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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 4.23.18
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:09
Hurst is 25. I have a hard time believing anyone would trade up to 15 to get him much less the Steelers. They're not in the habit of drafting older guys anyway. They're more likely to draft a 20-year old because they like to develop them in their mold. If you draft Hurst you;re getting him for one contract likely. Is any team going to commit a lot of money in a seocnd contract to a player who is going to turn 29?
talldrinkofwater
12:09
Say Ray, what is your opinion of Stevan Ridley?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
I thought he was solid. No guarantees he'll make the team if they draft an RB. But his signing makes RB less of a need in this draft.
Fozzie22
12:10
Even though the Steelers picked up Dupree's 5th year option, they could still negotiate a long-term deal, right? I'd imagine a cap-friendly scenario would benefit the Steelers and job security would benefit Dupree.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
Yes, that's what they do with all the guys they draft in the first round.
sprouts
12:11
Do you think the interest in the draft is a little ridiculous?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
The NFL is the most popular sport in this country, so no.
Jeff M
12:11
Have seen interior OL pop up as a possibility in the 1st rd with Foster in contract year. Does the team consider Finney as possible replacement. He has played well as a fill in?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
I guess we'll find out. Because if they don't draft one this year then they'll either target one early in the 2019 draft or have Finney in mind as the next starter. They obviously like him. I just don't know if they view him as a long-term answer. It's kind of nice to have a versatile guy like him as your top interior backup.
sprouts
12:13
How many times have you been asked which ILB you like best in the last 3 months?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
More than 100 I'm sure.
sprouts
12:13
Do you know which Steeler is the best at a sport other than football?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
Vince Williams can hit a softball a mile. I saw him do it at the Antonio Brown softball classic a year or two ago.
Guest
12:14
What do you think  of Keion Adams?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
Have to see him practice and play more. Shoulder injury happened fairly early in camp last year.
Jeff M
12:14
Ravens, Cowboys, Bengals, Titans and Pats all tied to ILB as potential in 1st round. Do you take best available if Evans and Vander Esh are gone? Who would that be?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
DL, Interior OL, an OLB if someone like Landry falls...A safety if you have him high on your board.
Utah Jim
12:15
Ray, if the Steelers are so frequently not in their base defense why do they keep drafting front seven players that fit a 3-4?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
Because they know those players are versatile and can play in nickel and dime, too.
Guest
12:15
Are the steelers really serious about this Jordan Mailata?!?!   C'mon, Ray!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
Who knows? He's a late-round prospect or free agent. He's definitely a project. But did anyone bat an eye when they signed Villanueva? He might be worth taking a flyer on in the seventh round or as an UDFA.
Utah Jim
12:17
Ray, we often hear the Steelers won't draft a NT early because they don't play much in today's NFL.  However, they gave up 4.4 yds per rushing attempt last year which was one of the worst in the league.  Hard to be an effective defense when you are getting run over no matter what the down it is.  Should the Steelers reconsider and invest in a NT in the first three rounds?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
They should but only if said NT is versatile enough to bump out to be a pass rusher in nickel and dime.
Guest
12:17
You surprised the Steelers picked up the option on Dupree?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
Not really. I wouldn't have been surprised either way. It's only guaranteed for injury.
OHIO412FAN
12:18
Is it me, or is this the most unpredictable year to figure out who the Steelers will lean towards drafting?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
If those ILBs are gone, yes.
Frank - Wyoming
12:18
Hi Ray, Have you any knowledge of the Steelers plan for cb Brian Allen this season?  Thank you for the great chats.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
I think they like his potential. They need to see him play more.
Carlo Gambino
12:19
Do you feel the Steelers have just as good a chance to compete for the SB with or without Bell, understanding that the team goes out and drafts Guice or Chubb to replace. My feeling, get rid of the distraction and save money... move on.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
I suppose if the rookie plays really well. But you have no idea if that will be the case.
K-dog
12:20
Good afternoon. I think having Martavis Bryant on the team this year has much value. However, he will most likely be gone next year. I further know they should get a compensatory pick, the following year. Trading him is probably not going to happen. How about this, though?Trade him to Dallas. Dallas and Pittsburgh swap their number picks and Dallas gives Pittsburgh a fourth rounder. This would allow Pittsburgh a better chance to obtain an ILB and recoup a fourth round pick. Dallas needs an established play maker, albeit suspension concerns, and he is out of the AFC which could hurt us.  TY
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
So Dallas is giving up the No. 19 pick in exchange for the No. 28 pick plus a fourth rounder for a player who might be out of the league if he smokes some weed next week? That sounds like an awfully big gamble to me if I'm Jerry Jones.
Frank - Wyoming
12:21
With one of the most complete roster's in the NFL the Steelers only real need is to find a replacement for Shazier; do you see them attempting to move up in this coming draft to get a top notch speedy linebacker.  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
They don't have a lot of draft assets to do that this year. No fourth and no sixth.
pdxJaxon
12:21
Hey Ray,
Looking forward to live chats this week during the draft. last year was fun.
My question is regarding Jon Bostic.
Im not that familiar with him....is he a legit starting LB for us or really more of a depth guy?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
Depends on how the draft unfolds. He might have to be a starter this season if they don't find an ILB in the first round.
Linebacker Lounge - 3Rivers, MI
12:22
Ray, Do you see any scenario, the go offense in round 1? What round do you foresee them taking an RB? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
Sure, if the ILBs are gone and there is value there. Maybe Interior OL. As for RB, I'd say third round or later, if at all.
Guest
12:23
Guice is available when the Steelers pick comes up.  Do you choose him?
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