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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.13.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Maybe, but I think the personal issues he's working through are the main reason for the delay.
Kevin
12:23
Besides qb, what other position do you think the Steelers will target before training camp?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
WR
J D
12:23
Ray,  NFL radio is saying the Steelers' QB job would be excellent for Rogers since they have a good defense, improving offensive line, and should have a good running game.  They also said there is a culture of winning here.  Your comments.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
On paper, that's true, but Rodgers would have to mesh well with Arthur Smith and the players around him. I'm always a  little leery about one-year solutions for positions, but that's especially true at QB. It's such an important position on the team so he has to be dialed in with everyone else.
Kevin
12:25
Hard to tell how they’ll turn out but khan seems to have done a good job drafting so far, how would you grade his drafting ability? Also Colbert had a lot of good drafts but towards the end they were all pretty bad, any reason for the decline in his drafts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Near the end of Colbert's tenure they had some issues with the salary cap decreasing due to COVID. They didn't have a lot of room to maneuver to sign guys and sometimes were pressed into drafting for need. Or starting players when they weren't ready (See Kendrick Green). They also reached for a QB in 2022. As for Khan's first three drafts we still have to wait at least a year to evaluate his first class that includes Broderick Jones and Joey Porter. There are some questions about those two -- his top two picks -- but he already made a couple of good value picks in Darnell Washington and Nick Herbig in that draft. It's not bad now, but if Jones and Porter improve it will be judge much better.
Kevin
12:29
Seems like it wasn’t a big market for Pickens, were the cowboys the only ones calling or were other teams calling but just didn’t meet the Steelers asking price
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Not a lot of teams called and the others that did weren't close to the Cowboys' offer.
Broadway Bo
12:29
Ray, Is there any reason to be optimistic about how the offensive line will perform this season?  Will Jones play better on the left?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
They're hoping so. He's the lynchpin.
Blount Mel
12:30
Hi Ray, I believe the Steelers could trade for either Doubs or Wicks from GB for a 6th round pick. They are both over 6’1 and 200+ lbs. Fast and good blockers. GB will be cutting 2 of 8 good WR since they already had 4-5 good ones and drafted one in the 1st and 3rd rounds. Do you think Omar would consider this? Robert Woods is dying out. Need another bigger WR even if Roman Wilson is pretty good.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
I think he'll investigate all options, so yes. But the Packers have to be willing to make the deal. Doubs has been a bit of a problem for the Packers so buyer beware I guess.
Taylor G
12:32
Ray, it’s funny how so many wanted George Pickens out of here but now complaining about the trade.  Who
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
I, for one, haven't heard many complaints.
Bob
12:32
Hi Ray, With the NBA just having their draft lottery it got me thinking, do you think the NFL should also have a draft lottery?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Honestly, I've never even contemplated that. The NBA and the NHL do it so teams won't tank. I suppose the NFL could institute one if they feel like it's a problem. I know the NBA and NHL turn their into TV shows so there's some extra cash to be made. The NLF loves that. Ha ha.
Debra
12:34
Ray, I blame the entire GP drama at the feet of Mike Tomlin.  He drafted him because his huge ego believed he could control he’s behavior.  After  he arrived, he did nothing to stop the circus.  Do you think the players on the team hold Tomlin accountable for this and his other many many messes he makes like Matt Canada
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
I agree with you, but Tomlin did try. Pickens just didn't want help. That's still on Tomlin, but he did try to help. The Steelers had a plan in place for him, but it never worked because Pickens refused to care. And honestly, most players on the team hold Tomlin in high regard. His mishandling of Pickens doesn't change that.
Pittfan
12:36
Hi Ray. I did some research on what makes a successful NFL QB and this is what I came up with "A successful NFL quarterback is the product of a rare blend of mental sharpness, physical talent, emotional control, leadership, and relentless work ethic." These are basically the traits that most experts attribute to Will Howard. Would you say in general this applies to most NFL QBs?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Yes, but talent is perhaps the biggest factor. Can his arm deal with wintry conditions in the northeast? Does he have the athleticism to escape pressure? I agree he possesses a lot of intangibles, but there's more to QB play than intangibles.
Earl, T
12:37
Ray, a lot of fans and some news folks think the Steelers should have gotten more than a 3rd round pick in 2026 draft and switching picks in 2027 for GP.  George never was named to a Pro Bowl and was in the last year of his contract.  Remember what they got for AB and even at his age at the time of the trade was a much better WR than George. So I believe the Steelers got good value for George. Would you agree or did the Omar get taken because they wanted to get him out.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
It's a good deal considering the Steelers did not want to deal with him any longer.
barry in Maryland
12:38
What was the initial grade on the 2022 draft? The final is obvious. I think you gave same to MT on one of your report cards.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
I have an interesting story publishing on this very subject this week. It's below average, but according to one analysis their 2022 class ranked 19th when taking into consideration the first three seasons they played. Yes, Pickens was a positive for them in that span, but he's no longer on the team so you have to factor that in. The others? Pickett and Leal are/were disappointments. And guys like Austin, Heyward and Robinson are role players. It's entirely possible all seven picks from that draft won't be on the roster in 2026. That's not good for business.
RJ
12:40
Ray, rumors say the Steelers open on the road and the home opener will be against the Browns.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
Ah, I was waiting for all the schedule leaks. Remember, more than half of them won't be true.
Earl, T
12:41
I believe that our current WR group can be good if the OC and the QB will use them.  A good QB can use what he has and make them good.  I remember how Ben would make lesser WR more productive. Not saying we should not get a WR but at what cost.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
Good point, Earl. The No. 2 receiver on the 2005 Super Bowl team was Cedrick Wilson.
LarryG from Punxy
12:42
Which player(s) are you looking forward to following most this preseason?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
THE QUARTERBACK, whoever that might be. It will be the main story line of camp no matter what.
For Richer
12:43
What are your thoughts on the “Wealth gap” among NFL owners that separates team facility quality and recruiting power even though a cap controls salaries? (Pittsburgh near the bottom.)
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
I honestly don't think it's that big of a deal. Yes, they get some bad marks for facilities and other areas, but so do the Cardinals and Bengals and other teams. And just because teams like the Cowboys spend tons of money other amenities it doesn't always translate into success. When was the last time the Cowboys won a playoff game?
IUPDave
12:45
Good morning Ray. While the trade of Pickens is warranted I am bothered by the feeling of deja vu all over again regarding our WR room.   Van Jefferson as number 2 last year is about the same as depending on Austin and Roman Wilson being number 2 this year.  There has to be some plan to add another proven WR 2 to this team if we expect to compete in 2025.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
Probably, but I wouldn't look for a move until after Rodgers signs, if he does.
For Richer
12:45
Are the Steelers waiting too long to identify a site for a much needed improved and expanded practice facility?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
Who says they're not looking right now? They know their lease is up in a few years.
Kevin
12:46
With a week four in Ireland, I’m guessing week five would be a bye week. How do teams feel about early bye weeks?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Generally, players and coaches want the bye week later in the season, but it might be welcome for some after an international game.
rick51244
12:46
If we need to move up 15 spots to get our QB next year, 20 to 5, what would we need to trade away?  Do you feel that we have enough picks in 2026 to do so or will we need to include 2027 picks?
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