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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.02.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
He had some injuries late in the season and I think they were concerned about that.
Yuri
2:12
Hello Ray.  Were you surprised like I was, that the Steelers didn’t draft Bryce Ford-Wheaton or sign him as a free agent?  Thank you Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Just because a player comes in for a visit doesn't mean the Steelers will draft them. Sometimes, the visit doesn't go well or maybe a medical issue is discovered.
Linebacker Lounge
2:13
Seems like an outstanding draft.. thought maybe Center from Minnesota over DL Benton.. time will tell.. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Yeah they scouted centers hard. I think DL was a bigger need. I think Benton will be solid. Should start at nose and Teryl Austin said he can bump out and play over guards in sub-packages. He didn't post many sacks in college, but the Wisconsin coaches didn't ask him to do much of that. He'll have more opportunities to do that with the Steelers. And they love how he can stop the run.
Southside Jimmy
2:15
Hey Ray.  Thanks for all your Steelers coverage.  Do you think the Steelers might bring in Ben DiNinucci to compete for on of the backup quarterback jobs?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
They could. They probably have to sign someone unless this Morgan guy from Minnesota really impresses.
Linebacker Lounge
2:15
Great move getting the TE from Georgia.. is there room for Derek Watt on a home town discount.. or has that ship sailed? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
I don't get that sense. Matt Canada said Friday that Connor Heyward is set to take over that role when they need a FB. And they only used Watt for 77 snaps last season. That's like five snaps a game.
STEEL72
2:17
Hi, Ray. Couple questions. One...did the Steelers have interest in Max Duggans in the 7th? I was itching for them to get him because his film room segment with Mariucci made him seem like such a team guy and the perfect 3rd string with upside. Two, obviously the draft was awesome, but are we even in the same room as monsters like KC and Philly? I cannot wrap my head around how crazy Philly's D will be.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Well, the good news is they probably don't have to play the Eagles for another seven years, unless they both make the Super Bowl. As for Duggan, I didn't get the sense the Steelers had very much interest in him.
Ed in Carrick
2:18
A lot has been talked about Washington falling to the Steelers. I agree he was great value and an excellent pick. But isn’t Gentry very similar?  What sets the two apart?  Will Canada be smart enough to line both Washington and Gentry at the same time and go HUGE on the OL front?  Najee would be salivating.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Gentry is a good run blocker. Washington has a chance to be a great run blocker. Also has more athleticism and upside in the passing game. And while I could see some three-tight formations in short-yardage situations, Gentry likely will play less with the addition of Washington.
Yogi in Yonkers
2:19
Ray, can we assume the status of Washington's knee was a topic of conversation when the team had him in for his top 30 visit? And can we assume they were satisfied with his health when they were stunned to find him still on the board at 93? This guy could be a league sensation this year. Let's hope OCMC has the imagination to get him highly involved in the passing game. No?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Satisfied at pick 93 but obviously not 80. They traded that to get 93 and 132. I think they targeted a certain point in the draft where they would take him and did that with pick 93.
Yogi in Yonkers
2:20
Hi Ray. Do you think Green makes it to training camp before he gets cut?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
You need bodies for camp so he'll probably just get cut at the end of camp.
Anthony from Long island
2:21
Ray, with the drafting of another TE, how do you see the opening day roster look at TE. Who is odd man out?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
I think all four can make it with Heyward being the FB. Just one fewer RB on the roster.
Donna
2:21
Good afternoon Ray.  As of now, what players do you see starting in the Steelers secondary?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Porter, Peterson, Fitzpatrick and Neal (in base) and Kazee playing a lot too.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:22
Do you see Canada running the ball more this year with the upgrades on the offensive line or will it be close to 50/50 run/pass? I'm hoping the jet sweep gets retired this year as well. Teams are too fast for that play to work anymore.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
They're building their team to run the ball down people's throats. We'll see if they're successful.
Yates
2:22
Hi Ray/. Please give quick run down of how you see DL rotation with all the new pieces added?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Hard to say until I see some of the new guys play. But the starters are likely Heyward, Ogunjobi and Benton. I'll say Fehoko makes the team over Adams and provides depth at nose. Loudermilk should get another chance to prove he can play. If not, he might be gone. Leal will be in the mix of course. Then you have guys like Watts and Marshall fighting for a roster spot.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:25
After the Steelers sign their draft picks and free agents, will they have any more cap room to make a move or 2 in free agency before the season starts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Yes they have room to do that.
Bill
2:26
Hi Ray, great job with your draft coverage. 2 questions: 1) what do you think about not getting an ILB in the draft? Ivan Pace looked solid and went undrafted and 2) I thought the Steelers should have traded their 2024 1st rounder for the 33rd overall and taken Brian Branch. Do you think this was considered? He would have been excellent vs the Ravens/Bengals and also could have made up for a lack of ILB speed!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Yeah I'm never looking to give up first-round picks. They're too valuable and you never know where they'll be. As for not taking an ILB, I saw that coming. They signed two starters in free agency. They didn't have to draft one.
CT Art
2:28
Ray, I asked you on a past chat why no love for Jack Campbell. Happy for him he went in first round to lions but would have loved to see him in yinzer black and gold. Your thoughts on how high he went
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
I was surprised. Not sure if another team had a first-round grade on him. ILB is a tough position to play in the NFL.
Yinzer
2:29
Ray, do you think Herbig can have success at OLB in the NFL?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
They'll give him a shot to earn a role in the rotation. The rest is up to him. But I do think he has to add some weight.
Doug
2:30
Hey Ray, now that the draft is done, what do you see as the Steelers biggest hole, and why is it slot corner?  Thank you!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
They might have something up their sleeve there. Maybe Patrick Peterson plays there on occasion. He hinted at that, moving around the secondary, etc. Maybe Fitzpatrick will get some reps there. But yes, they don't have a traditional slot cover CB on the roster right now.
Ryan
2:32
Good afternoon Ray liked all our pics especially Porter Jr what do you think about the undrafted quarterback and the undrafted fullback
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Those guys will be in for rookie minicamp next week so we'll get a look at them then. Maybe the FB can earn a spot on the 53 or practice squad if he's good on special teams. But as I referenced earlier, Matt Canada said Connor Heyward can handle FB duties when needed.
CaliSteel
2:33
Hi Ray. Next team functions are the mini camps… Are vets allowed to attend and if so, will they? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Rookie minicamp is next week and yes a few select veterans who meet the years accrued standard are allowed.
CaliSteel
2:34
Watched Patrick Peterson discussing his role with the Steelers for the upcoming season with Bryant McFadden on his podcast and it seems Peterson has really embraced his role of mentor and leader of the secondary. Any thoughts?
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