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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.28.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:52
Welcome to the chat. Post your questions and we'll get started soon.
Baghdad_Ben
1:55
One fact no other team can say - the Steelers have a pro bowler with one of their 2020 picks. Using that #1 on Fitzpatrick has to be considered when grading this draft. I like it on paper but time will tell.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Not only Pro Bowl but All-Pro. You make that trade 10 times out of 10.
Tampa Too
1:56
Ray   Since there is a good chance the season may be shortened and  some exhibition games may be cancelled do you believe that it will be harder this year for an undrafted free agent to make the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
Yes. Undrafted free agents need OTAs, minicamp and a full training camp to impress the coaches. Unfortunately, that's going to be a byproduct of this pendemic if camps are shortened. Also, rookies, not matter their pedigree, are going to see their progress slowed. They might not get on the field as quickly as they normally might.
Tampa Too
1:58
I find it rather silly to "grade" a draft class immediately because it takes a minimum of 2 to 4 years to really evaluate the picks.  With that being said how would you grade the Steeler's 2016 and 2017 drafts?  Thanks and stay safe!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
The 2016 class: C. People read this and think no one is left. How can it be a C? That's true, but Javon Hargrave was a four-year starter and a big contributor the past few seasons. Sean Davis was a three-year starter before his season-ending injury. Maybe not a great one but good enough to start. Artie Burns was a bust so he brings the grade down. Obviously, you'd like to re-sign at least one or two guys from a draft class, but that wasn't in the cards for a variety of reasons. As for the 2017 class, it's probably an A-. Watt is a budding superstar and Smith-Schuster has been to a Pro Bowl. So has James Conner. Plenty to like about that class. I was curious about how people graded the 2017 class right after the draft. One guy from SI gave the Smith-Schuster pick a C+. I think he was wrong. LOL.
Tampa Too
2:02
If Conner has an injury free very productive year this season would you offer him an extension?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
Depends on the season but probably not. You don't see a lot of RBs get second contracts with their original teams.
2:04
News just came across that the Steelers exercised the fifth-year option on T.J. Watt's rookie contract. Obviously a no-brainer. Now it's time to sign him to a second contract.
InvisibleInterruptingPenguin
2:04
Were you surprised the Steelers went with Claypool over Dobbins, and then drafted a running back later?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
Not really. It was going to be a WR or RB all along. I liked Cam Akers more than Dobbins and apparently others did, too. He was taken about six or seven spots ahead of Dobbins. I just think Colbert thought the offense needed a deep threat to open up the passing and running game.
livinthedream
2:06
Ray, really enjoyed your podcast on the draft. My question relates to someone we didn't draft. Joseph Charlton is the punter at SC. He has no problem kicking 60 plus yards or getting in inside the 20, he has had only one blocked and his average is 47 yards. Instead the steelers bring in a young man who did not play last year and whose numbers don't compare to Charlton's. What am I missing?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
The Steelers only had six picks. It's hard to spend one of those on a punter when there were so many other needs to fill. Maybe they'll go out and sign Dustin Colquitt. He was cut by the Chiefs today. His father, Craig, played for the Steelers and won a couple of Super Bowls as their punter.
Thomas
2:07
Any chance the FA punter makes the team over Berry?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
That didn't take long, did it? Two early questions about the punter. Maybe Thomas, but as I mentioned earlier undrafted free agents might have a tough time opening the eyes of coaches this year if camps are shortened.
Jeff
2:09
Thanks for the chats Ray.  Overall I feel pretty good with draft minus the RB pick.  What were your thoughts?  Were we close to getting Fournette?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
I never got that idea. As for McFarland, he's a change of pace guy to complement the others. Don't think he'll have a big role as a rookie unless there are injuries. We'll see.
John in Hbg
2:10
Why is everyone always so quick to praise the Ravens after every draft and say that they draft better than the Steelers? Since their Super Bowl win in 2012, they have 1 playoff win and missed the playoffs 3years in a row (2015-2017).
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
That might be true, but I agree with the people who said the Ravens had a good draft this year. They drafted Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison to play inside linebacker and they also got receiver Devin Duvernay. It also helps they had many more picks than the Steelers. By the way, drafting well doesn't mean your team is going to do well in the playoffs.
Lenny from NY
2:12
Good afternoon Ray. If Carr or Trubunski become available before the season starts, do you think the Steelers should or could go after them. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
I don't think so. Carr would cost some $ as a backup and not sure Trubisky would be a better option than Mason Rudolph.
PGH Kid in Cleveland
2:13
Ray: Steelers did not draft a QB nor sign one as an Undrafted Free Agent. I would have loved to see Jameis Winston be the #2 on the depth chart but could we still be in the market to sign  a proven NFL QB to join the Black N Gold and if so....Who is your top choices?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I don't think they'll sign a QB unless Ben experiences some elbow discomfort and they're worried about that.
Retire21
2:13
No one had Claypool at that spot. Did the Steelers revert to need rather than rating at 3
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
No, the Steelers liked Claypool.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:14
If Claypool is to see offensive snaps, whose is he taking?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
They'll find playing time for a player that can stretch the defense and make some big plays. Maybe a little from Washington, Switzer, etc.
Picksixlisberger
2:14
Ray,         What are the chances that Claypool ends up as a tight end in a few years?  Could be Antonio Gateslike.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
I don't get the idea the Steelers have those plans at all. Randy Fichtner talked about him being an outside WR, where he is most comfortable. I even asked his WRs coach at ND about that. Del Alexander said he's a receiver at the next level.
Abbotsford
2:16
Shout out to the steeler nation from Abbotsford. Hometown of our steeler star Chase. Stay safe. Go Steelers.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
New Steelers fans in British Columbia. Welcome to the chat!
Rick Sunner in Orlando
2:16
Hi Ray! Thanks for the chat. Have the Steelers reached out to Barron about resigning with the Steelers? Seems like a mutual fit if no one else has/will sign him for more money.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
That seems like it might make some sense, but I haven't heard any rumblings that might happen. maybe closer to camp especially if things aren't going well in camp.
BB
2:17
Ray - Thanks for the draft coverage you have done.  Isn't McFarland just more of what the Steelers already have?  I don't understand that pick when you had a shot at a true three down back earlier.  Do you see any of these 2020 picks helping to win any games this year?  The boss, AR II, said we have to get better in the run game...it doesn't appear that anyone was listening?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
I think Claypool has a chance for early playing time. I wrote about that today: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/04/28/chase-claypool.... As for the run game, like I said earlier, maybe Ben's return and Claypool's presence will open things up. But yeah they didn't address the run game early in the draft.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:19
Is Dotson the steal of the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Time will tell, but a lot of people are high on him. Looking forward to watching him compete in camp.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:19
No 1st rounder, two Terrapins, a walk-on from Charlotte and a Canadian. Sounds like a bad joke. What's the punchline?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Bill Belichcik picked a safety from a Division II school in the second round. Sometimes you have to find players at smaller, lesser-known schools.
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