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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.02.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
I think that's part of the reason he was signed. And it's good to see the way he's embraced it. Of course, he has to produce on the field too. That's most important.
Moreno's Moustache
2:35
What was the biggest surprise for you this draft — regardless of NFL team.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Probably the Lions taking Gibbs and Campbell in Round 1.
Tom
2:35
Does Benton have a different body type than Loudermilk?
Jeff M
2:37
Now that the draft is over what will be the most commonly asked question until the season starts? My guess is who is the #3 QB.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Yes Benton is squattier and can play nose. Loudermilk has that traditional five technique build.
(2 answers in a row) I get a lot of questions about the ILB room.
Michael G.
2:38
I know you cover the Steelers but was wondering if you ever met the late Dick Groat.  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Oh yes. I covered Pitt basketball for a decade. Dick was the color commentator on radio broadcasts. He was a terrific guy, so humble and so welcoming to me when I came on the beat.
AK
2:39
Do the Steelers generally prefer to have two of their QBs be experienced vets?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
It depends. Early on in Ben's tenure, they had two veterans -- Maddox and Batch and Leftwich and Batch. Then they started trending younger after 2012 with the addition of Landry Jones. I think when you have a young QB you definitely want a veteran backup. For No. 3, you probably want a veteran too unless there is a rookie who is worth developing.
Steve in Canton
2:41
Thanks for the chats Ray. When can we expect your first 2024 NFL mock draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Ha ha. How about February of 2024.
Steve in Canton
2:41
Any idea on how close the Steelers were to trading #32?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
They didn't receive an offer enticing enough to not draft JPJ.
Steve in Canton
2:42
If B. Branch had fallen to #49, would the Steelers have taken him over K. Benton?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
Hard to say, but they needed to add a DL at some point. And I think they knew they were going to trade 80. So it just came down to a numbers game.
SMF
2:43
Ray:  Thanks for the chats.  Just curious on your thoughts.  I don’t recall the Steelers replacing an entire position group like ILB this year. You can add long time coach Jerry Olsavsky too.  Do you think this was from poor reviews by Brian Flores last year—maybe that was his biggest impact from his time on the Steelers.  I also noticed Flores, now the Minnesota DC, didn’t pick up any of the let go Steeler ILBs either.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
It doesn't happen often. You have to acknowledge playing ILB is one of the more difficult positions to play in the NFL. You have to be able to stop the run and cover. It's a tough projection and obviously the Steelers have had a hard time making those projections in recent history.
artie bridge
2:45
Ray, I'm crazy about the Darnell Washington pick, but should we be suspicious?  How did such an athlete fall to selection #43?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
Pick 93 and he fell due to injury concerns.
Barry Berkman
2:45
With the addition of Washington do you see the Steelers playing 12 personnel more often? With Darnell, Muth, Najee, and a mix and match of two WRs, they would have 5 good pass catchers on the field in a "run" formation. If managed properly they could really keep a defense off balance. Especially if Canada realizes that it is still legal to run play action from under Center.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
They used 12 personnel quite a bit last year. Gentry played half the snaps although some of those came when Freiermuth was injured. They'll want to get their best players on the field. And if Washington is as advertised he'll be a big boost for the running game.
Ernest T Bass
2:47
Hey Ray......I'm very impressed with the job Omar and staff did last week. My question involves the previous administration's use of late round draft choices to fill holes in a roster which had no depth due to......you guessed it.....poor use of late round draft picks. Imagine, in this deep draft, how much Omar could have improved things with a 5th and 6th round pick. Do you think there will be a renewed value given to these picks, instead of using them for roster filler castoffs from other teams?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Kevin Colbert traded fifth and sixth round picks to acquire players because of a lack of depth. Khan did last year as well when he dealt a sixth round pick to Denver for Malik Reed. Sure it would be nice to have all of your picks, but sometimes you have to address this year's team before next year's team, if you know what I mean.
Steve in Canton
2:49
Steelers rookie who will have the biggest impact in the 2023 season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
Jones or JPJ. I think both have a chance to start early.
NC steelers fan
2:50
Hey Ray have you heard any word about an Alex highsmith extension? If so, when do you think it might get done? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:50
They announced Fitzpatrick in June last year so they'll probably open talks soon if they already haven't.
GM
2:51
Any chance they let JPJ become a newer Ike Taylor?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
How about Ike Taylor's coverage ability with better hands. I'd like that better.
Turk in MD
2:51
Hi Ray.  Thanks for the chats.  How should Leal be utilized this year?  I get Tomlin’s multiple idea on players, but where are the multiples. Too small for DE and too big for OLB.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:52
They don't seem overly concerned about him being a tweener. He had some injuries interrupt his rookie season. I'm curious to see how much better he'll be with more playing time.
2:54
Ok thanks for all the questions this week. We'll do it again next Tuesday.
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