Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 05.01.26
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Christopher Carter
10:01
The live chat is back! Let's get into it!
Marvin P
10:01
Good morning Chris.  Now that the draft is over, what grade would you assign to the overall class?  Further, how would you evaluate Omar’s performance?  I expected a better draft given the number of picks the Steelers had and how I saw other teams seemingly maneuver better during the draft.
Christopher Carter
10:03
Good morning Marvin!

I usually don't like to assign grades on draft classes right away -- because even as a person who rates and ranks players, I acknowledge that we don't really know how good players will or won't be in their careers. We can see their value as prospects and assess the process used to take them, and I think there's a difference between that and the picks themselves.

That being said, if I was looking at the Steelers' process, I'd have a C+ to B- grade. I think they shouldn't have been on the phone with Makai Lemon before it was their pick or at least had someone on the phone with Dallas to ensure them they'd be interested in protecting their pick by matching a trade-up with a division rival of theirs like the Eagles.

Iheanachor himself I think is a very good tackle prospect and I had a first round grade on him. I also thought they got Germie Bernard right at the value I expected, and I think they got great value with Gennings Dunker as late as they got him.
10:05
I do think they reached to get Drew Allar, which drags down the class a bit. I also saw this team as needed a playmaker slot CB or safety and a nose tackle, and they didn't address either position until extremely late with guys who will fight to make the practice squad most likely.

Of the four Omar Khan draft classes, this one was the process I understood the least as it played out. But hey, I could be wrong and they could've knocked this out of the park.
Shredder
10:05
Chris, thanks for your thoughtful answers in these chats. Not only are you the PPG Chat ROY, but you're the MVP too. I would move Fautanu and McCormick over to the left side where they played in college and keep Dunker and Big Max on the right side where they played in college.  Yes, you would have two rookies on the right, but don't over complicate it for the rookies. Make their learning curve as easy as possible. Plus, you have your QB's blind side protected with the experienced linemen. What are your thoughts on that?
Christopher Carter
10:07
Thanks Shredder! These chats are a lot of fun and I thank all of you for giving me great questions to answer.

So, I think you may be on to something here. Fautanu did play left tackle and I've thought about that possibility. But I also forgot McCormick was a left guard in college as well.

One of the most important aspects of an offensive line is chemistry, and I think Fautanu and McCormick started developing that last season. Keeping those two together and just flipping them would make sense. Especially if Max Iheanachor can play the position he was most at home with in college at right tackle.
Mikey C
10:08
Chris, the Eli H pick was a nice touch but how did the Steelers pull this off with 31 other teams possibly drafting him before their pick? Was it staged letting other teams and Goodell know?
Christopher Carter
10:09
It's possible that there might've been a silent agreement about a 7th rounder, or that nobody cared that hard about it. It was certainly a cinematic moment on the least buzzworthy day of the draft and at the time most people are checking out and getting their Xth beer on Saturday.
Shredder
10:09
Chris, Spotrac had the Steelers declining the fifth year option for Jones on April 8th. They seem to be pretty accurate with their information, but it was never reported by the media until Fowler put it out there today. Was that a mistake by Spotrac or did one just slip by the media?
Christopher Carter
10:11
I think it was a mistake to report it as early as they did, as I think that information would've been out long before yesterday. Sometimes the cap websites can jump the gun on things and they're not held to it as much as we would because they provide a different function.

But there's a possibility the Steelers had made the internal decision that they would decline his option by or before then, and just hadn't made the official declaration because they wanted it as a potential added mystery for the draft.
Fats Holmes
10:11
Chris - thanks for your chats.  Let's assume that B Jones is hurt or otherwise isn't ready to play come September.  Who do you project are the opening day starters on opening day from LT-LG-
Christopher Carter
10:13
Thanks for being here!

The way I've had it has been

Fautanu - Dunker - Frazier - McCormick - Iheanachor.

BUT, the idea of flipping McCormick with Fautanu could be interesting to consider. And I do think Dunker is going to take time to learn guard, so it could be Spencer Anderson starting the season there.
The Eman
10:13
i have a question about Kordell Stewart. When Kordell came out of Colorado, running/throwing quarterbacks were rare and I don’t think the Steelers ever utilized his skill set. If Kordell came out this past year, how high would he have been drafted? I’m thinking he could have been the best quarterback in the draft.
Christopher Carter
10:17
I think he might've been the first or second overall pick of the draft. Kordell Stewart had a cannon arm and was ligthning fast on the field.

It's tough to project just with his stats, because the early-mid 90s in college football was such a different time than now. But he finished his final season with 10 passing touchdowns to 3 interceptions. If he had a 10-3 TD/INT ratio but with a higher volume AND his athleticism, I think he flies off the board.

Now, in a crowded QB class, I think he might've fell just outside the top 10. But if it was this year, with the lack of top tier QB prospects, I do think he would be the second pick at least.
Bill
10:21
Hi Chris. I wasn’t big on all the reaching in the draft. They did get 3 guys I wanted in Bernard Dunker and Allar. Didn’t like taking Allar in the 3rd but if you switched picks taking Dunker 1st it looks better!! Also can’t you protect 5 players on the practice squad every week? Good place to hide Howard or Allar.
Christopher Carter
10:28
Hi Bill.

I still think Allar was more of a fourth round pick. If they had gotten AJ Haulcy or Domonique Orange with the 76th pick and take the other players in the third round they did, they could've gotten Allar in the 4th and it would've been a more complete class.

But yes, they could protect a quarterback on the practice squad. So it's possible they'd stash someone there.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
10:28
Good morning Chris! Thx for the chats! Why do the Steelers continually bow down to Rodgers. Why can’t they just move on? I know he gives them the short term the Best chance to win a football game, but he does nothing for the future of the franchise. In addition, why in the world are the Steelers waiting for him instead of demanding that he make a decision or move on? I’m sure I’m not alone in these thoughts to just say let him go please?!
Christopher Carter
10:32
Good morning!

I don't think they're bowing down to him, hence the UFA tender that ensures they get value for him if he chooses someone else. But I do think they've painted themselves into a corner in a way that he's the only veteran they can sign and expect to produce this year.

It may or might not be the right move. I thought he helped the offense a lot last year with his leadership and ability to see the field. I wouldn't say that does nothing for the future, as when I talk with offensive players, they all think they're playing better because of him.

But there's no denying that the longer this drags out, the worse it looks.
Chuck from Michigan
10:32
Chris, great job with your chats and draft analysis.  Khan artist is too conservative in his draft approach.  In hindsight, should have traded picks with the Rams at 13 to get Penn State guard and packaged Round 2/3/4 picks to move up in Round 2 and select WR Denzel Boston.  Khan’s wait and see approach misses out on getting the best players, your thoughts?  Thanks.
Christopher Carter
10:39
Thanks Chuck!

If they'd have come away with Olaivavega Ioane and even just Germie Bernard, I think this class looks a lot different.

But on Khan's patience, I do think there's double-edged sword to it. Because he deserves praise for his patience on Zach Frazier, who I definitely thought they needed to trade up to get in the second round in 2024.

And in 2023, when he traded back and still got Darnell Washington when I thought he'd go off the board much earlier than he did -- they got the pick that led to them picking Nick Herbig.

And even this year; though they did end up missing out on Makai Lemon, they projected he'd fall down close to them and he did. They just took their eye off the ball right before he got there.

I think one of Khan's best skills has been understanding when certain players are valued by other teams. It looks like he misjudged this year, but out of 4 drafts, I think he's batting way above .500.
Silent Bob
10:39
Hello Christopher - Great work keeping us informed on the draft! After each pick I would switch over to see your comments.

My question is, wasn’t TJ Watt considered a project when he was drafted? I think he only played defense for one year at Wisconsin. I know the Steelers have had some first round project busts – especially Artie Burns. While B Jones has underperformed based on where he was picked, he’s far from a bust. My sense is if he did not have the neck injury, they would be thinking about his 5th year. For Max, you can’t teach 6’6”, 320 and super-athleticism. How would you compare where Jones was in his development compared to where Max is when they were picked?
Christopher Carter
10:44
Thanks Bob!

I think Watt was a different kind of project. For example, when he came out of the draft one of the notes I had on him was that his fundamentals were very consistent. The biggest thing he needed to work on was developing various pass rush moves.

For Iheanachor, I think his size and athleticism is certainly what makes him intriguing and I think he has the footwork down to be a good tackle.

Compared to Jones, I think Iheanachor is a bit ahead, but I think Jones was nastier when hew as at his best at Georgia.
Defense Wins Championships
10:44
Chris, Drew Allar is oftened criticized for not being able to win the big game. Will Howard us often praise for doing so. If Drew Allar had gone to Ohio State and Will Howard to Penn State, do you think Allar would have been drafted higher? Do you think Will Howard would have been drafted at all?
Christopher Carter
10:51
This is a question many have brought up because Will Howard certainly had better WR talent than Drew Allar.

But I also think that when I look at Allar's biggest mistakes, they aren't about his receiver talent; they're about him not seeing the field or following through on his fundamentals.

Now, if Ohio State's coaches help him with those aspects of his game better than Penn State's, maybe we're talking about him differently. But as I noted in my film study on him this week, his staring down receivers and lack of ability to read defenses post-snap would've still needed to be fixed.

Also think it's important to note that Will Howard did well for himself at Kansas State -- and I'd argue that if you put Drew Allar at Kansas State, he might not have done as well there.
Pittfan
10:51
Hi Christopher. The "D" word (development) has reared it's ugly head with the latest QB addition. Development means not ready. The only way to get ready is, to use a Tomlinism, in stadium. That's not going to happen as long as Aaron Rodgers is the apple of their eye. At some point, probably next year, a young guy is going to start and it may not be pretty. Why not get the ugliness out of the way now and let the 2 current young guys battle it out... in stadium? If there's any year to do it. it's this year.
Christopher Carter
10:58
Hello!

I do think there's logic there because if they struggle in their first year starting, wouldn't you want to get that out of the way?

But, I also think there's logic to wanting a developmental player to get their feet under them without being under the fire of an NFL defense. Patrick Mahomes credits the Chiefs for giving him his first year to learn, and he's far and above either of the Steelers' developmental quarterbacks. Throwing a QB to the wolves early can ruin a good player if their confidence gets shot.

It also depends on how ready a player is. For example, if they draft a guy in the first round who carries the traits and characteristics of a starter who's more ready, this might be a different conversation. But from what I saw of Allar when he played better NCAA defenses in his career, he'd make a lot of critical mistakes against much better and more complex NFL defenses. If he hasn't grown to be ready for that, I'd rather he continue to learn and grow to be ready for that.
Nosmo King
10:59
Considering a new slate, so to speak, how do you see th RB situation playing out?
Christopher Carter
11:01
I'm intrigued by how they might try to include Eli Heidenreich on this roster.

I still see this RB room as a 1-2 punch from Warren-Dowdle with Johnson learning behind them. I also don't think they'd abandon a 3rd round pick so quickly.
Hawkeye East
11:01
Morning Chris - as a Steeler fan since early 70's and living in Iowa we are beyond excited to see our Hawkeyes wearing more black & gold !  With that being said, is there a different vibe among veteran Steelers this year with new coaching staff after the draft or is it hard to gauge ?  PS:  lots of Steeler fans in the Hawkeye State !
Christopher Carter
11:07
Good morning!

Still have to be in the Steelers locker room to get a sense of how things go this year. But I do think finding good veterans who fit the locker room has been part of Omar Khan's project so far.

As for Iowa, they do seem to have an affinity for Hawkeyes these days!
NCRob
11:09
Hey Chris! Since 2016 (not including the Minkah trade), all but TJ Watt failed expectations as first rounders IMO. Jury is still out on Harmon and Fautano. Is it the same scouting dept evaluating talent? Missing on first rounders, especially in QBs can set organizations back years. I hope there is a new group going into next draft where there are some exciting young prospects.
Christopher Carter
11:17
Hello!

There's been a lot of changees in the Steelers' scouting department, even just over the past few years.

I think there have been different reasons for missed picks.

2016 and 2018 I think were forced picks to address the secondary where they overdrafted positions instead of picking players based on who was the best available.

Devin Bush was a unique situation because he was universally seen as an elite linebacker prospect and looked strong his first 1.5 years, but his torn ACL made him a completely different player after that.

Minkah Fitzpatrick is basically their 2020 first round pick because of the trade and they were right about that one.

But Najee Harris didn't work out long term, Kenny Pickett demanded to be traded, and now Broderick Jones' injury has spoiled what looked like a promising third season that might've changed things.

This has certainly stopped the Steelers from progressing forward. All organizations have rough stretches, but that's certainly a lot of misses stacked up.
Roc
11:18
is the  Steeler WR room set? If not, what type of WR will they be looking to pick up?
Christopher Carter
11:29
I don't think they make another big splash at receiver. Their current room is deeper than it has been for years already. If they get another player, it will probably be a taller receiver vet who can fill in as an outside receiver should Metcalf or Pittman go down.
FC
11:30
I think we dodged a bullet with Lemon.  I just don't think we needed another WR that, based on his interviews, that might be another knucklehead.  Thoughts?
Christopher Carter
11:31
So, I've seen this take a lot because people don't like Lemon's accent or whatever.

But I think that if Lemon were a knucklehead, he would've told the USC coaches to kick rocks when they tried to move him to defensive back and hit the transfer portal to get whatever money he could. Instead, he proved he was worth still being a receiver, toughed it out and became an elite receiver prospect without ever changing schools.

I'm not saying Lemon won't have any character issues in Philadelphia, but I do think there's something to a player sticking it out at the same school in today's college football environment where almost EVERYONE is willing to throw away loyalty and hard work for the promise of money. Saw that a lot during my time covering Pitt.
KordellTolls
11:32
Chris love your YouTube segments. Does ARII value local ties more than competency? No one would hire McCarthy or Khan except ARII and Drew Allar has the physical tools but little skull or processing ability. But they all have local ties.
Christopher Carter
11:36
I will say, there has been a spike in investments to bring local talent both on the coaching staff and on the roster.

McCarthy, Weidl, Cignetti, Allar, Heidenreich, and others all have local ties. Doesn't have to be a bad thing, but it's certainly a growing trend.

One thing I remember reading in Gary Pomerantz's book, "Their Life's Work" about the 70s Steelers was that the original Art Rooney also liked to pick personal favorites and local standouts with his decisions in the years the Steelers struggled.

Not saying that's what's happening now, but I do think it's a relevant historical point to how the organization has made decisions of late.
SP
11:36
Chris, with all the new roster flexibility rules couldn't the Steelers keep all 4 QBs on the 53 rather easily? The league really loosened things up relative to IR/Return and PS flex.
Christopher Carter
11:37
They could. But I think the added challenge there is those practice squad protected spots are usually saved for players at positions where injuries are more likely to happen when they need to call an extra person up.
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