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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.10.23
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Bill Carson
12:02
When do OTA's start? Cmon man.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
OTAs begin May 23 and run through June 8. Then there is a mandatory minicamp from June 13-15. They'll break for a few weeks before training camp gets going in late July.
Bill Carson
12:03
Hi Ray. If Mason Rudolph goes elsewhere, how about them signing Gibsonia's own Ben DiNucci? I think it's a good idea. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
Not a terrible idea. They need a No. 3 QB. Tanner Morgan was signed as an undrafted free agent following the draft. He played at Minnesota, but he'd have to really show them something over the next few months for them to keep him as their third QB.
KRUT
12:04
Maulet getting cut??  Does that mean an arrest report is coming like Jamir Jones?  Zero tolerance
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
I don't know that to be the case. They did sign Chandon Sullivan about 10 days ago. He's made 30 starts for the Packers and Vikings the past three seasons. He's also a slot. I will say this. The timing is a bit odd. Usually the Steelers release players in March so they have a chance to hook on with other teams in free agency.
Jay Daven
12:06
Ray, what would you say is the position of need now that the draft is over?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
They did a pretty good job of addressing their big needs in the draft. I might question their depth at slot CB, OLB and ILB, but they still have four months until the season starts. That's plenty of time to address those positions with other signings, trades or via waiver wire in early September.
Mike
12:08
Any names on the free agent market that can play slot cb that the Steelers may have interest in? Sullivan can’t really be their plan right?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:09
Patrick Peterson has hinted the plan is for him to move around the secondary. Not sure if that means in the slot or not. I'm sure they watched Sullivan's tape a lot, but you never really know what a guy is like until you see him on the field with your own eyes. My guess is they'll evaluate that position over the next few months and determine what they have and then make a move if they deem it necessary.
Guest
12:10
Why do you think Tomlin has had such a tough time with inside linebackers.  They never replaced Farrior.  Even Shazier was a bad pick....Mosley should have been the pick that draft.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
Shazier was a bad pick? I don't know if he ever would have made All-Pro, but he was pretty effective for them as a run stopper and pass defender. They haven't come close to getting anyone close to his caliber in the past five years. And there is a good reason for that. ILB is one of the hardest positions to play in the league.
Javi
12:11
Hello Ray. Are Steelers going after same approach with Pickett as they did with Big Ben? Run game and strong defense. Manage game just dont blow it so to speak?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
Well, they won a couple of Super Bowls playing that way, so it's not a bad plan if that's what they're doing. And all signs point to something like that. But this isn't 2005 anymore. They want to run the ball. They want to impose their will. But they also realize they need to make plays in the passing game to become a Super Bowl contender again. That's why Pickett's development is so important.
Guest
12:13
Cowher said on Ben's podcast that Tomlin was handed a winning team and he just needs to not screw it up.  He won one Super Bowl with that team that Cowher built, them screwed it up within 4 year of inheriting it.  He has been screwing it up worse every year over the past decade.  How long can this go on?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
I've only seen a clip of Cowher talking about Bryant McFadden's play versus the Colts in the 2005 playoffs. I can't imagine Cowher saying that about Tomlin. It's not his style.
Jay Daven
12:14
Ray, is Mitch being a solid veteran and accepting his role as a backup?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
From all accounts yes.
Ambrose Broyles
12:14
Any prediction on who the steelers will play week 1?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
Get ready for the schedule leaks. I see there are even some today, which is a bit early. I seem to remember them only happening the day of the release. By the way, a lot of those leaks end up being wrong. The NFL asks all teams to keep the schedule top secret so they can have their unveiling TV event. If you want me to take a guess I'll say the Browns only because that's been a common opponent in the opener for them over the years.
Matt
12:16
You said a few minutes ago that Slot CB, OLB and ILB are positions lacking depth.  Was there someone available in the draft you think the Steelers should have drafted instead of the Maryland guard?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
That was so late in the draft that it doesn't matter. This was a bad year for off-ball LBs in the draft. Any of the ones with potential were off the board by Round 3 or 4.
Hawaiian Surfer
12:18
Ray, any chance Tyson Alualu coming to one last camp to work with the 4 other Hawaiian Steelers? Could be a useful veteran if injuries arise and could mentor new D Line. Or his retirement certain?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
I haven't heard that he retired, but he appeared to lose a step or two last season coming off that ankle surgery. It happens. He's 36. There is no fountain of youth for NFL players.
George Costanza
12:19
Hello Ray, on the QB front, would the Steelers have any interest in Malik Willis if he were to be cut by the Titans or any interest in AJ McCarron from the Battlehawks after his great season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
It depends on what they're looking for in a No. 3 QB. Do they want to develop someone as their next backup? Or do they plan to have Trubisky in that role beyond 2023? If they do, I could see them just signing another veteran.
JJ Watt
12:20
Is Derek Watt coming back? Might convince me to unretire when I visit Tomlin
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
JJ Watt wants to visit the facility to visit with Tomlin. He has said nothing about a return to the league other than to comment in a tweet that he won't play for peanuts, or something to that effect.
Bill Carson
12:22
It's all agreed Peezy Jr is starting, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
He'll be given every opportunity to earn a starting job, yes. Teryl Austin said he won't be redshirted.
Paul from Sacramento
12:23
Hi Ray, I love your chats and insights. I know they still need to address slotCB , ILB and OLB depth, but do you think others (in our division) might have the same type issues? I'm beginning to see them really try to add some depth.. ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Sure, every team in the league is thin at certain positions. The salary cap makes it extremely difficult to build a roster with quality depth at all positions.
Jay Daven
12:23
Ray, who would you have picked at QB if you needed one in this year's draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
Bryce Young.
Jay Daven
12:25
Disagree respectfully!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
Which QB would have picked?
I think they all had their flaws. I know what people say about Young's size, but he just makes plays.
Jay Daven
12:27
Shroud
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
Stroud. He has the prototypical size for sure. I just think Young is a little better all around. He can throw it, run, makes good decisions.
Paul from Sacramento
12:30
Hi Ray, Do you think the new hire on offense (I think his name is Thomas) will contribute to helping the WR and route trees?
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