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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 2.19.18
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Steeltowntim
12:40
Ray, Was Casey Hampton one of the most under rated DL ever? and although NT don't stay on field as much  good ones are still needed so teams can force third and long. Hargraves is not bad but not a great run stuffer.  . You think we use a 4-5 round pick on another.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
That sounds about right. They have two fifth rounders so that's a possibility.
Gene
12:41
Hi Ray, How many steeler coaches go to the combine?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
Pretty much all the scouts and coaches go to watch the prospects and interview them.
Rocko
12:41
How is Shazier doing?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
According to Kevin Colbert, he's at the facility almost every day doing some type of rehab. Shazier confirmed he's not walking yet on his own, but he is doing a walking routine.
Rocko
12:43
Can you compare the way the Penquins and Steelers handle their Head Coaches? The Pens changed their Head Coach even though they were winning because they felt that it would take another to get them to the cup. Thus Sullivan was put in place. Perhaps the Steelers need a change since they have such a highly talented team but have missed Super Bowls?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
Hockey is different than football. It's not unusual for coaches to be fired in the middle of the season or even late in the season. In addition to Sullivan and Bylsma, I think the Devils fired Larry Robinson with a week to go in the regular season and they won the Cup. It doesn't make much sense to compare the two sports in that regard.
jim
12:45
Is LB over valuing himself? I guess if someone is willing to pay he isn't, but why go to a bad team just for a few million more. How much does one need?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Bell doesn't seem like the kind of player who will turn down more to play for the Steelers. He seems to be a guy who is going to get as much as he can. And good for him if that's his stance. You only play for so long. Might as well make the money while you can. I never begrudge players for taking the most money offered. My stance with Bell has always been is he worth it? And is the money spent better elsewhere?
jim
12:47
Heard the suggestion that the Steelers should trade up to grab one of the top QB's this year like the Chiefs did. Do you think that is a good idea, giving up a couple of first rounders for a QB now?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
Um, no. The Steelers have so many other needs they can't afford to do that.
Johnny
12:47
Assuming FS and ILB are filled, what is the Steelers 3rd need ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
I think WR is a sneaky need for them. Perhaps as high as the third round but definitely by the fifth or seventh.
Gerard
12:48
Do you think Jesse James will be a Steeler after the next season?  What are your thoughts about Jesse's game?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
Good possession receiver. Reliable. Always available. Just not much more upside to his game. If he's brought back it's for a lower salary and to be a No. 2 or 3 TE.
jim
12:49
As it is likely that Shazier will never play for us again. Can we cut him and save any cap money? We could sign him to another position with the Steelers, aka scout.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
The Steelers cannot cut Shazier. Once he signed the fifth year option his salary for 2018 was guaranteed.
jim
12:50
I liked McDonald when he played, is he made of glass or just bad luck injuries?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
That remains to be seen. I'm sure the Steelers are hoping he's just had some bad luck.
The Standard
12:50
Hi, Ray What are the chances that both Mitchell and Wilcox cut?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:51
Pretty good.
I can't see any way Wilcox is back. He didn't even dress for games late in the season.
J-town
12:51
Hi Ray....under what circumstances do you see the Steelers keeping Mike Mitchell? Huge pay cut?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:52
Tomlin likes him. Maybe his voice is strong enough but I doubt it. He makes too much money and doesn't play well enough to warrant it.
Big Steeler Fan
12:52
Hey Ray, Do you think the Steelers would extend Ben's contract in the coming months in order to 1) get him under contract for another 1-2 years and also lessen his 2018 cap hit?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
Art II didn't say that was a priority right now. More likely next offseason if I read him right.
jim
12:53
The Steelers have always had one of the top linebacker groups. What happened, poor drafting? Shazier was our only great linebacker last year. Watt needs time to evaluate but the others are just, meh.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:54
Right. They have missed on a few. Jarvis Jones was a bust and it's not looking like they'll pick up the fifth year option on Bud Dupree. They need to do better in that regard.
FlaFan
12:54
Hi Ray, Not convinced Dupree is bad, given how the Steelers had the OLBs cover & not rush much.  All that $ on Bell sure could be used to bolster other important areas, thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:55
That's a popular opinion on Bell and how the money could be used. And I'm not sure you're wrong. As for Dupree, you are right on some accounts, but he spend s too much time on the ground in the run game. He gets chopped down way too easily. You have to be solid against the run first and foremost and he lacked in that area, especially in the playoff game against the Jaguars. The Fournette TD run in the first quarter happened because Dupree was cut at the LOS.
Brian
12:56
The Steelers always seem tentative when it comes to free agency. Why aren't they more aggressive when they have a clear need like they do this year? It seems like they wait and settle for their 4th or 5th choice like Sensabaugh.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:56
Is it tentative or selective? Because they tried to sign Dont'a Hightower last year. He was the top free agent ILB. They don't throw money around like other teams, but that's not always a bad thing.
Dj Cain
12:57
Ray I read something that Steelers might ask Haden to take a pay cut or he might be gone! Is that true?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:57
OK, second time I read this. Is there a link because I haven't seen such a story?
Ike Steelheart
12:58
Important dates to watch regarding Bell's contract,  F Tag and FA?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:58
Tuesday is the first day he can be tagged. March 6 is the final day for the tag. March 14 is free agency.
Paul
12:58
Ray donyou think they will sign L Bell or franchise him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:59
Sure seems like they want to sign him.
Troy
12:59
Ray, if it were your decision, do you sign Bell or let him walk and pick up a back in the draft like Sony Michel in the second?  Then you use the money saved to shore up the defense?
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