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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.13.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Except Peterson doesn't have a ton of experience on the inside.
Steel Russel
2:21
Since Highsmith seems to be the only real contract concern this year - who will be talking about next spring contract wise?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Najee and the fifth-year option I would imagine.
Interested Party
2:21
Hi Ray, Thanks for your time & perspectives... Last weel well repected NFL analyst Pat Kirwan mentioned on his radio show that in talking with sources (sorry I don't recall the sources) that Monte Pottebaum "will be a starter" for the Steelers. He didn't specify 'starting FB... maybe he meant STs but it's high praise regardless... seeing your piece on MP I was wondering if you get any sense he may be this season's Jaylen Warren. I know it's hard to say at this point but any inside talk that you've heard?  He certainly fits the 'exerting our will' philosophy.?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
As I tried to outline in my story it's hard for a true fullback to make an impression in unpadded practices. They won't practice in pads until August. I think Pottebaum is a long shot to make the roster because Connor Heyward can play there when needed. Last year the Steelers only used Derek Watt on 5% of the offensive snaps. So unless there plan to increase that amount greatly I think Heyward can fill the void. (I do think Pottebaum can make the practice squad)
DMJr
2:23
Ray, any chance I beat out Chuks and make him a high-priced swinger? Gracias.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Okorafor is making almost $10 million a season. You don't pay that salary to a swing tackle. That's starters money.
Guest
2:24
Ray, Do you think Broderick Jones can be a steady starter this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Yes. I won't predict when, but when he's ready they'll insert him into the starting lineup.
Mike from DC
2:25
Hi Ray, what do you think of the Steelers strategy to bring in older vets to mentor younger players (arob, pat Pete, etc.)
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
I like it. Omar Khan said one of his biggest priorities in the offseason was adding a veteran WR. He felt like one was needed. That is a young group with Pickens and Austin entering year 2.
Yogi
2:26
Just watching some Antwaan Randle El highlights and remembering what a tremendous weapon he was returning kicks. AB also early in his career. For a team that doesn't score much on offense, the return game would seem  to be a logical point of emphasis as the roster is constructed. But my gut tells me the Steelers will likely lead the league in fair catches. Your thoughts on the matter?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
We talked to special teams coach Danny Smith today. He didn't answer the question about who will be returning kicks, but he did talk about the new fair catch rule on kickoffs. He was on an eight-man committee that tried to get the league to reconsider the rule change. I think a lot of teams will use the fair catch and take the ball on the 25. As a result, kick returners become less valuable. There is still a need for good punt returners, but can you really just carry a guy on your roster for that specific purpose? More often than not, it's a WR who is on the game-day 46-man roster.
Guest
2:29
Ray, Seems the defense should be a top ten one this season. If the offensive players can stay mostly healthy, can we expect a top 15 offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Depends on the coordinator and the progress of Pickett.
Emilio
2:30
Is Pittsburgh the place we're ILB careers come to die?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
It's not only Pittsburgh. It's a tough position to play. Offensive coordinators can create mismatches with personnel groupings.
jeff
2:31
Thanks for the chats Ray.  Why isnt Robinson getting a chance to compete for starting ILB?  I thought he looked good late last year.  What is missing from his game?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
They like his potential but feel like he's a work in progress.
Ed in Carrick
2:34
You mentioned Najee contract next year. The RB position has been devalued tremendously in recent years. Look at the players being tagged for merely 10million or all the free agents. I say merely because there are WRs who get the ball 75 times a season making $20 million. RBs like Najee can get the ball 300 times a season. Anyways, RBs have shorter careers. Will we see another Le’Veon Bell situation or does he seem like the type who will realize the market?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
I have no idea what to expect. But all of these RBs are aware of how they're viewed across the league. I think that's why a lot of teams shy away from drafting RBs in the first round.
Guest
2:35
Seems like JuJu isn't doing all of the silly internet stuff and selfish actions with the Chiefs and Patriots.  Does that reflect the difference of what head coaches and organizations allow?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
I would say that's a fair assessment especially in New England.
Scott
2:36
Will we get mr chase
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Can someone please tell me where this "story" came from?
2:37
All right. Time to go watch some practice. We'll do another chat next Tuesday.
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