if they can add 15-20 pounds on him. And I think he has the frame to do it.
Yates
2:20
Hi Ray. I now live outside the 412 but will be in area starting Friday.  Will any local stations carry live draft coverage or will I need ESPN or nfl network access?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Cable access
Guest
2:21
What type of player do you expect the Steelers to get when Tomlin drafts his buddy's kid from PSU at #17?  I see an Ike Taylor comparison.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
A big, physical press corner who likely would play a lot as a rookie if not start right away.
James W
2:21
With the great timing of the punter pickup, how do you think that shakes out in competition?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
The problem is Harvin isn't bad in camp competitions and such. The problem is he's inconsistent in games. I would think if the other guy has a good camp he'll be the punter over Harvin.
Steve in Canton
2:22
If JPJ and Van Ness are both on the board at #17, who do the Steelers call?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
I wish I could have a sneak peak at their board. I can't give you an answer on that. I would think they are close
D-Ru
2:23
Yesterday at Mike Tomlin’s  press conference with Omar Kahn Coach T mentioned that the players are older due to Covid. Do you think this class is going to be different because of the experiences of staying in school for extra seasons during the lockdown interruption?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Different in what way? I just think he was talking about there being a bigger and deeper pool of players because more guys stayed in school and took advantage of the COVID rules and extra eligibility. I mean, some of these guys could have more ready to play than other rookies, but that's about it.
Guest
2:25
With the addition of Robinson what round would we look to draft a wide receiver?  I can't see round 1 in anyway.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Round 3o or after. Maybe even Round 4 or after.
Yates
2:25
Ray-  I say one of the biggest draft blunders in the Tomlin era was drafting Mason R and putting a first round grade on him. Made them keep 7 too long at huge salary.   mMuch bigger impact than other mistakes like Artie and Jarvis. You agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
I don't have a huge problem with them taking a QB in 2018, but it would appear their grade on Rudolph was way off. There is a school of thought when you have a QB in their 30s that you should take a QB every year to see if you strike it rich. It's an inexact science. Just look at last year. The Steelers took Chris Oludokun in the seventh round and passed on Brock Purdy, who was Mr. Irrelevant. Purdy led the 49ers to the NFC title game and Oludokun couldn't make even the Steelers' practice squad.
James W
2:27
I think they should keep DJ for this season, but do you think if a stud WR falls to 32 they might consider trading DJ for additional draft capital?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Nah not unless Johnson requested a trade and wanted out.
Steve in Canton
2:28
Do the Steelers ever allow reporters to sit in & watch inside the "war room" on draft nights?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
HAHAHAHAHAHAHH
Isaiah
2:28
What are the chances you see the team taking DL at 17? Where do you think that need is on there list of Priorities
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
It's a top 3 need and don't be surprised if Van Ness is the pick if he's still on the board.
Guest
2:28
Glad to see Boykin back as a special team's player.  This position group is often overlooked by the average fan.  Do you see Derek Watt or Benny Snell coming back for that position group?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Perhaps. Both remain unsigned as free agents.
Guest
2:31
What do see as the answer to #3 edge rusher, draft or free agency?  Does not appear to be many left in free agency.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Draft. They had Felxi Uzomah and Tuli Tuipulotu in for visits. Those are two names to keep an eye on Day 2.
Tony in Cali
2:31
Ray, haven't heard Drew Sanders name mentioned with the Steelers much, but his strengths sound like exactly what has been lacking from LB's. Do you see him at a fit for Steelers D as a 2 pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
He didn't take a visit here and you're right. There hasn't been much buzz about him. Maybe they're just keeping it quiet, but I tend to think they got their 2023 starters in free agency with the addition of Holcomb and Roberts.
Steeler Fan from Bayou Country
2:33
Ray... always a pleasure to chat!! With all the hype around the 32nd pick. Any chance (and I know everything is on the table) that we trade BACK from 17 to pick up more "luxury picks" in 2nd/3rd rounds? This way Steelers brass has even more options at DL/CB/ILB.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Sure, but if they do that they'll know how far down they can go and still get one of their targets.
Steve in Canton
2:33
Is Tuli Tuipulotu the guy Troy Polamalu has worked with?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
I don't know, but the Eagles drafted his brother when Weidl worked there.
James W
2:34
If none of top 3 CB or OT or VanNess on board at 17, is Branch S in play?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
I don't know where he is on their board. But he is a slot CB with safety versatility. Usually in the first round you get a full-time starter. And yes, I know Branch can someday be that as a safety, but it's a projection.
Kris
2:36
Do you think the Steelers will invest in an ILB in the top 80 ?  There is some buzz on Trenton Simpson, Jack Campbell and Drew Sanders -- and they may all strengthen a somewhat weak position.
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