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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.08.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
I wouldn't say 9 out of the 14 "suck" as you say. Take Bud Dupree, for instance. He was a solid player and got a big deal in free agency. The Steelers just weren't going to pay two edge rushers. It was a no-brainer to spend the $$$ on TJ Watt. And looking back, the decision to trade a first-round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick was shrewd. That's still a great trade for the Steelers. Did he hit on every first-round pick in his later years? No. He had quite a few busts, but I wouldn't say it's as bad as you think it is. Here's a good way to put it: Colbert was great for about a decade at drafting and developing the roster. In his final decade he ran into some bad luch (Shazier) and made a few bad picks.
J-town Johnnie
12:28
Ray. 2nd receiver scenario is starting to concern me. Is Khan going to fix it or rely on current roster?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
He'll fix it eventually, but he doesn't have to fix it now.
62 Stack Monster
12:28
Ray, Is Fields a continuation of their Haskins experiment?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
I don't think so. Fields has more upside in my opinion.
BC
12:29
$13M for Freiermuth - when they won't give Najee $6.7? No way. Let him walk and draft another guy.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
In case you didn't notice, good TEs don't grow on trees. Other than Brock Bowers this year it wasn't a very good or deep TE class coming out of the college ranks. And there is not guarantee the next one will be as good as Freiermuth.
KC Atlanta
12:31
Ray should the Steelers taken the 1st CB versus 6th Tackle at #20.  How often does a tem get opportunity for best DB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
I think what you're missing is Fautanu was higher rated on their board any any CB that was available. That's how you build a good roster. You don't pick for need.
Tom Mikelin
12:32
Is our HC ever going to be on the hot seat?   Seems like he has an endless amount of hall passes.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Well, the contract extension hasn't been announced yet, but it is coming. The seat isn't even warm according to ownership.
TX Pressure
12:33
I think people forget Fields was a passer coming out of Ohio State, great TD: Int ratio, completion % near 70% and really didn't run that much.  That all changed in Chicago - I just wonder how much of what we saw transpire actually set him back as a NFL QB and if can get back to being more of a passer than just an athlete?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
It's one thing to be a passer at Ohio State -- a school, by the way, that doesn't produce very man quality NFL QBs -- and to be a passer in the NFL. Plus, wasn't accuracy with the Bears one of the biggest knocks against him? I'm not saying he can't develop as a passer with the Steelers, but the evidence in Chicago suggests he has a ways to go in that area.
Ray
12:35
Is it time for Tomlin to move on. We burn a first round pick on a quarterback. Rush him in to the lineup with a weak o-line and an undisciplined receiving group.  Trade him away and then bring in a quarterback who's been in the league a year or two longer that has played worse than the guy they traded.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Tomlin isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
TX Pressure
12:36
The more I see and hear Roman Wilson I really like this kid and think the WR2 is overblown with the options we already have!  I'm cautiously optimistic about the season and want to see how this all gets put together - because if Russ can just do what he did last year and they incorporate Fields into some  offensive packages opponents will actually have to spend time to gameplan against this offense!  When is the last time you hear that!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
I like Wilson as well, but it's putting a lot of pressure on a third-round pick to come in and be a big part of the offense.
Stash
12:38
Ray, in general, do local sports journalists consider Coach T arrogant and disrespectful of their role, especially with some of his recent comments about how he basically lies to fit his needs?  Or is it all water off a mallard's back side......
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
Most head coaches in any sport take care of their local media and try to foster an environment that benefits both parties. Tomlin might be condescending at times and unhelpful, but it doesn't really change how I cover the team.
Yinzer
12:42
Will Pittsburgh ever hold the NFL draft?   Seems the attendance bar was pushed too high by Detroit and the NFL will surely look to tout that
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
I think it will happen and likely happen sooner rather than later.
Matt Canada
12:44
I heard you aren’t a big fans of these chats…Any chance you will let me take over.  I have a history of landing jobs that I’m not qualified for.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
Ha ha, want to do them this summer when I'm on vacation? But you have to wear your straw hat.
Buddy
12:45
Quick choose a QB….Wilson or Watson of Cleveland
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
I don't think Watson has been very good since the long layoff so I'll go with Wilson.
Matt Canada
12:46
I had to sell hat to pay my rent 😞
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Well, in that case forget it.
Psycho Steeler
12:47
Hey Ray, I still don't know how it works but wouldn't the Steelers be able to place that 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round tender thing on Fields, at the end of the season.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
Those tenders are for restricted free agents. BY declining the fifth-year option on his rookie deal the Steelers are allowing Fields to become an unrestricted free agent next March.
Jay_In_Indy
12:48
Ray, how many starters do you think there will be out of this class by the end of the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
Fautanu and Frazier for sure. Maybe Wilson out of necessity, but I still think they'll get a legit No. 2 before the season starts.
KC Atlanta
12:49
Ray if you were GM and could obtain a teams # 1 WR.  What Steeler would you trade?  Alex Highsmith, oft injured Pat Friermuth, Dan Moore
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
You know the answer.
12:50
Ok thanks for all the questions this week. Back to my normal time on Tuesday next week.
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