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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.28.20
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Where’s My Clark Bar
2:21
Kudos to you and BB for the draft coverage. What options do the Steelers have for the ILB position? Even without injuries it is a weak area  that could severely hamper this defense.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Actually lots of options, but we'll see how it plays out. Devin Bush obviously is ready for a bigger role so he can pick up some of those snaps from Barron. But you still need Ulysees Gilbert or Marcus Allen or Antoine Brooks to step up. Or maybe safety Terrell Edmunds plays the Barron role and they insert someone like Cam Sutton as the deep safety on those downs. Again, not sure how effective any of these options will be, but they do have plenty of options.
Oscar Goldman
2:23
Hey Ray, any news on Ben's Bionic Arm?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
The $35 million dollar man. And no new news. Everything appears on track for him to be ready when the games start.
Steeltyke
2:23
Ray, Gerry Dulac said prior to the draft that the Steelers should draft a No.1 back with pick 49 or not draft one at all.  So is drafting McFarland in Round 4 a wasted pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
I'm not going to wasted pick, but I hope there is a plan for him. On the surface it seems like they're just throwing numbers at the position.
Utah Jim
2:24
I was disappointed when they took a WR with some of the top RBs still on the board, but I really liked the McFarland pick. Could the Steelers be moving to more of a committee approach that other teams have used with success? I know Tomlin prefers a bell cow, but with Conner’s durability it might be the smart move.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
That's a good question, Utah Jim. As you say, Tomlin has never been a back by committee coach. So it would definitely represent a change in his approach to the offense. Maybe he'll evolve some, but we'll see.
Utah Jim
2:26
Follow up question. If the Steelers do move to a committee approach does that make it more likely they keep Whyte? He could be the speed backup to McFarland with Snell the power back up to Conner. Maybe Samuels is the odd man out unless they keep five plus Watt.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
To me, McFarland and Whyte are similar so Whyte might be the odd man out. Samuels does offer the best hands of any RB on the roster and he's a matchup problem for some defenses.
Tunger Gewd
2:27
Some national sportswriters suggest Claypool will get converted to a TE? No way that happens right? Maybe run some TE routes, but I've heard no one from Steelers suggest this.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
No one from the Steelers has suggested it. It's all about labels I suppose. Down the line they certainly could ask him to line up in the slot and play like a pass-catching TE. But to start with, according to Randy Fichtner, he's going to be an outside WR. Once he learns the playbook they'll ask him to learn all the WR positions, including slot.
Ohio Chuck
2:28
Would you consider the OL pretty much set now going into camp? Al, Wis, MP, DeCastro, Feiler. Dotson backup OG, Banner extra sub OT, Oks as backup swing OT.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
That's a pretty good guess. It appears Dotson's selection points to Feiler staying at tackle, but we'll see in camp.
Hugh Felter
2:29
Are people forgetting James Conner was a Pro Bowler 2 years ago? He's gets injured, and needs capable back-ups, but the Steelers were not desperate for a RB.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
Conner is a good back. Can be effective when healthy. Honestly, they could have upgraded if they took one of those backs in round 2, but they decided on WR instead.
DaquidoBazzini
2:30
Greetings, Ray - I thought the Steeler draft went pretty well, but I'm concerned about NT and ILB. Do you think we have in house help, or might they try to get outside help? Any ideas?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
They already acquired Wormley to add depth. Alualu and McCullers will be the nose tackles. Unless there are injuries I don't see them making other moves on the DL.
SPIKE
2:32
Did the Jaguars trade Fournette ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Not unless it happened during this chat.
lamberto58
2:32
still no real nose tackle??
what am I missing here???
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Alualu has played there. So has McCullers. Only need them for 20-2 snaps per game, maybe more depending on the opponent.
Nate
2:33
Hi Ray, I hope JuJu sees more time in the slot with the selection of Claypool.  I know Steelers will use JuJu everywhere, but I felt he was more effective in the slot with his size.  What are you thoughts?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Well, with Claypool being an outside WR, I think you'll definitely see more of that. Diontae Johnson might even get some reps inside. He's a good route runner too. Plenty of options for Ike Hilliard and Randy Fichtner.
Guest
2:34
Ray,  Will the Duck still be quacking come the season opener?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Maybe with a clipboard in his hands
Ryan
2:35
Ray I dont get a lot of the negativity from fans about the draft, I thought Kevin and Co did a really good job this year, big red zone weapon with speed for Ben, a potential starter at OLB, home run threat RB, likely future starter at Guard, what's with all the negativity?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
I think with six picks fans were always going to be disappointed, especially with no first-round pick.
Nate
2:35
Hi Ray, with selection of Dotson, does that mean the Steelers would like to keep Feiler at RT?  Or was Dotson just the best olineman available at that pick?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Feiler still has that versatility, but Shaun Sarrett said Dotson will have an opportunity to compete at guard. I honestly don't think the coaches want a three-way competition so I'm leaning toward Feiler staying at RT and Winiewski and Dotson competing to take Foster's spot.
DK
2:36
Do you see the Steelers locking up both Dupree and Watt long term?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Definitely Watt. I think they'll try with Dupree, but there was a reason Highsmith was taken in the third round.
pdxJaxon
2:37
Ray Im confused....when folks discuss Edmunds filling in for the role of Barron at ILB, they say that Cam Sutton will have to fill in at Deep Safety....where is Minkah in this scenario ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Minkah is still on the field. Sutton would play "strong" and Minkah free.
Cq
2:38
Is there a reason the Steelers aren't trying to extend JuJu now? Seems like they would be in a better financial position to do so after a down year. It seems like they will want him long term.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
I think they probably want to take care of Heyward first and then see where they are with the cap this year as well as in the future.
Rick from Irwin
2:39
Besides adding 2 players to the rosters, is there a plan to expand the practice squads?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Yes from 10 to 12 this year and 14 by 2022 or 2023.
Guest
2:39
Ray,  Conner staying healthy is only one of his issues.  Holding on to the ball is another.  Cost them some big games.  He would be good back not the man.  Hope Mc Farland is a surprise.
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