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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.14.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
livinthedream
1:57
  • Ray, Blame this question on Brian's "master plan". If you are Art the duce would you trade your 2021 1st round pick for a 2nd and 3rd round picks in 2020? The chat hasn't started yet.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
No I would not. First-round picks are very valuable. You build your team around players you get in the first round. So I'm keeping them unless, of course, I can get another Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Joey
1:58
Ray in my opinion the Cheatriots as they called them are going to remain with brady, the OC and the hoodie , if they do can you see them wining another one? Can’t stand them, hopefully 12 retires ..
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
The Patriots had some problems last season with the Hoodie, Brady and Josh McDaniels. What they need is a legit No. 1 WR and a legit TE. They had neither in 2019. Also, their defense was really good, but the majority of those guys are 30 or older. As the Steelers experienced last season with their offensive line, you never never when age is going to catch up to you.
Nate
2:01
Hi Ray, would the Steelers ever consider selecting Jalen Hurts with their 2nd round pick (even with a healthy Ben)?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
I don't think so. I think they have too many other needs such as RB, OL, TE, WR, DL. I admit they might need to add some quality QB depth in the coming years, but I don't think it's this year. At least, not if Ben is healthy.
DaquidoBazzini
2:02
Hi, Ray - Any idea why Chuks Okorfor took a step back this year? It seemed like he showed some potential in his rookie season.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
He had shoulder surgery last offseason and didn't have a full offseason to prepare. I think that's part of it. Also, Zach Banner progressed well, and Okorafor, for whatever reason, wasn't able to earn it back. I think they still have high hopes for Okorafor. They invested a third-round pick in him. We'll see if he's better this spring and summer with a full offseason to prepare.
DaquidoBazzini
2:04
What kind of money would you guess that Marcus Mariota will command on the open market. Would you say that he would be out as a vet QB that the Steelers could consider adding in the off season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
I think Mariota will try to find a team that will give him a chance to compete for a starting job. He won't have that opportunity here unless Ben isn't ready for the season. So starting QBs usually gets $10-15 million even if they're in that stop-gap range that Mariota would be in this year as a UFA.
Nate
2:05
Hi Ray, suppose Ben's prognosis comes back negative - do the Steelers still franchise or transition tag Dupree, or would that $16 million be better spent on a FA (actual starting) QB?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
That's a big hypothetical. I still think they would. They want the defense to stay together, and Dupree was a big part of that. My guess is they would cut salary somewhere else to ensure Dupree comes back. Just my gut feeling.
Capologist
2:06
RB in the Second round?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
That's a pretty good guess in mid-January. I think it's RB or OL or TE. We'll see what they do in free agency. That will give us another clue.
Jason in Slipplry Rock
2:07
Do you think that the Steelers will take a serious look at Slippery Rock QB Roland Rivers III? He is 6'3" and 230 pounds; he also was the D-2 player of the year with insane career numbers in passing and rushing. Looks like a Lamar Jackson type to me.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
I'll take your word for it. I never saw him play at Slippery Rock. But at 6-3, 230, he's much bigger than Jackson.
Nate
2:09
Hi Ray, Art Rooney feels it's more than likely the Steelers will be in the HOF game.  Would the NFL force them to play the HOF game and participate on Hard Knocks?  My hope is that it's one or the other.  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
They can make them do both. Guess that's what you get for missing the playoffs two years in a row.
AWB Tennessee
2:09
Ray, thanks for all the great chats.  What's the most impactful coaching change the Steelers can make this offseason?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
We've heard some speculation about a QBs coach. I'll give you a suggestion out of the blue: a run-game coordinator. I don't know if they'd add two to the offensive staff, but the run game is in desperate need of some new ideas.
TX Steeler
2:11
Why so quiet on the coaching change front? I doubt we’ll see major changes but don’t they need to at lease add a WR Coach and, possibly, QB Coach?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Yes, my guess is we might hear some news by the end of this week. The Senior Bowl is next week, and usually coaches like to have their staffs in place so they can hold meetings and scout players together. Changes could happen after the Senior Bowl, but I think Tomlin would like to have it done before then if he's going to make changes.
Patriot Fan
2:12
Is there any truth to the rumor that the Patriots are hiring AJ Hinch?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
They are looking for an in-house video coordinator! (I can just erase that right here. No one has to know. No problem." Ha ha
Utah Jim
2:13
Even if another team volunteers to for Hard Knocks do you really see HBO and the NFL picking any team other than the Steelers? Add a likely HOF game with the early training camp start to the intrigue of Ben’s return and the team’s enormous popularity and there is no way they pass on those ratings.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Yeah I'm already counting on spending an extra week in Latrobe. I'll be pleasantly surprised if I don't, (Nothing personal Westmoreland County)
kevin in Punxsy
2:14
The Steelers should be able to get a really good running back with the 49th pick. That should be a priority.  Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
I agree with you. I noted in my offseason needs story earlier this week there was only one RB taken in the first 52 picks last year. Miles Sanders was the next RB taken at No. 53.
chiefar
2:15
If you are a NFL General Manager trying to sign your HOF QB to a 2 year extension but he won’t sign until you sign two offensive linemen (center and guard). Would you sign and play the guard although his performance is declining at a rapid rate?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Nice wording on your question. Obviously, in hindsight, I would not.
Justin
2:15
Thoughts on a running back in round 2?  I will always root and pull for James Connor, but a possible really good running back could be available.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
I like the idea of getting an RB. Conner is a nice player when he is healthy, but he takes a lot of hits and gets banged up. That's the nature of the position. But even when he's healthy Conner and the other RBs on the roster didn't force a lot of missed tackles. If your line is struggling you have to have backs that can make you miss, and the Steelers didn't have a back that could do that last year.
Nate
2:17
Hi Ray, do you think the Steelers re-sign Hilton, or does someone like Sutton or Layne get his spot?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
He's an RFA and yes I think they'll sign him for another year.
Jay
2:18
Ray,  Easy fix for the QB of the future.  Go 0-16 next year and take Trevor Lawrence.  One year of pain for a bright future.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Sunshine! I like him, but the Steelers won't be nearly bad enough to be in position to take him.
kevin in Punxsy
2:19
With all the accolades that TJ Watt is receiving, do you see the Steelers needing to give him a 5 year $100 million contract after year 5?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
I think you're pretty close on the numbers for Watt's next contract.
iowasteelerfan
2:19
Did you see anyone from last night's championship game that would fit the mold of a Steelers type of player?
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