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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat
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ray
12:25
They've been very open about wanting to add another QB to the mix. Roethlisberger has three years left on his contract and Dobbs is a developmental QB. He's not ready. So at the very least he can be a backup QB in a year or two, or if he develops well, they might have hit the jackpot and become a starter.
Matt
12:26
Ray, are the Steelers being considered for "Hard Knocks"? Because it seems like our draft strategy was guided by personal interest stories over helping the team the next 2-3 years (Ben's final few).
ray
12:26
No. They don't want to do Hard Knocks and the NFL can't force them to this year because they made the playoffs.
ALLJACKEDUP
12:26
Sign Barnidge and cut Green?
ray
12:27
Barnidge turns 32 this fall. He's no spring chicken.
Mike C.
12:27
Do you see any of these picks making an immediate impact to a team that's so close to winning a title? I would say maybe the wide receiver pick but that's about it.
ray
12:27
It's all speculating, but I think the first three picks can contribute. The first three picks contributed last season. In fact, all three were starters by season's end.
Dorkmen
12:28
Why do the Steelers never seem to trade up or down. Do they not believe in it.
ray
12:28
They believe in it for a special player like Troy Polamalu. And I don't know where you get they never do it. They also traded up for Shamarko Thomas. How'd that work out?
Charles D
12:29
With the comments made about Ladarius Green pre-draft, and the fact they did not add a TE during the draft. (UDFA Orndorff doe not count). What are the chances they bring Barnidge in for a visit?
ray
12:29
I'd be a little surprised.
Opie
12:29
I have nothing against the Watt selection, but I believe Reuben Foster was rated higher. Do you feel the Steelers passed on him because of his diluted sample during the combine?
ray
12:31
30 other teams passed on him too. It wasn't just the diluted sample. He had that confrontation with the nurse at the NFL combine and was sent home. Many had him as a top 10 talent in the draft, but obviously there were some red flags GMs had concerns with.
Steve
12:31
According to Chris Burke SI Browns, Ravens & Bengals all got a grade of A- ....so they win the draft...that's fine, but did any of these teams get better than the Steelers as a whole with FA & the Draft? Things change quick in NFL (parity) these days excluding the Patriots.
ray
12:33
I like what the Bengals did. There are some big injury risks with John Ross and Carl Lawson and there is and big character concern with Joe Mixon. But if Mixon can stay out of trouble that's a great pick. Many had him as the best RB in this class. And if Lawson and Ross can stay healthy they'll be contributors in Week 1. Lawson falling to the fourth round tells me there are major concerns about his hip or his knees. He's a borderline first-round talent and at the very least a second-round talent. The guy can play. I guess his medicals worried a lot of teams.
Dexter
12:33
do you think Steelers will regret not drafting an ILB? And what is our current depth at that position?
ray
12:34
After Shazier and Williams, they have Steven Johnson, LJ Fort and Tyler Matakevich. The depth is great. That's the one position they'll be praying they don't have any injuries to starters.
Dave
12:35
Hi Ray, do you think Smith-Schuster will have much of a role on offense this year, or will he be buried behind AB, Bryant, Rogers and maybe even Coates?
ray
12:35
They'll find a role for him. If he picks up the offense, he'll make a big impact, too.
Pat Fussy
12:35
Did Watt truly deserve to be first round? Injuries and limited time as a linebacker worry this amateur GM. What say you? Thanks
ray
12:36
Of course, those are worries. But the Steelers checked out the knees and were satisfied they won't be problematic. And they're banking on him developing more. Colbert and Tomlin said he's only scratching the surface of what he will be.
Brian
12:36
Do you think they add a vet CB before the season?
ray
12:36
Not unless there is an injury.
Jojo
12:36
JuJu in the slot? I think so
ray
12:37
He can play inside and outside, but the Steelers mentioned him working over the middle and in the red zone specifically. They'll find room for him.
pdxJaxon
12:37
Good morning Ray. With the Pick of JuJu in Round 2 AND with the unfortunate Tweet immediately afterward, I am actually hoping they just cut ties with M.B.......Not the team mate or character we need.....thoughts?
ray
12:38
Too good of a player to do that. Colbert and Tomlin indicated they didn't have a big problem with the Twitter thing after the draft.
TX_Steeler
12:38
Shazier vs CJ Mosely is a debate that has been playing out since the '14 draft, with Mosely looking like the better pick (mostly due to durability). Are we going to see the same thing with Watt vs Bowser?
ray
12:39
I wasn't a big Bowser guy. I watched him a bit and Houston had him dropping into coverage more than rushing in the games I watched. He's a guy who tested very well. I'm OK with Watt over Bowser.
Barry Halls
12:39
Was the smith- schuster pick a gesture to Ben? 2nd round pick on offense , with a few more pressing needs on defense.
ray
12:39
I think they wanted to give him better weapons. Did you watch the AFC title game? His best WR that day was Jesse James.
JJ
12:40
Knowing that in 2 to 3 years this draft class could be labeled good. Did any of the first four picks baffle you?
ray
12:40
No, not baffle. I was a little surprised they didn't go CB or S in Round 2, but I like Smith-Schuster.
mtsteel
12:40
Hi Ray, Do you feel the Steelers should have maybe moved up a bit to get a CB when the run on them was going on? Also, how do you feel about Sutton? Thanks
ray
12:41
Maybe they tried and the price was too steep. Or maybe they had similar grades on guys and didn't feel all that strongly about any of the guys after Round 1.
ssa76
12:41
Bottom line speculation: How many of these guys make the team and practice squad?
ray
12:42
Watt, Smith-Schuster, Sutton, Conner and Dobbs are locks barring injury. Allen might be a practice squad candidate if he doesn't carve out a niche on special teams. I think Holba will make it because I'm not convinced Warren is coming back. And I think Keion Adams is another practice squad candidate.
Dave
12:42
Why does everyone keep saying TE is a huge need for the Steelers? Sure, Green is a question mark, but Jesse James is a solid starting TE. You could do a lot worse. Plus Grimble is a serviceable backup along with DJ. I didn't see it as a huge need.
ray
12:43
Yes. Like I've been saying they like their depth there.
TX_Steeler
12:43
Is there tension between M. Bryant and S. Coates? Or was that twitter bit jokes?
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