JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 6.11.18

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 6.11.18

Ray Fittipaldo

11:52

Let's get the chat started.

smullins43

11:53

with the failure of signing hightower last year and the failure to move up this year to get evans...the powers that be are not hiding their need to replace their biggest weakness but yet no draft picks...no trades...and Bostic and matakevich and vince? sub package or not....the hole in the middle will be glaring and for a second year...not resolved...thoughts please?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:56

It's not a great situation, but you do realize Hightower was injured and missed most of last season. He had a pec injury that had bothered him for a while, and he finally had to get it fixed. They drafted too late to get Evans or vander Esch and couldn't move up for either. I understand why there is concern. However, they did sign Bostic in March, and Vince Williams is a capable run-stopper. The big question for me is whether Bostic can play all three downs and be good in the passing game. If not, they'll piece together their pass defense by playing their young safeties more. I think that's why they drafted Edmunds and Allen. There has been a shift in how teams are playing in subpackages, and the Steelers seem intent on moving in that direction as well.

DaquidoBazzini

11:56

Hi, Ray - Any idea why the Steelers did not pursue Mychal Kendricks?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:57

They didn't feel like he was much of an upgrade apparently. And they do like Matakevich. He was their top backup last year and has been working with the first-team defense this spring.

11:57

Why do you suppose Mason Rudolph lasted until the 3rd round given the Steelers had a first round rating on him? I loved the pick and believe he will have a great career in Pittsburgh.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:58

Obviously, other teams didn't think that highly of him. The knock against him is his lack of mobility outside the pocket.

JoeB

11:58

Hatbaugh said the new helmet rule is good but most coaches are already teaching not to use the helmet as a weapon. He said the rule will only affect a couple of NFL coaches. Whom do you think he was referring to?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:01

Not sure. It's true other teams have been teaching different tackling techniques. Pete Carroll and the Seahawks have been teaching a rugby tackling technique for a few years now. I am interested to see how officials deal with the new rule. You can call a penalty on a lot of plays now. Even the plays the NFL used in its instructional video looked like normal football plays to me. I think all players are going to go through an adjustment period, and yes, there will be many controversial calls.

Bud is Weiser

12:01

I understand the excitement for Rudolph long term but short term, Jones is far and away our best option for backup this year and Rudolph can take over the spot next year if he grasps the system. Your thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:01

Way too early to say. I am leaning in your direction, but let's see how Rudolph plays in the preseason games.

mrbig

12:01

what changes to you see with the offense's play-calling? More no huddle?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:02

Something to watch in training camp and the preseason games. I think all fans are wondering the same thing. I think Randy Fichtner would like to see this offense get better in short-yardage situations and in the red zone. But in terms of play-calling, it's wait-and-see.

Big Snack

12:03

How much does size matter in the middle of the defensive line vs athleticism? Consider Aaron Donald (4/3 I know).

Ray Fittipaldo

12:04

All depends on the athleticism and technique of the player. Javon Hargrave is not a big nose guard. In fact, Daniel McCullers is much taller and bigger. However, Hargrave is entering his third year as a starter ahead of him. Obviously, you have to be big and strong enough to shed offensive linemen, but penetrating gaps and using athleticism is just as important in today's NFL.

Randy Rutershan

12:05

What makes a player stand out on special teams - simply running fast, what? It is one of the least understood talents around.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:05

Special teams are all about want-to and the desire to make plays.

Philly Joe

12:05

Very concerned with LB depth. Do you foresee us going after any FA LB’s that may get cut towards the end of training camp? Especially, inside LB’s??

Ray Fittipaldo

12:06

I think that's a possibility. The Steelers haven't been afraid to upgrade their roster through trades or picking up other team

...other team's castoffs in recent years.

Rocky Bleier

12:06

Assume that James Connor learns how to pick up his protection responsibilities. Does he really have starting RB talent in NFL? In retrospect, would you have preffered us picking the TE from Michigan Butts with that pick or our qb pick in 2017 draft?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:08

Conner hasn't played enough for me to determine if he's a starting-caliber NFL runner. I do think he can be a solid backup and so do the Steelers obviously. That's why they drafted him. Now it's up to him to progress and hopefully stay healthy. It's interesting. I kind of liked him more when he was heavier at Pitt, where he was more of a bruiser. He's lighter now, and I'm not sure he still has that power that made him such a good college runner. Not saying he can't be a starter. I just have to see more of him to convince me.

12:09

Good Morning: From what you have seen in OTAs so far, granted without the pads, , do you see a possibility of Matthew Thomas and Keion Adams, becoming a starter at ILB and OLB positions respectively, at some point this season?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:10

Not unless there are injuries. Thomas isn't even a lock to make the 53-man roster. Adams should, but he has no experience. I am looking forward to seeing both guys in preseason games. I think there is some talent there, but they have to prove it.

K Ro

12:10

Good day Ray: which 3 running backs do you see making the roster? I believe Bell, Conner and Samuels. I love Ridley but I believe he and Tousant are the odd men out, your thoughts!!

Ray Fittipaldo

12:11

I think you are on the right track. Only way I see Ridley making it is if they truly do use Samuels as some sort of RB/WR/H-back. So maybe they'd keep four RBs if they only kept 5 WRs or two TEs.

Paris in Tucson

12:12

Hey Ray, with the drafting of the hard hitting safeties do you believe that Tomlin and Butler are trying to revolutionize NFL defense by creating a run stopping dime package or are they simply trying to salvage any kind of D upgrade?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:14

I wouldn't say revolutionize. Other teams have played that way with success. And after all the ILBs they wanted were off the board they took the best safety on their board. Edmunds happens to be big enough to be an effective run-stopper. Same with Allen. So they do fit the bill of sub-package players although Edmunds obviously must become a starter at some point if he's going to be a success.

Vincent

12:14

What was up with Antonio Brown tweeting about Bruce Arians?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:15

I don't know. I read the post and didn't understand it.

Mike from ohio

12:15

Does it seem that maybe bell isnt really interested in a deal with the steelers thinking the grass could be greener on the other side of the fence and wants to test the market??

Ray Fittipaldo

12:15

I think that's a fair assumption at this point. The Steelers have made strong offers and he has declined them.

James Ryan

12:15

I am sure you have answered this in previous chats, but what are the percentages you think the Steeler's sign bell long term?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:15

10 percent.

Vincent

12:16

Will Matakevich get a fair chance at ILB or is the spot already Bostic’s?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:16

Hard to say. Matakevich is somewhat limited. He ran a 4.8 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Opposing offensive coordinators will single him out in the passing game and look to take advantage. He's not that tall either, which is another problem in the passing game. I think Bostic eventually is the guy next to Williams, but they do like Matakevich.

Vincent

12:17

Does Tucker finally make the team this year?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:18

If he plays well in training camp and in the preseason games he has a chance, especially if Eli Rogers isn't signed.

Guest

12:18

Do you think that the Steelers will put in any late bids in the Supplemental Draft

Ray Fittipaldo

12:18

Doubt it.