Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.28.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
It does make you think, but as I wrote earlier, the Steelers and Rodgers have communicated well throughout this process. We might find out there was an issue in the relationship at a later time, but as of last week the Steelers had no issues with how any of this was being handled by Rodgers and his camp. Did something change last week? That's what we're trying to find out.
Chill Dave
12:43
Hi Ray, considering the likelihood that neither Allar or Howard see significant playing time this season, do you think a first round QB is still likely next year?  Or do you think McCarthy is committed to developing Allar as a starter?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
That all depends on how these guys develop this year and where the Steelers pick in the 2027 draft.
574 Fan
12:44
Thanks for chatting, Ray. Much to chew on. Terry Smith's 93.7 interview where he pretty much stated that the offensive staff in Happy Valley did Allar no favors in terms of scheme and wr personnel was very interesting. His comments seemed to make the Allar pick more palatable.  I was sort of on board with this pick heading into the draft, thinking that his traits, along with the points that Smith brought up, and the fact that McCarthy was brought in in large part to develop the next franchise QB make the gamble worthwhile.  Three 3rd round picks also made it more attractive.  Am I delusional? Because all that being said, he didn't get any better (maybe regressed) the last 2 years.  And prior to last season, he was throwing to the best TE in America.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
I think you hit the nail on the head. In a year when you have three third-round picks and you're in search of your QB of the future taking Allar there makes perfect sense. I have no issue with that pick whatsoever.
574 Fan
12:45
Just to expand on your small school qb remarks - how many big games did Ben play in at Miami OH?  How do you evaluate lackluster performances against elite Big10 schools vs Ben or Josh Allen's college competition?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Right. That's exactly what I was saying. Sometimes players are victims of their circumstances. And believe me, I'm not trying to talk up Allar. I'm just trying to have an open mind about the whole thing.
MikeM65 in Florida
12:48
The Steelers have a few options on what to do with the offensive line.  Let's say they are planning on Jones not being ready at the start of the season, then how do they determine who plays where?  Is it based on their build, drills, existing tape, or something else?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
What they see in practice and the preseason games.
Tim
12:48
With the selection of Allar, does this eliminate an all in philosophy on moving heaven and earth for a franchise qb in round 1 next year when the prospects are clearly better?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
That depends on what the coaches see in Allar and Howard this spring and summer.
574 Fan
12:49
Art II's comments on the Rodgers timeline from a few weeks back didn't necessarily jive with what we've heard publicly from McCarthy.  Do you think today's actions were mandated by ownership?  And, with the draft over, what would be considered the rush at this point? You have two young guys who need reps at MM and OTA's and they'll get more without him there.  Granted, there is probably teaching value in having Rodgers there.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
Gerry Dulac just posted a story on the situation so I encourage everyone to go read it.
12:50
And with that let's end this week's chat here. Lt's do it again next week.
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