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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.30.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
I suppose that's a possibility, but a short extension if they do one.
Guest
2:16
Kudos on the Fautanu mock selection! With the second year of Khan/Weidl under our belts, are there any specific learnings about their process you've picked up on that differed from the previous regime?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
They seem to really value the pre-draft visits. I think they lock in one guys at the combine and target them for visits. Of the draft picks this year, Fautanu, Frazier, Payton Wilson, McCormick and Lee all came in for visits. That's five. They drafted four that were in for visits this year. That's just one observation, but I think it's noteworthy. I'd have to research with Colbert, but it seemed like they averaged about 2 draft picks that were in for visits.
TShipman615
2:19
Hi Ray,  with clearing the cap space the way they did right before the draft seems like they and the rest of us thought a trade for a receiver was coming during the draft.  Do you think they simply couldn't make the deal or we all fooled?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
They freed up cap space so the can make a move if one comes along.
Southside Jimmy
2:20
Hey Ray, any thoughts on the hiring of Matt Ryan with Boomer E and Phil Simms being let go by CBS?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Simms and Esiason had been there for more than a quarter century. Sometimes you need new blood. Ryan doesn't strike me as a great personality, but if he can explain football to the viewers then it can work. Bill Cowher back too, bu the way.
TVC15
2:24
What is your prediction (1-4) for the AFCN? Is 1) Ravens 2) Bengals 3) Browns 4) Steelers crazy?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
  1. Bengals 2, Ravens, 3. Steelers, 4. Browns
TT Boy
2:25
Do you have a problem with them not taking a CB or another WR in the 4th?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Omar explained why they did that after the draft. They took McCormick because James Daniels is entering the final year of his contract.
Denise in Gibsonia
2:26
Hi Ray, I enjoy your chats.  While watching the draft , I thought about Todd McShay.  Was it a mutual decision for him to leave ESPN or were there other issues, such as health, difference of opinions, etc?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Not sure but he hinted on social media last week that he'll be back doing draft analysis next year. Not sure for who though.
Matt Talboo
2:29
Will the NFL go to 18 regular season games and 2 preseason games in 2025?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
That would have to be worked out between the NFL and the NFLPA. The PA has been staunchly against 18 games for health and safety reasons.
TVC15
2:31
Is the Steeler defensive line underachieving when it comes to developing draft picks? The that the d-line coach's fault or just bad luck?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
It might help if they invested in a first- or second-round pick once in a while.
rman
2:32
Hello Ray,  I was looking at a list of undrafted free agent signings for all the NFL teams.  The Steeler's list is small in comparison to the others.  Does this have any significance or is it just a matter of quality over quantity?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
They can always add more, but yes it is smaller than usual.
Orlandosteel
2:33
I've been hearing about Sutton, Aiyik, and Deebo... but I just read a report that "DK Metcalf has entered the chat" If it was your team..which of the 4 would you want?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Aiyuk I guess, I like Deebo too, but he's had some injuries.
Mike P.
2:33
So many people seem to think Joey Porter Jr. is a sure-fire CB1 and that we just need someone good enough to play opposite him. Are you confident that JPJ is the rock so many people think he is? If not, this CB room is super shaky.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
I think he'll be good. People saying All-Pro or whatever, I'm not sure about that.
Dave from Lebo
2:34
Hey Ray thanks for the chats. As someone who has covered many,  what is one thing you would change about the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Cut down on the time in between picks. Too much down time.
Andrew from monroeville
2:35
How long in your opinion, until Fautanu and Peyton Wilson get their first start ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
I'll say September for Fautanu and it might be 2025 for Wilson if Roberts and Queen stay healthy.
Sleepy
2:35
Hi Ray, were there any indications that the Steelers tried to trade up to get Frazier?  Or did they just patiently wait for their turn at #51?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
They were getting calls, but they thought he'd fall to them.
Stash
2:36
Ray, is having an anterior cruciate ligament way overrated?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Well, ask Hines Ward and DeJuan Blair. They seemed to do OK without one.
TX Pressure
2:37
The Vegas odds for Steelers wins is 8.5, now if I bump that to 10, you taking over/under or is that about right?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
That'd be about right, but I'd take the under considering the competition in the AFC North and the AFC overall.
Stash
2:39
Ray, with the likely demise of Neal and Loudermilk, is the Age of the Tweener officially over?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Leal is a tweener. Loudermilk is a prototypical Steelers 3-4 DE who just hasn't worked out. As I mentioned above. They need to start taking defensive linemen earlier in the draft.
John from Toronto
2:40
Hi Ray. Do you see parallels between the Payton Wilson pick and the Cowboys recently retired LB Leighton Vander Esche? He had injury concerns when he was drafted and lasted 6 productive seasons in the NFL. If I recall correctly, the Steelers really liked him. If we can get 6 years out of Payton Wilson I think Steelers fans should be thrilled.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Yeah I think that's the way you have to look at it. He might not sign a second contract, but he can be a good player for a few years. Added benefit: Vander Esch was a first-round pick and Wilson was a compensatory third-round pick. That part of the draft is a good place to take a calculated gamble.
nzaino
2:43
Does the team always use all thirty visits?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
I can't remember a year they did not.
Steve K
2:44
Given the new offensive scheme/coordinator, new QB, and overhaul of the o-line, I think it’s fair to expect growing pains. With that in mind Is currently rank the Steelers as #3 with “potential” to be #2 in the AFC North. What say you?
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