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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.29.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
They're going to start him on the outside and see how he does. He told reporters on his conference call that the Steelers have discussed with him some off-the-ball duties, but he won't start there. He'll start outside.
DaquidoBazzini
12:31
If DK Metcalf was still there when the Steelers had the second pick in the 3rd round, do you think they would’ve taken him or Deontae Johnson?
Also….Why do you think Metcalf fell so far in this draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Maybe his injury history, maybe his bad times in the quickness and agility drills at the combine, maybe the fact that he doesn't have a typical receivers body... Not sure why hell, but it was a surprise to me. I think he might end up being a steal if he can stay healthy.
Ben
12:33
Love that they went big on a defensive playmaker. On the other hand, it was a Pretty good draft for grimble, Dupree, and davis, no?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Right. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler doubled down on Dupree when he spoke with us over the weekend, sharing the same sentiments as the head coach and GM. They like him. It will be interesting to see what they do with Davis. Do they sign him to a second contract? Something to watch this summer.
JeffMcClelland
12:34
The Steelers signed an undrafted kicker and punter on Saturday. Are these players camp fodder, or does either have a legitimate chance at making the regular season roster?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
If the punter is any good at all he can challenge Berry.
Cburg Stiller
12:35
At the risk of being POSITIVE, it feels like (at least on paper) the draft picks in combination with the free agent pickups along with the removal of the two knuckleheads have this team headed in a good direction.  Personally think the front office has done well the last few months.  So, is it ok to be excited for the coming season??
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Sure. Why not? That's what the offseason is for.
Jacque Strap
12:35
Any of the UDFAs look interesting to you?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
I'll let you know after OTAs.
Chachi
12:36
Little surprised they didn't draft a safety.  Any chance they add a vet before camp?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Not really much out there now, is there? Tomlin said he was happy with the numbers he has there. He also mentioned CBs such as Mike Hilton and Cam Sutton can play there in a pinch. I didn't get the sense they were overly concerned with their inability to draft one.
Max
12:37
Hi Ray. Is it me, did the Steelers cut the wrong linebacker? To me Bostic is better than VW vs the run and cost a lot less. What do you say?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Vince is good at stopping the run and he's much better than Bostic as a pass rusher. He has his limitations, but I think he's better than Bostic.
Wisconsin Winters
12:38
Ray, I know that the Steelers do not officially retire numbers, but with so many linebackers on the squad, do you see a player wearing #58 or #59?  Will anyone ever wear #75?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
75 was officially retired a few years ago. And I can't see 58 or 59 being handed out by the equipment staff.
Jeremy from MIA
12:39
Hi Ray, with the draft over and some obvious needs addressed, which position do you feel needs the most attention now, either through a FA pickup or UFA?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
Probably TE, maybe safety.
Ed Bouchette Jr.
12:40
Ray, one area that I feel really good about on this team is the OL. I like the top 9 on this team already and also how Prince and Morris looked in preseason and on the practice squad last year. Just a shame that Muncak left. Do you think the Steelers have the best OL in the NFL as far as quality and depth?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
They have a really good line, but I can't say they're the best when the team finished 31st in the league in rushing. They failed miserably when they tried to run when Ben got hurt versus the Raiders. They need to do a better job running the ball this year.
Wayward
12:41
Are you surprised they took a RB as early as they did?  I thought they would take a 6th rounder or so.   On the other hand I like the Snell pick and think they now have a nice stable of young backs.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
After they brought in a bunch of RBs for top-30 visits I think it was clear they would take one, but I too was surprised it came as early as the fourth round. Maybe they're concerned about Conner's ability to stay on the field for 16 games.
Ed Bouchette Jr.
12:42
Ray, I didn't understand the Sutton Smith pick at all - until I saw his highlights. This kid is a football player. I can't see him beating NFL tackles at 6'0'' 233 lbs as an OLB. Do you see him making this team as a special teams ace who could also play on the inside or outside?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
If he makes the 53 it will be because of his ability as a special teamer. He has the athletic skills and the makeup to do it. Not sure if they're counting on him to have a role within the defense this season...
Wisconsin Winters
12:43
Ray, Lots of high draft picks on the defensive side of the ball.  Those players  I feel will get better as they get more comfortable with the Def. (Edmonds, Davis, Watt, etc).  Seems like we may have depth issues on the O line, thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
Not really. Finney is a great interior backup. And if they keep Feiler as the starting RT you have two young tackles in Okorafor and Hawkins to back him up.
TJ
12:45
I believe the addition of Bush should instantly make Dupree much better, thoughts.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
How?
Bob
12:47
Hi Ray. Any idea why they didn't consider Kevin Harmon once he slid all the way down to the 6th round? Seems like he would have been a complete steal there.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
Harmon did not test well at the combine. And I honestly didn't like him very much when I watched him. I thought he was OK but nothing special.
Jeff
12:48
Hey Ray. Read in a couple places that there were many tight ends rated more highly than Gentry. What is it about him that made the Steelers select him instead of the others? Upside? Height? Attitude? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
It was the fifth round. The best TEs were off the board. At that point of that it's all about team preferences. The Steelers like that he has room to grow into his frame. They like his potential.
Whit
12:49
Still think they need help with DL depth. Surprised they didn't add anyone. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
They drafted Isaiah Buggs. Karl Dunbar recruited and coached him at Alabama. He can be a nice depth DL.
Glenn
12:49
Would you agree that inside backer is now a position of strength?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
Let's see how Bush plays first, but it doesn't look like a glaring weakness any longer, that's for sure.
AK
12:50
Will Williams come off the field on passing downs?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:52
Yes. That would appear to be the plan.
Daniel
12:52
Ray, to expand on your comment about Isaiah Buggs... everyone said the same thing last year about Dunbar coaching Frazier, too.  Frazier was waived.
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