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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.16.24
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Chuck from Michigan
2:35
Hi Ray, knowing that Steelers covet Big Ten players, and knowing Steelers need help at WR, DL, LB, which players from Michigan would you Ray Fittipaldo) priotitize, Roman Wilson, Kris Jenkins or Junior Colson in Rounds 3 or 4?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Of those three I suppose Colson, but they do have needs at WR, DL and ILB so it would be any of them.
Art Yinzer
2:35
In the new offensive scheme, what is more important, an athletic center that can move a D-Lineman and that can get to the second level OR an athletic right tackle that is really good in outside zone and pass blocking?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Ideally, you get both, but center is probably the bigger need. Just a matter of when you get one and the value you think you're getting if you take one in Round 1. You have to believe the player is going to be special if you take a center at 20.
Vegas Steeler
2:37
Are you ready or looking forward to switch from the "Who should we draft" questions to "what is our draft grade" "Who was a reach" "Who was a steal" etc... type questions!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Those questions will take me right up to training camp!
Guest
2:38
Since they did not rework Heyward's contract, the cap hit is all this year correct?  Are they allocating that money next year to try and sign either Wilson or Fields long term?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
All this year for Heyward.
Eric Carr
2:39
Boyd posted that he was in Pittsburgh yesterday. Do you think he was secretly meeting with the team or just visiting friends or family?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Well, he did go to Clairton.
Oakland Zoo Tenet
2:39
Ray, if and when the Steelers relocate their Southside practice facilities, do you think they will  welcome Pitt to be a part of the move as well?  So many recruits have said being able to see the Steelers work out or even meet them is definitely a factor in making their college decision.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
I think they'd look to end that arrangement. Pitt needs a facility near its campus. The new facility would not be as close.
Stash
2:41
Ray, red or white vino with your meals at Denunzios? Or perhaps both?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Red but I'm more of a beer guy.
Turk from MD
2:41
Hi Ray.  How comfortable do you think the team would be keeping Moore at LT and Jones at RT for another year...and just go WR, CB, DL?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
Not very comfortable at all.
Jake in Colorado
2:42
might sign after the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
All sigings pretty much on hold until after the draft I think.
Jake in Colorado
2:42
Any updates on Patrick Peterson or other potential defensive backs/corners who
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
Question for previous answer.
TNT
2:43
Ray, do you think Najee will be resigned after this year or if Steelers would select a running back in the top 5 rounds if quality fell to them?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
I don't think they'll draft a RB in first five rounds.
Tom
2:44
Hi Ray, any chance C Sutton of the Broncos is a trade candidate. Just read he wants a new contract. Should be cheaper than Aiyuke or Higgins.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
Seems like a lot of WRs are trying to force the hands of their current teams. We could see some wheeling and dealing on draft day.
Kenny
2:44
Hey Ray, are there any Holy Cross players who might get drafted?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
WR Jalen Coker and OL CJ Hanson. Both guys are mid- or late-rounders. Both were invited to the combine.
JPinIndy
2:45
Is there a dark horse name for the first round pick you'd be happy to hear called?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
We've pretty much heard them all, haven't we? The one tackle I really like who hasn't been in for a visit is JC Latham. Kind of stumped why he hasn't been in yet, but there's a name to watch that might be a small upset just because no visit. And by the way, tomorrow is the last day for visits.
Art Yinzer
2:47
Cleveland QB1 said they use heavy personnel to keep Steelers in their base defense because the pass coverage is pretty basic. Considering that comment, what is the biggest need on the Steelers BASE defense, improving the pass rush up the middle versus better pass coverage personnel?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
I'd say better pass coverage guys assuming Heyward is healthy this season.
Arthur not Art
2:48
Ray thank you for your work, your time, and this chat. What do you believe their draft strategy will be going in, since they will have to adapt it as the draft develops? With an aging, less mobile veteran that holds the ball too long and a younger, mobile veteran that can’t read defenses at QB, Oline seems to be uber critical and the need to get plug and play players at OT and C is paramount, if they are in win now mode. If that’s accurate, picks 20 and 51 will likely target O linemen. Do you think their strategy going in is to target OL in Rnds 1 and 2 if the draft falls their way and wait until Rnd 3 for the WR and either CB or DL. I know a lot of people have them targeting WR in Rnd 2. Just seems like the depth at WR and their need at OL suggests they should target OL with the first 2 picks if they’re in win now mode. Thoughts.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
I think you're on the right track, but I can see them going WR in round 2.
62 Stack Monster
2:48
Have the Steelers ever drafted someone who was not in for a visit prior to the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Yes they have.
Gus in Alaska
2:48
Thanks for your work, Ray. Any idea how many undrafted free agents were among the pre-draft ’30 visitors’ in recent years?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
That's hard to say, but maybe five or six guys are considered late-round prospects. And sometimes those guys are undrafted free agents.
No. 1 subscriber
2:49
Any chance a guy like Holcomb or Kazee get cut after June 1 to make cap room for big signing or trade?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:50
Given the gruesome nature of that injury it wouldn't be a good look for the Steelers to move on from Holcomb until they gave him a chance to come back and play. And if they wanted to cut Kazee they would have done it last month.
Southside Jimmy
2:50
Ray, what’s your opinion on Leggette the wide receiver?  It seems he has great size and good speed. Could he be taken in the second round if still available?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:50
Yes he's in that Day 2 range.
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