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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 3.26.18
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:53
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
AK
11:54
What are your thoughts on whether the Steelers should pick up the 5th year option on Dupree?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:57
Since 2011 (the first year of the collective bargaining agreement) they have picked up the fifth-year option on their first-round picks three times out of four. Only Jarvis Jones did not have his option exercised. The Steelers apparently haven't made up their mind, which might not be a good sign for Dupree. I should note there is some risk if you do exercise the option. The 2019 salary is guaranteed for injury. I've read where there is little risk to picking up the option. But the Steelers are paying Shazier $8.7 million this year, and he's not going to play. Dupree's option would be around $10 million or so. If he's injured you're paying him $10 no matter what. So there is some risk. If Dupree is not in their long-term plans they might not exercise the option. The most telling quote from Colbert on this subject was: “If we do [pick up the option], the intention is having that player, whoever we designate, be a part of our team for the long run,” Colbert said.
AK
11:58
Do you think the Steelers will double on any position in the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
Maybe inside linebacker -- one early and one later in the draft. Maybe safety too because their depth was depleted with the releases of Mitchell and Golden.
KA
11:59
Do you expect Gesicki to be taken in the 2nd or 3rd round?  I would be surprised if he’s taken in the first because he’s a poor blocker.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
I'd say second round. There might not be one tight end drafted in the first round. If a tight end is drafted it won't be until later in Round 1.
Andy
12:00
Do you think the Steelers will pick both a WR and a TE in the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
Possibly yes. I could see them addressing receiver on the second or third day and tight end on the third day.
Andy
12:00
Do you think the Steelers are comfortable with Hawkins as the backup OT, or do expect them to draft one this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:01
They seemed to get more comfortable with him later in the season. They finally started using him some as the swing tackle when Marcus Gilbert was suspended. Did they see enough over that three- or four-week span? I'm not sure, but it's noteworthy that he began to dress and they began to use him in a playoff race.
Andy
12:01
I think the Steelers will sign a player or two cut by another team but are likely finished signing FAs this year.  Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
I think Kevin Colbert said something to the effect that they'll keep their eyes open, but there isn't much money left. I think $3-4 million.
AK
12:02
The Steelers need some depth at OLB.  Do you see them resigning Moats or another FA, drafting one, both?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
I can see them bringing Moats back for the vet minimum and then selecting an OLB in the draft, too. They don't have much depth at the position right now.
Phil
12:03
The Steelers don’t need to draft a QB because they can pickup Hackenberg when the Jets cut him and he’ll be the Steelers QB of the future.  I’m kidding of course.  Seriously, I hope the Steelers don’t draft a QB this year.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
I don't think it's likely. But I'm not ignoring what they're doing on the scouting trail. It does seem they have an affinity for Mason Rudolph. But with so many other needs I just don't see how they could justify the pick. This is a team in a window to win another Super Bowl and the QB has stated he wants to play three more years. I say address QB in another year or two. Go plug your holes and try to win a Super Bowl now.
Phil
12:05
Do you think Barkley will mske it past the Browns at #4?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
Who knows how many teams try to trade up, but if the Browns get their QB at No. 1 and hold onto the No. 4 pick I would be surprised if Barkley isn't the pick. Todd Haley is coming off five great years with a generational back in Le'Veon Bell. I am sure he is in John Dorsey's ear telling him how much a guy like Barkley can do for an offense.
K Ro
12:07
Afternoon Ray, just wondering if the season were to start tomorrow, who’s the starting TE? James or McDonald?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
Good question. I lean toward McDonald because I took note of how they used him when he was healthy late in the year. That doesn't mean James wouldn't play. It just means his role would be reduced. Todd Haley liked to use TEs. We'll see if Randy Fichtner does, too.
Doug in Raleigh
12:09
So it seems virtually a given that both Bell and Bryant will not be Steelers after 2018.  Brown will be 31 and a significant amount of guys will be at or nudging 30 as well.  So is this latest window of opportunity going to be just a crack in 2 years?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
That's probably fair. As long as Ben Roethlisberger is healthy they'll have a chance to be a contender, but you are on target when you mention how the offense is tending older. It's not just Brown. The offensive line is getting older, too. That's why I would not be surprised if they chose some offensive players early in the draft. By going out and signing Morgan Burnett and Jon Bostic the Steelers have some flexibility in the draft now. They don't have to draft out of need. They can draft almost any position. As a GM, that's great to have that flexibility.
Mtsteel
12:11
Hi Ray and thanks. If a Defensive player the Steelers have a grade on isn't available at 28, what are the chances they grab a RB first and pull Bell's tag? In your opinion. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
I won't rule it out, but I have a feeling RB will be addressed on the second or third day of the draft. I wouldn't be surprised if they take a RB in the second or third round.
Mtsteel
12:12
Hi Ray. Thanks for your time. Looks like our OLB situation isn't very good, depth wise and maybe starter wise. Is an OLB being considered at 28?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
If they really like an OLB at 28 I can see that as a possibility. But I think right now their desire is probably ILB.
BIG J
12:13
Hey Ray, thanks for the chat. ILB has to be a rd one pick if the right one is still there. My question is after that where do you think the Steelers should go rd two? In rd two you're trying to get a real starter right away not depth. I think OLB is our biggest weakness after ILB now since Burnett was signed. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
I can see them going in any number of directions in Round 2 if they get an ILB in Round 1. As I mentioned previously, an RB or WR is a possibility as well.
Nate
12:14
Hi Ray, I feel more and more that none of the top 4 ILBs will be there at pick 28.  Which safety do you like the most then:  Harrison or Reid.  Or should the Steelers wait and try to draft someone like Bates in 2nd round?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
By getting two capable starters in Burnett and Bostic they have flexibility now in the draft. So there is not a need to reach for a safety if they don't have a first-round grade on him.
Steve
12:15
Steelers delaying Bell negotiation, till after draft(?) Hmm..things not going well? Have they made the decision to see if they can get a quality RB in draft, before signing Bell?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
This is what they've always done when contract negotiations slow down. This is not new. They've always focused their attention on free agency and the draft at this time of the year. They'll have 10 weeks to get a deal done with Bell. That's plenty of time.
Sdsteel
12:16
If the Steelers select a running back in the 1st or 2nd round, do they rescind LB’s tag? If so, how would that timing play out?  Rescind just before they announce the pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
I don't think they will rescind the tag. I think they would have just let Bell test free agency if they were going to do that. Their plans are for him to be on the team in 2018.
70 Year Steeler Fan
12:17
When the League fines a player that money is with held from their next game check and donated to a charity. Does the player then claim an income tax deduction as a charitable gift?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
I haven't even done my own taxes yet? You want me to start branching out and do NFL players as well? Honestly, I have no idea.
Fozzie22
12:18
An uncertain GM isn't a ringing endorsement for a 5th year option on Dupree. Is an OLB now the #2 need in this year's draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
We'll see. Whichever way you slice it, 2018 is a big year for Dupree.
DaquidoBazzini
12:18
Hi Ray - Whereabouts (round wise) would you guess that Mason Rudolph gets drafted next month?
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