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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 03.25.24
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Brian Batko
2:00
Hi everyone, happy Monday. Thanks for stopping by for another Steelers chat. Let's get to the questions.
Seferg
2:01
If last years quarterback group was to be graded a 70%, how would you score this years as it sits?
Brian Batko
2:02
On paper, I don't know, maybe 80%? I think Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are probably better players than Kenny Pickett. And for what it took to get them, very affordable.
Toke
2:02
Hey Brian, thanks for the chats. What are the chances the team goes after a top flight WR in the first round instead addressing the OL with that pick? Seems to me that they need to get the trenches figured out before anything else, especially  the O-Line.
Brian Batko
2:03
I think there's a chance, but it won't be my prediction, and here's why: If you're drafting a top flight WR in the first round, you're gonna be wasting your investment to an extent if you don't throw to him a lot right away, and if you throw to him a lot right away, are you taking away targets from George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth? Are you taking away carries from Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren? There's only one ball. That's why I'd be targeting more of a complementary WR in the second or third round.
Slash
2:04
I keep hearing the Steelers will draft a QB on Day 3. Why use a pick for your 3rd or 4th QB? Why not just sign an undrafted QB to compete with a veteran? Let's be honest. If the top 2 QB's go down, your chances are pretty slim.
Brian Batko
2:06
Well it probably depends on how well you do addressing your needs with the picks you have before that. If you're feeling good there, then it can be worth an investment into a young quarterback. They might see a significant dropoff between the QBs available on Day 3 versus the guys who don't get picked.
mrbig
2:07
After a couple exciting weeks, I'm kinda coming back down to reality since we still need a C and LT, these new players won't matter if we still can't protect the qb consistently... what do you think?
Brian Batko
2:07
Reality is a fine place to be, mrbig. You know who feels like they improved their team in free agency? Probably just about every franchise in the league. And the outstanding ones will feel that way following the completion of the draft. It all sounds good in March. It always does.
LYM
2:08
Mr. Batko, thank you for the time and chat. I’ve heard the Steelers likely won’t take a QB until day 3. Given there is no clarity at the position beyond 2024, should they consider taking McCarthy or Penix if they’re available in Rnd 2, even given their other pressing needs?
Brian Batko
2:09
I don't think it'd be a good use of draft capital. But if they really have an eye on one of those guys, don't rule it out, I guess. Keep in mind that if you bring in one of those two, or really anyone that early in the draft, someone is gonna be feeling slighted and likely wanting a "change of scenery" in your QB group.
Michael
2:11
Brian, if JPP is there at the Steelers pick, they can’t pass him up right?  He is a plug and play for the next 10/yrs.
Brian Batko
2:13
Jason Pierre-Paul? Let's assume you mean JPJ, Jackson Powers-Johnson, the center from Oregon. I'm not gonna view it that strictly, but I do wonder if the Steelers are even more eager to make that pick because of the ones that got away in recent years. Creed Humphrey, Tyler Linderbaum. Fool me once, fool me twice ...
the real guest
2:14
Brian, I was absolutely certain the Steelers were not going to sign Wilson or Fields. I am just as certain that they are not going to draft a QB at #20. Soooo, if either McCarthy or Nix is available at #20 will they / should they draft a QB?
Brian Batko
2:16
They shouldn't. Making a move like signing Russell Wilson signals that the Steelers are firmly in win-now mode, given that they didn't wait to see how Kenny Pickett panned out beyond two seasons. Picking a QB in the first round would not exactly align with that vision.
Yuri
2:16
Hello Brian.  What, if anything, are you hearing as to who might replace Bill Hillgrove as the Steelers’ announcer?  Thank you Brian.
Brian Batko
2:17
Don't know, Yuri. That's above my pay grade. But they can have their people call my people if they're interested.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:18
After the first wave of free agent signings, does center appear to be the number 1 priority either through the draft or a free agent?
Brian Batko
2:20
Yes. It's the only spot where they don't have a player with NFL starting experience, unless you count slot corner.
Pop Quez
2:21
What other WR moves will the Steelers make? The current depth chart of Pickens, Austin III, Jefferson, and Quez is scary, and not in the good way
Brian Batko
2:23
They'll draft a WR, Round 2 or 3 in all likelihood. It's such a good, deep class, by all accounts. By my count, at least 15 prospects worthy of a Day 1 or Day 2 pick, all guys who I think could help right away.
Eric Carr
2:23
How nervous is Jalen Hurts right now??
Brian Batko
2:24
Eagles just signed Will Grier over the weekend, so probably feeling the heat.
Harry Callas
2:24
How would you rank the Steelers draft needs by position?  I say C, WR, OT, and CB.
Brian Batko
2:25
Hello, Harry! I'd go C, WR, OT, CB. Very astute list of options you put together for me.
Yogi in Yonkers
2:26
What is the percentage of likelihood that Cole comes back to the Steelers?
Brian Batko
2:26
Hmm maybe 24%?
Owen O
2:27
Going into a draft with a glaring need and then reaching on that need always seems to be a recipe for failure (i.e. Kenny Pickett).  Seems to me the Steelers are taking that path with the Center position, what is your opinion.
Brian Batko
2:28
Actually I'd say it was the same position a year earlier that's an even better example. Taking Kendrick Green in the 3rd round when they didn't have a great option at center. But I still think they make a signing in the next month here to shore that up.
Dulac Tease
2:29
What was GerBear teasing on Dan Patrick about a bigger catch than Mike Williams?
Brian Batko
2:29
Who is GerBear???
Fluff
2:30
The two positions we need is center and receiver. What are we going to do in free agency?
Brian Batko
2:31
Hi, Fluff. I'm not convinced they'll sign another WR, especially now with Quez Watkins added to the mix today. We've seen the analytical/value-based nature of how the Steelers are moving this offseason, and taking advantage of this great rookie class would fall right in line with that thinking.
AK
2:32
Reading comments by Steelers fans over the past year, you’d think that Colbert was the worst GM in franchise history.  What is your assessment of his career with the Steelers?
Brian Batko
2:33
He helped put two Lombardi Trophies in the case. That's just about all that matters. Obviously, he wasn't perfect, but no one is. In my view he did a lot more good than harm and left his hometown franchise better than he found it. Basically a pillar of Steelers history
2:34
Hey, some breaking Steelers news during the chat. They've signed two free agents, per Omar Khan in Florida. He told the reporters there that QB Kyle Allen and DL Dean Lowry are coming to Pittsburgh.
Lab in Whitney
2:35
Amarius Mims, Tyler Guyton, JPJ or a corner in Rd1?
Brian Batko
2:35
Unless they make a center move here, JPJ for me at this juncture.
mtfury
2:35
Brian,  Good Afternoon.  Do you think the Steelers are interested in former Pitt Panther and Philadelphia Eagles DB Avonte Maddox?  I know he has been injured a bit but would be a good slot corner pickup for us on a short term deal.
Brian Batko
2:37
Not sure if they have interest but I agree. Covered him at Pitt. Huge heart, that guy. But he can play, too. He'd be a good fit if healthy.
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