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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.29.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
Harmon and Johnson will get playing time, maybe even start. Sawyer has a chance to be in the rotation.
Nonsense
12:23
It is only a matter of time before the "Way too early" 2026 mock drafts start coming out. That being said, before a single college game is played, before even one training camp practice, will the Steelers be picking their franchise QB in round 1 in Pittsburgh and who do you want?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Arch Manning, but they won't be 2-15 so it's good that there are other first-round QBs in the '26 draft.
Silent Bob
12:24
Hi Ray - Once I understood more about the fourth round pick & especially where he was projected much earlier, I think it's a great pick. The only pick I now don't understand is Bruener. Is it just a matter of BPA when you get that late in the draft? Or more of a special teamer? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
If he makes the 53 he'll be a core special teamer. They brough back Tyler Matakevich for that role last season. Bruner can fill his void if he proves he can play. Also, Mark Robinson is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Jerry
12:25
Ray, I am curious to know if the Steelers had any interest in Tez Johnson, Harmon’s receiver teammate at Oregon?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
They were interested in a few WRs this year, but they weren't going to take on just for the sake of taking one. Mike Tomlin basically said after the draft that Metcalf is viewed as a second-round pick.
brian
12:26
hi ray, Everyone thinks trading George Pickens will be easy.  But don't you think, the longer they wait, and the potential he does what he does last year in acting out, that teams will steer clear?  Plus, he is due a contract next year.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
If there is a contender at the trade deadline that believes they are a WR away from a Super Bowl he'll be easy to trade. It only takes one. And hey, maybe he has a great year, keeps his mouth shut and does everything they ask. They'll recoup a comp pick in the following year's draft.
Missy D.
12:28
Hi Ray, it seems everyone is talking about the Steelers taking a quarterback in next year’s d
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
That's because they desperately need one and 2026 is a good year to make that happen.
APK
12:28
Patterson wouldn’t seem to have a place on the team anymore, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
We'll see how camp and the preseason play out, but I'd be surprised if he makes the 53-man roster.
Missy D.
12:29
Hi Ray, it seems everyone thinks the Steelers will take a quarterback in next year’s draft.  Do you agree and do you think defense backfield will be a need as well?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Yes and that's why it's nice they'll have all of those comp picks next year. Even if they deal a few away to move up for a QB they'll have picks left to address their other needs.
Darnell
12:29
Always enjoy your chats Ray.  Any idea why the Steelers and assistant coach Sullivan parted ways at a time when most coaching staffs are set?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
His contract was up. They kept him on for the final year of his deal when they brought Arthur Smith onboard. He had the title of senior offensive assistant. One of his jobs last year was the YAC coach (yards after the catch). I kid you not. Great guy and a good coach, but Smith wanted to bring in guys he was more familiar with.
TheRealArthur
12:31
Hi Ray. Do you agree with the Sawyer over Sanders decision? Way to early prediction on whether they will regret the decision? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
One fits the Steelers culture and the other does not. Easy decision.
Gena, Sharpsburg
12:32
Good afternoon Ray.  With the Browns and Commanders getting new stadiums, do you think the Steelers would go outside the city limits for their next home or try to remodel Acrisure to suit their needs?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Yes. At the very least they'll use Cranberry as a threat. They did that with Washington County before Acrisure was built.
TheRealArthur
12:32
Instant reaction - 2024 draft class better than 2025 or vice versa
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Way too early to tell on both counts.
FirstTimeLongTime
12:33
Ray - am I the only one who thinks a Pickens contract is imminent (I know I am).  The line, running game and 2 legit receivers really line up well to help a rookie QB flourish (personalities aside).
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Ummm no.
Mike in Virginia
12:33
We've already seen one post-draft move with Woods. Where do you expect to see the next one? OL, CB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Anything they do now will be minor, like the Woods signing. He's basically playing for a little more than the vet minimum.
Michael
12:34
Ray, if Broderick Jones’ level of play continues as it has on the left side, is he extended?  What letter grade would you give him at this point?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Probably not and B-/C+. You want an A for the No. 14 overall pick.
DC
12:35
Mason Rudolph was drafted 76th overall in 2018. How would you grade that draft pick 7 years later?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
B. He's developed into a good backup QB.
Doyle37
12:36
If the Pitt kicker does well in pre-season, might the steelers pick up a 7th rounder or will teams just wait for a kicker to be cut ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Teams usually wait for kickers to be cut. Chris Boswell is one of the best kickers of his generation and they found him in a midseason tryout when their previous kicker was cut.
Doyle37
12:38
What are the odds the steelers use several drat picks and move up to draft overall #1 next year when the draft is in the Burgh ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Depends where they finish of course. But if there are five legitimate first-round QBs they'll have the ammunition to move up to get one if they really like one.
Franco
12:39
Hey Ray, the browns is the browns
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
I heard they're bringing Bernie Kosar back for a tryout at their minicamp.
TheStandardisStability
12:39
Surprised that Dunbar said he wants to leave Benton at nose? He does not seem to have the bulk for that postion.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Agree, but they're only in base a limited number of snaps per game.
Jim Bow Dean
12:40
Why now on the Mike Sullivan departure? Timing seems odd. Also, ironic it happened the same day the other Mike Sullivan in town got booted.
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