JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.16.24

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.16.24

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Ray Fittipaldo

1:51

Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get it going.

Mike from NY

1:52

I haven't heard much about Barton before the last couple of days. What can you tell us about him? Do you think he'll be the first round pick?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:54

Barton is starting to gain momentum as the top center in this draft. He was a four-year starter at Duke and played center as a freshman. He was a left tackle the past three seasons. If the Steelers get a center at 20 it's looking like he might be the guy. Still other options at right tackle with Fuaga and Fautanu and maybe even WR or CB, but it appears Barton has bypassed Jackson Powers-Johnson and Zach Frazier in the race to be the first center off the board.

Gene

1:54

If one of the top WR or DB are still on the board at 20 do the Steelers grab one or focus on the OL?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:55

Depends on what OL are left.

TNT

1:55

Ray, if the Steelers go a skill position or defense in the first round, how confident are you they will be able to sure up the offensive line with the rest of the draft?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:56

There will be good offensive linemen on Day 2, but as far as plug-and-play options, they dwindle after the first round.

Scott via Louisville Ky

1:56

Any players from the 1970s come around much during training camp anymore?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:57

Sure they do. John Stallworth always comes for the annual shareholders meeting. And they have the Hall of Honor ceremony, which sometimes brings former players from the 70s back on campus.

62 Stack Monster

1:57

Ray, Any chance the Steelers take a RB in later rounds?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:57

Always a chance in the later rounds, not first two days though.

Guest

1:58

hi Ray, thanks for chats look forward to them. Given the surprises thus far off-season, what surprises do you as possible during draft?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:58

Steelers trade their entire haul for Herschel Walker.

BPOS

1:58

Do you think Barton or JPC is their top choice for center? I lean towards JPJ, even though Barton tracks as a better all around talent, but can't help thinking they might be snake bitten by the failed Green experiment and opt to go career center, even though different use cases.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:58

Green was a third-round pick and it's looking like Barton is a first-rounder. So let's not compare them.

TNT

1:59

Did Cory Trice look like a potential starter in training camp last year prior to his injury?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:59

No, but he played well in OTAs.

BPOS

1:59

Who is more likely to return to the Steelers if the position is not adequately addressed in the draft and start, Pat P or Mason Cole?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:59

Pat P.

Anthony G. Halkias II

2:00

Hey Ray, Zach Frazier's stock continues to climb. Why is that and do you think the Steelers are considering him at 20?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:00

Probably not at 20, but maybe Day 2 if he's still there.

Paul V

2:01

Hi Ray, I think it is unlikely that the Steelers will be able to get both a good tackle and a good center in the first two rounds, so do you see any possibility of them trading up to get another later first round or early second round pick? What would it take to do something like that?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:01

All depends upon how strongly they feel about the player, but they need draft capital to address other needs.

Guest

2:02

College athletes are now mercenaries, chasing NIL money. There is no "I" in team, but there sure is a "Me". Have you noticed if the pro rookies are becoming even more arrogant, self-absorbed and thinking they are owed something now or did that ship sailed long ago and this is the new normal, even before the NIL deals?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:02

Hmmm, like the QB who just left town?

Guest

2:03

I see OL Barton is visiting the Steelers. What is it with Tomlin drafting players and not putting them at their natural position? Greene was a disaster. Dotson showed what he can do when used properly. Now Jones is going to be messing with his development by switching around. It sure didn't help Chuks. When is Tomlin going to learn from his mistakes and realize he isn't as smart and crafty as he thinks he is?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:03

Lots of linemen switch positions. It's not that big of a deal for good players.

Guest

2:03

Thanks for putting up with endless draft questios. Here's mine. Based on top 30 visits it seems like there more emphasis on tackle than center. Why? Steelers have an OK if not great left tackle but no center. Your take?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:04

Deeper tackle class, and there isn't that much of a difference. They brought in the top three centers. They

They've brought in maybe five tackles.

Hannah

2:04

Hi Ray, are you hearing anything about who might be the new Steelers’ by play announcer? Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:05

They seem to be taking their time with that. Bill Hillgrove was always part of the coverage on radio, but it doesn't seem like they'll have anyone in place by next week. Rob King is a name to watch, but there are other candidates too.

CaliYinzer

2:06

I've seen a few major mocks with 3 centers (Including Barton) going in Round 1. Is that realistic and has it ever happened? Is it a recent supply and demand situation?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:07

I'd have to go back and research it, but I don't think that's happened in the past 20 years at least. I wrote something a few months ago about how fewer than 1 center has been taken in Round 1 in the past two decades.

Mike from DC

2:08

Ray, it seems like everyone (including Vegas) has todays Steelers pre draft visitor Graham Barton surpassing JPJ as the top center prospect. How and why did this happen so late in the draft process?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:10

I think sometimes we get too caught up in what the so-called draft experts are saying. I think the more people get information about what teams are actually thinking it's revealed who actually are the top players at their positions. And really, if you look at Barton he's consistently been late first- or early-second round. Now he's just climbing into the conversation for the Steelers. It's not that big of a jump.

CoalportKid

2:11

Do the Steelers use computer programs during the draft that might recommend a pick?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:11

Yes they use a draft simulator. LOL.

Stash

2:12

Ray, can I guy called Graham Barton really succeed at the NFL level? Seems like a moniker better suited for private equity, no?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:12

Barton, Daniels and Jones -- attorney at law.