JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.11.21

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.11.21

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Ray Fittipaldo

1:51

Good afternoon! Let's get the chat started.

21-58-66

1:52

Ray - Will anything of substance get accomplished during the upcoming rookie mini-camp, or is it just like a light orientation? Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:53

This is the first chance to see these players up close and personal. They like to see how they move, what type of athletes they are, etc. Other than that, there is a lot of installation and orientation for the draft picks. For the undrafted free agents and rookie tryout guys it's a much bigger deal. They have to show in a limited number of reps that they belong.

Y-Town Steeler

1:53

I absolutely love the Najee Harris pick. Am I out of line thinking that his realistic numbers could be 1600 yards from scrimmage with total 12 td's?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:55

Well, that might be a bit ambitious, but it's not out of the question. He's going to start and assuming he plays all 16 games he'll put up numbers. It's just a matter of where the yards come from. I'd say 1,300 scrimmage yards and 8 TDs would be a very successful rookie year, but I won't put any limitations on him.

jay

1:55

Hello Ray, I always enjoy the Northshore Podcast with Brian. Any updates on the player availability for interviews? When do you think the locker rooms will be open for media members?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:56

No update on the locker room situation. It's looking like the spring portion of the offseason will be virtual like it was last season. I am hopeful we can have in-person interviews at training camp, but nothing has been determined yet.

Mayn

1:57

Any word on who is presenting Coach Cowher at the HOF ceremonies?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:57

Art Rooney II is presenting Cowher. He made the announcement a few months back.

peoria steelers fan

1:57

How much do UDFA make when they sign? Is it a week to week agreement or once they sign do they get the full season pay even if they get cut early?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:58

Some undrafted free agents get a signing bonus, but the real money comes if they make the 53-man roster or the practice squad. But until then they receive a weekly stipend for participating in the offseason program.

@Ernie315Hartner

1:58

Michael Greenberg proclaimed that he would consider The Steelers "one of the worst teams in the NFL this year" if not for Mike Tomlin. Do you share this view?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:00

I do not. Tomlin is a good coach, but this roster, while in transition, still has some top-end talent such as TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Joe Haden on defense. The Steelers obviously value Tomlin's presence. That's why they signed him to a three-year extension a few weeks ago. But he is blessed to have some talented players at his disposal.

2:00

We read in the PG that Villanueva was a poor run blocker, but articles about his signing in BAL often reference him being a high-rated run blocker. How do you formulate your opinion--are there sites/experts you trust, or just eye test about him getting a push?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:01

I wouldn't put too much stock into PFF rankings when it comes to that type of stuff. It's pretty easy to turn on the video and make an assessment of his run-blocking skills.

@Ernie315Hartner

2:01

Serious question - would Heath Miller (at his current age) be a better NFL TE next season than Tim Tebow?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:02

How about Randy Grossman too?

Javi

2:02

Hello Ray. I keep hearing Roche was such a steal in 6th round but why such a drop for him? Thats many times being passed up. Also was Antonio Brown considered a steal at the time when Steelers selected him in the draft?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:03

Roche has some upside, but he's a bit of a tweener. He's 6-2, 245. He'll have to add some weight to hold up in the run game. But the Steelers are thin at OLB so he might have a shot to earn a role.

2:03

Do you think Steelers draft a QB next year, or go with Rudolph with the idea that if he's terrible they'll get a high pick the following year? (sort of like the Eagles now)

Ray Fittipaldo

2:04

Assuming Ben Roethlisberger retires, I would expect the Steelers to draft a QB next year. Not saying it'll definitely be a first-round pick, but they'll look to add at the position.

Dr. Mike

2:04

If the coaching staff feels that the PSU tight end can start then they should get rid of Ebron and resign James. Why are they so high on Ebron who can't block a lick?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:05

Ebron can't block a lick, but he still holds value as a pass catcher. And he's the most experienced TE on the roster. For better or worse, he's going to be involved in the offense. How much honestly depends on the development of Freiermuth.

H8 2 Lose

2:05

Hey Ray. Do you think the Steelers believe Gentry can help them or will he be released if/when they sign Jesse James? Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:05

It's a big summer for Gentry. If he doesn't show something I could see him being released.

Ellwood City Escapee

2:06

Who starts at quarterback in game #1, 2022?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:07

My guess on May 11, 2021, some 16 months beforehand, is Mason Rudolph. But much can happen between now and then.

Stinger

2:07

What's the word on fan attendance this year ?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:08

I think owners remain hopeful things will return to normal, but the vaccination rate has to improve before that happens.

Wampum Walloper

2:08

Ray, can you explain to me what the Steelers see in Dwayne Haskins? His flaws are many (slow, unathletic, make poor decisions on and off of the field, below average accuracy, fumbles...) his attributes are few (he can throw deep, he came cheap...).

Ray Fittipaldo

2:10

Right now Dwayne Haskins is the No. 4 QB. If he fails to impress they can cut him and it will cost them nothing. He's a former No. 1 pick that washed out of Washington in two years. They want to take a look at him to see if he can flourish in their system. If not, he'll go the way of Paxton Lynch and no one will think twice about it.

fredward

2:10

Of all the late round picks, and undrafted guys, who do you seeing sticking around and making some kind of impact this season?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:11

Probably the punter assuming he's consistent in camp and beats out Jordan Berry.

Guest

2:11

prediction on Steeler prime time games this season ?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:12

I think you'll see at least one Browns and Ravens game in primetime. And I could see the networks wanting a Roethlisberger-Rodgers matchup though Rodgers might be making the execs a bit antsy with his recent remarks about not returning to GB.

Scott

2:12

Is this the last year for James Washington as a Steeler? If so, was he a disappointment as a second round pick?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:14

It's likely his last season with the Steelers, but I wouldn't say he has been a disappointment. They've drafted Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson at similar portions of the draft, and they've simply moved past him on the depth chart. It happens. But Washington is a nice No. 4 WR. He has made some big plays for the Steelers in the past, and they might call upon him to do that again this season.

DaquidoBazzini

2:14

Ray - Where would recently signed Arthur Maulent most likely fit into this defense?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:14

He has to make the team first, but he'd be a backup safety if he does.

Stinger

2:14

Rodgers likely landing spot in 2021?

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