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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 3.5.18
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
Definitely a bonus on special teams, but at his size I don't know where he starts. Certainly not your prototypical 3-4 edge rusher. Would have to show he can play inside... Intriguing prospect but I think he goes in round 3 or after because I'm not quite sure where he plays.
Guest
12:28
what do you think of draft prospect Vander Esch?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
I like him. If the Steelers can get either Vander Esch or Evans at No. 28 I think they'd be happy.
Matt
12:29
Here our my Steelers needs in order heading into FA & the Draft. 1)ILB 2)S 3)LG 4)WR 5)DT 6)RB (assuming bell sticks around) your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
You're good on your first two. I don't see LG as a need in this draft. Ramon Foster is fine there for another year and you can address that next year in the draft if need be. I'd say WR as my No. 3 need with DT and TE up next.
Matt
12:30
Steelers going to resign any of these players?Fitz,Hunter,Rogers,Hubbard,Big Dan,Chickallo,Spence,Wilcox
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
I can see them re-signing Chickillo because of their depth issues at OLB. Not so sure on the others. Rogers' situation is complicated by the fact that he's rehabbing a major knee injury.
DaquidoBazzini
12:31
Hi Ray, if all strong ILB and Safety’s are off the board when the Steelers pick, what route would you go?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
That's a nightmare scenario for them. Maybe trade down to acquire more picks or draft the player at their next greatest need... DT? WR?
DaquidoBazzini
12:32
Did I miss something, or did Bama LB Rashaan Evans not participate this weekend at the Combine?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Evans did not run the 40. I think he did some of the other drills. I didn't read an explanation as to why he skipped the 40, but I assume it's because of his groin injuries that hampered him last season at Alabama.
Marlon Harris
12:33
Do we still draft a QB in this draft? And what do you make of the QB class coming out in 2018?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
With Ben on board for at least two more years I don't see a need to draft a QB this year.
Cburg Stiller
12:33
Lots of talk outside the organization about the possibility of moving on from Bell and using the money elsewhere - do you think the Steelers are actually considering that option or are they set on keeping him one way or another?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Based on their statements since the end of the season from team president Art Rooney to GM Kevin Colbert the assumption is they'll keep him in 2018 whether it's on the franchise tag again or a long-term deal. It would be an upset at this point if they let him walk because they've been so up front about wanting to keep him.
Gregg
12:35
Ray, I’ve seen Darius Leonard (ILB from SC State) be mocked b/w rounds 1-3 to the Steelers. Any word on how he did at the combine this weekend?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
I saw he ran a 4.7. That's an OK time bit not great. I could see him being available at the end of round 2. Not sure he'd be there at the end of round 3. But with a 4.7, he's not a guy who is going to step in and mimic what Shazier could do. The guys who ran sub 4.7 are the guys are more likely to be three-down linebackers.
AK
12:36
Do you think Gesicki will last until the Steelers pick in the third round?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
No, I think he'll go earlier than where the Steelers pick in the third round.
jim
12:37
Not looking good for long term Bell deal, do you think they ley him walk or tag him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
My gut says they'll tag him if a deal is not completed.
jim
12:37
Any RB's looking like a good fit for us at the combine that may be available in rd 3 or rd5 when we pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Yes, this is a deep RB class. Too many guys to mention, but there are plenty of guys who should be available in the middle rounds.
jim
12:38
Any word from new OC on what he may want to do different next year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
He received a mandate from Art Rooney to improve in the red zone so I assume that's his first order of business.
PK
12:38
Based on the Steelers' draft history, it's unlikely that they trade up or down in the first round.  Do you expect them to stay at 28?  They're in a spot where a team that wants to trade into the first round might approach them.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
Yes they are, but they also need impact players if they want to remain a Super Bowl contender.
Winning
12:40
Rashaan Evans - didn't run 40?  Can a player opt out, and is this a sign that he is not that fast in that drill? Or is he injured?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I think it was because of his groin injuries that he battled through last season. He might run at Alabama's pro day depending upon when it is. I don't have that info. in front of me at the moment.
Scott
12:41
Hi Ray, I’m sure there are many statements about the subject, but I’m puzzled on why Bell should get 15 mil a yr when he runs behind a keep be with 3 pro bowlers and and goes 5-10 yards and turns around for the catch ! Honestly most top RBs can do that, just because that’s how the Steelers use him doesn’t mean he’s the best. I would take that guy down in Dallas before him all day every day.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
The Steelers were willing to go to $15 million over the first two years of the contract last summer. He turned it down, likely because the final years of the contract were not structured to his liking. It all comes down to longevity. He keeps betting on himself, but after a while, his value on the open market diminishes the more touches he gets with the Steelers. And as we all say last year the Steelers were not afraid to use him.
Hobbster
12:43
I can understand Bell wanting RB and partially WR money, but not #2 because even on steelers he is still an outlet, Brown, Shuster and bryant are 1,2,3, then either a TE or Bell, so 8 mill plus another 775,000 for a 4th wr I can understand, How does he think that translates into 15 + mill?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
He can make an argument to be paid like a No. 2 receiver because of his number of catches. I think that's why the Steelers were willing to sign him last summer in that price range. He's a valuable asset, but this situation is complicated because Bell wants to be seen as the player who set the value for all RBs going into the future.
Tampa2
12:45
why is CB not on your list of needs?  think we are all set there?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
You have Haden and Burns as your starters, Hilton as the slot and Sutton as a quality fourth. It's not a room filled with Pro Bowlers, but it's a solid group. Could they draft one in the middle or later rounds? Sure. But I don't see them going for a CB with one of their first three picks.
Jud
12:46
What's your surprise pick for the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
WR in one of the first three rounds.
AR
12:46
In the Steelers' eyes, did Vince Williams live up to expectations last year or disappoint? How does that affect the type of player they are looking to draft at ILB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
I don't know that he disappointed. He was fine when Shazier was healthy. He's a solid run stopper who struggles in the passing game. Not sure if he is worth signing to another contract when he is 28 years old. It might be time to get younger across the board at that position. But that doesn't mean you discard him this season. I still think he can be a valued member of the team in 2018.
Jud
12:48
Where do you think they will pick an OLB?
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