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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 3.19.18
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:56
Welcome to my weekly Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Doug in Raleigh
12:56
Does the Bostic signing effectively kill any chance of a Timmons return to Pittsburgh?  Or would they still try to get him for further depth? Thank you Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:56
I would expect the next ILB they add will be in the first or second round of the draft.
Moose
12:56
7 mil was all it took for the Honey Badger.  I think that was a missed opportunity.  We are missing a lot of opportunities because of a RB who won't even be on the team next year don't you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:58
I guess that's one way to look at it. I think the Steelers look at it like they know exactly what they have in Bell. Anyone they sign in free agency, especially if they have a considerable injury history, you don't really know what you're getting. It's not like the Steelers have had a ton of success signing big-time free agents. Look at the Ladarius Green.
Rich
12:59
im still having a hard time with Bell eating over 14million this year. Almost 6 plus million more than the next back...Any chance they pull that back?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:00
It's their right to pull it back. My gut tells me they will not. At least not as long as Bell handles everything professionally.
Moose
1:00
If Bell is gone after this season, do you think our offense might transition to more of a 4-5 wr spread offense and use a single RB who is a good rb?  Just let Ben sling it.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:00
They do that quite a bit right now, only Bell is one of the WRs split out.
Moose
1:01
If a long term deal isn't hashed out with Bell, how do you see his mentality playing out this year?  Will he play lights out like in a contract year, or will he play more cautiously as to not get hurt and ruin a chance for a huge payday next year from another team?  I can see him being more about his own personal interest, rather than the Steelers' interest, do you?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:02
Difficult situation, certainly not ideal for either side. But as you mention, it's basically a contract year for him so there is every incentive for him to perform to his best ability.
Jeff
1:02
I realize you'll probably be asked this several times but who is and how good of a pick up is Jon Bostic not familiar with him and did we blow it by not getting "Honey Badger".thanx.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:03
Bostic has had some bad luck with injuries. He is a former second round pick. He was a three-down LB with the Colts last season, did not come off the field. He believes he is underrated as a pass defender because he played in the Tampa 2 defense for his first few years with the Bears. Honestly, he might be competing with Vince Williams to start if they draft another ILB in the first or second round.
Guest
1:04
Hi ray, how about trading up for roquan smith. If Steelers are in win now mode then we need inside backer ans
Ray Fittipaldo
1:04
He's likely to go in the top 15 so trading up from No. 28 would cost too much.
Guest
1:05
hey ray, trade up for roquan smith. double dip at safety. land rudolph if he's available, then cut dobbs, wasted pick, and Landry if they feel he isnt capable post Ben. Thoughts
Ray Fittipaldo
1:06
Just because Colbert and Tomlin showed up at someone's pro day doesn't mean they are going to draft him. I know they went to see Rudolph and talked to him afterward, but they go to so many pro days./
Andy
1:06
Do you think the Steelers should have pursued Mathieu?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:06
He would have been an intriguing signing, but I understand their cap situation was a consideration.
Pete
1:06
Some of the mocks are hilarious;  one has the Steelers taking a QB when Evans is still on the board.  Chance of that - Blutarsky?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:07
Exactly. Pay attention to what the local writers report.
Carlo
1:07
Do you think we will sign a safety before the draft? If so, who do you think would be the best fit?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:08
The safety would have to come cheap. Before Bostic signed they were something like $6 million under the cap. Honestly, I'm not convinced they'll sign anyone else in free agency. If they do, he won't be expensive.
mtsteel
1:08
Hi Ray and thanks! While I know the Steelers arent big players in free agency and its not over.  I cant help but feel we are on the path to talking about how we didnt get the job done because we never filled the holes we had on defense this off-season. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:08
This is how they usually operate every year. They had some $ to spend last year and signed some guys. But what they're doing now is their normal approach.
Mike
1:09
Hi Ray, any chance the Steelers take a look at E Reid, K Vaccaro or M Burnett at Safety? The first two are young but with issues and the latter is a solid veteran
Ray Fittipaldo
1:10
Not a lot of money left. Reid is interesting because he might be cheaper due to his protesting. I think several owners will cross him off the list because of that. That will drive his price down. But again, will have to come for the right price.
mtsteel
1:10
Thanks Ray.  The Steelers made a pretty big mistake not grabbing Mathieu.  True or false? Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:11
It would have solved their problem at safety for now, but I want to find more about Mathieu only signed for one year. Was Houston his best offer? Did he only want to go somewhere for one year so he can leverage more in his next contract?
SteelByDesign
1:13
Kevin Colbert said this year's draft class at ILB is not very good. Sounds like maybe he was telling the truth?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:13
Four could go in Round 1. Might be top-heavy but there are some good ones. Do they fit the Steelers? We'll have to wait and see.
mtsteel
1:14
Hi Ray and thanks.  If a solid corner is there in the first or second round does it make sense to grab one? Its not like our CB's had such a great year this past season. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
1:14
Too many other needs in my opinion. Definitely ILB and S ahead of CB. I could argue OLB and WR are are ahead of CB as well.
Leaper
1:14
Odds the Steelers take Justin Reid at 28?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:15
Honestly, I haven't seen him in many mocks drafts in the first round.
Leaper
1:15
Is the Mason Rudolph talk, just talk?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:15
If they really like him maybe they'd grab him in the third round if he's still there. I can;t see them taking a QB in the first two rounds.
Kevin
1:15
How much do the Steelers utilize analytics when it comes to draft evaluation, FA eval and in-game management? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
1:16
They use analytics. They always have.
Brian
1:17
Frustrated with tagging Bell. I say play this yr out, part ways and use the money to strengthen defense. Specifically, defensive backfield, this team can win 12 games without Bell and a top 5 defense. thoughts ?
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