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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.03.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Last ever pick for Colbert. Maybe he knows something.
Gene
2:23
Do you think the Steelers will keep both Derek Watt and Conner Heward?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Maybe for one year. Perhaps Heyward is No. 3 TE for a year. Or maybe on the practice squad being groomed to take over.
Bedford
2:23
So who ends up leaving or getting traded.....Johnson or Claypool.  My opinion is Pickens signing seems to be intended to replace Claypool.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
No one this year. They need all four to field an offense.
Alan fromIndy
2:24
Ray, the report on Leal is that he needs to bulk up like they said about K Green last year. A questionable pick for their run stop ping need ? Eat n Park or Primanti to bulk these guys up?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
He needs to add about 15 pounds. He can do that. And they'll probably just send him up to DeNunzio's after every summer practice in Latrobe.
James
2:25
It seems unlikely the Steelers will re-sign Dionte Johnson after this season. With several other Wide Receivers being traded during the draft, why not trade Johnson for a 3rd (or maybe a 2nd) round pick and draft a receiver that will be under contract for 4 more years?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Because he's your No. 1 WR. They have a season to play.
RyanW
2:26
I know not everyone feels the same way but I loved the selection of Pickett. Love his moxie, has heart and is fearless which is intangibles you can't teach. He's very accurate. Needs work on his deep ball and like a younger Ben needs to work on how long he has onto the ball but I think he's gonna be great.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
And he's ready to play now. We shouldn't have to wait long to see what he's made of.
Tim from Erie
2:27
George Pickens reminds me of a bit slower comp to DJ Metcalf? What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Metcalf definitely was bigger and heavier. Pickens is taller, but he's slight in comparison to Metcalf. Hopefully for the Steelers, he'll catch and run like him.
Where's My Clark Bar?
2:28
Is there any one player you think the Steelers should have drafted and was available when they drafted?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Not really. Maybe Trent McDuffie over Pickett, but as I mentioned earlier they seemed like they were going to take a QB no matter what there. Could have had Travis Jones in the second round, but the value is drafting a nose tackle in the third round.
Mercury
2:29
What percentage of local football fans do you think could even tell you what the “Pittsburgh” Maulers’ record is?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Blutarski 0.0
James
2:30
You think Mitch Trubisky was stabbing voodoo dolls of Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert after the Pickett selection? I would imagine he’s quite upset, eh?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
I can't imagine he's happy about it.
JerseySteel
2:30
Hi Ray - I feel good about both WR's drafted, very hopeful on Pickett, like the Heyward pick even if no defined position/role just yet. I have seen anywhere from a solid backup to a draft steal on Leal and no idea what to make of Mark Robinson. What are your thoughts on Leal/Robinson and their draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Leal is a long-term replacement for either Tuitt or Heyward. He doesn't have to start right away. As for Robinson, he's a seventh-round pick and is still learning how to play LB. Maybe he makes the roster or maybe he's on the practice squad.
JerseySteel
2:31
Hi Ray - A little surprised they did not do more to address the DL and secondary. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Me too, but they seemed intent on surrounding Pickett with some weapons, and they did that.
SW Steel
2:32
Hi Ray!  How do you see Bush's situation playing out?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Same way it did for Artie Burns and Jarvis Jones. Likely his final year with the Steelers.
fvicchy@yahoo.com
2:32
Hi Ray,  really enjoy your chats. What is the reason for drafting a second quarterback if Pickett is your star replacing Big Ben?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Fourth camp arm? Then again, you can get those guys as undrafted free agents or even rookie minicamp tryouts.
Andrew from Australia
2:33
Ray, your colleague Gerry D seemed underwhelmed by the Steelers draft, seemingly based around the idea they had other needs to fill and that they could've traded down and still got Pickett. Given that Willis et al didn't go until the *3rd round*, does he have a point?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
They took some calculated gambles in this draft. If they all work out it'll be a great draft. But there are some questions some of these guys have to answer. For Pickens, it's the maturity issues. For Austin, it's whether he can bulk up.
J$Money
2:34
With the offensive additions of Trubisky, Pickett, Pickens, Austin, Heyward, Daniels and Cole, how much different do you expect the offensive scheme to be this upcoming season? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
The scheme won't change, but we'll see more of Canada's playbook.
Paul
2:35
I know they have enough bodies for the DL, but outside of Heyward do they have enough talent?  Alualu is coming back from injury, we have no clue about Tuitt, and everyone else is more rotational or unproven.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
The hope is Leal and Loudermilk develop into contributors and eventual starters.
Ryan
2:36
Good afternoon Ray what do you think about this years class i like all the picks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
B- or C+ overall. They needed a nose tackle and didn't get one. I think the WRs are talented, but they come with some risk. And, of course, the QB comes with risk. No one else in the top 19 wanted him.
Pitt Fan 87
2:37
Hi Ray Do you think Minkah Fitzpatrick will still resign with the Steelers And do you think we can afford to keep him
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
I do and yes.
kevin in Punxsy
2:38
Hi Ray.  Have you heard anything about Tuitt working out at the Steelers facility on the South Side, or anything relative to his returning to the team? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
They've been very coy about his situation. I don't have a great feel for how it will unfold. First OTA is May 22 so we'll see if he's there then.
kevin in Punxsy
2:39
Ray, most national football media appear to have given the Steelers a "B" rating for the draft.  I think I saw that Gerry D gave them a "C" grade.  Who is closer to the truth?  Thanks.
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