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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.11.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:58
Welcome and let's get started.
Jackson in KY
11:58
I think the biggest takeaway from the Super Bowl for the Steelers organization is that 2 of their first 3 picks in this years draft need to be on the defensive line. Jalen Hurts got it. But the MVP of that game was the dominance of the defensive line.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
They definitely need to pick a DL high in this draft and I wouldn't be surprised if they took two although maybe not in the first three rounds. I like the idea but not only because of the success the Eagles had this postseason. The Steelers haven't used a first-round choice on a DL since Cam Heyward in 2011. They haven't used many high picks on DL since then either. It's a glaring need, and they need to take advantage of this unusually deep group of talented DL.
Lenny from NY
12:00
Good morning Ray. If the Steelers get a top name wr and a d lineman in free agency, do you think they will draft a QB in first or second round?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
No. I could see the Steelers addressing DL and WR in free agency and still using their first-round pick on one of those two positions. That's how depleted those position groups are.
epiballo
12:01
Which shoe will drop first ... the Steelers resigning either Wilson or Fields, the resigning of Harris (or not), or the fate of Pickens?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:01
The QB domino should fall first.
TVC15
12:01
Hi Ray, The Steelers inexplicably extended Mike Tomlin's contract for 3 years/$50 million (over $16 million a year). Ben Johnson, the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, signed a five-year, $65 million contract. This averages out to $13 million per year. Who will win a playoff game first?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
Not sure either team is close. I'm not sure Caleb Williams is going to be a franchise QB, and the Bears are competing in one of the best divisions in the league alongside the Packers, Vikings and Lions. The Steelers, on the other hand, don't have their franchise QB either, and their defense is aging out. If I had to take one I'd take the Bears, but not with great confidence it would come in the next year.
epiballo
12:03
Cam Heyward certainly showed that one can perform at a high level despite being an aging veteran. My question concerns T.J. Watt. How much of his drop off last season was the result of injuries or age? Can we expect his wrecking ball impact once healthy, or something less?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
Watt was nicked up late in the season, but he did not have an injury-plagued season. I think his struggles last season were more scheme related. The Steelers didn't do enough to free up Watt when he was double-teamed and chipped. Watt said after the season ended he'll be more open to moving around the defense the way Chris Jones does for the Chiefs.
Guest
12:05
Ray, great work! Fields the quarterback we know he can run but worry about reading the field and passing. Why not hire an outside the organization experienced quarterback coach to work with him on this aspect and his game. I still think Fields was a #1 pick for a reason. There seems to be no better option why not really see what he can do?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
Well, Tom Arth is the QB coach and he's under contract so I don't think they'll add another QB coach. But on the idea of playing Fields and seeing what you have in him, I'm all for it. This is not a great QB class and you're likely to find one much easier if you wait until the 2026 draft.
TVC15
12:07
Hi Ray, The Steeler's arrow seems to be pointing down. Will this coming season be Tomlin's first losing season? Will he finish his 3 year contract extension with 3 losing seasons?  People scoffed when I said the Steelers would finish last season with 5 straight losses but they sure as heck did. Not even close to winning one.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
It would not surprise me one bit of the Steelers finished the 2025 season with a losing record. This team is in the middle of a rebuild even though the front office will never call it that.
KennyP
12:08
I’ll have more Super Bowl wins than Coach T by the time our careers are over. What says you?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:09
You might be right. All you need is one more.
Jim From Beaver Co
12:09
Ray, is it possible that Mike Tomlin isn't given the budget other teams have to have expanded / more talented coaching staffs?    I was very happy about the outside hire of Arthur Smith ( at the time ) but they mainly promote within.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:09
I don't get the idea it's a budgetary thing. They are paying Tomlin $16 million a year after all.
Brian in NC
12:10
Thanks for your insights in these chats.  How concerned should fans be that, assuming Moore departs as expected, neither of their tackles next year has proven they can be good in the NFL?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
I'm confident Fautanu will be a really good lineman in this league, and the plan is to keep him at right tackle. At least that's what Fautanu said on locker cleanout day. I don't think you have to worry about him. Broderick Jones, on the other hand, is staring down the barrel at a make-or-break year for him.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:12
Would the Steelers entertain a trade for Deebo? Maybe swap Deebo for Pickens? Don't like his contract but he has to be an upgrade over what they have don't you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
I think they would entertain it, but I wouldn't give up much. SF is on the hook for the contract. They'd have to eat most of it. Or the Steelers could just wait until SF releases him. He's a good player, but he only has one 1,000-yard season on his resume and that came in 2021.
epiballo
12:14
With the Eagles' D line dominant performance against KC, do you think that has focused the Steelers on drafting a D lineman more than it was? Surely that will be their first round pick, no?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
I think it was their first-round pick all along.
mrbig
12:15
hey the eagles showed you can win with a run game if you have the players & coaches! Do you think we're coming up short with players, coaches or both?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
Mostly on the players, but I certainly understand the criticism of Pat Meyer and Arthur Smith after the way the 2024 season unfolded for the running game and pass protection.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:16
Would the Steelers' draft preference be DL,WR,CB and RB with the first four picks in the draft or a different order?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
You have the right positions. Don't get hung up on the order. I think it's ether DL or WR in Round 1. The other probably in Round 2 and then you can get CB and RB in rounds 3 and 4.
Chill Dave
12:17
Hi Ray, Eagles got home rushing four playing cover 2.  Tomlin has shown for awhile that he wants the Steelers to do the same.  But are they too small to do so consistently?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
Too small or not good enough. The Eagles backup defensive linemen are better than anyone the Steelers have other than Cam Heyward.
Tampa Too
12:18
Ray. If you were GM, would you trade Pickens? Also who would be your choice for quarterback fields or Wilson?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
I'd trade Pickens and try Fields at QB, yes.
Tom P.
12:18
Ray, any info on Jones arm injury which clearly hampered his play in the early part of the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
No. If it was a big deal he would have missed games. Heck, he didn't even miss practice.
Bones
12:19
Good morning Ray. The Steelers in the "win now" mode is futile and will fail...maybe even have a losing season. That doesn't bode well for Cam, TJ and others late in their careers. Imo, roll with Fields and a few backups and see what happens. Use this year's and next drafts to rebuild the lines and offensive playmakers. Am I wrong?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
You are not wrong, but I'd be shocked if Art Rooney feels the same way. I know he doesn't
Tom P.
12:19
Ray any FA Defensive linemen the Steelers should attempt to sign before probably double dipping in the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
Javon Hargrave is likely to become available. I wouldn't invest big money in a free agent because this DL class is so talented.
Tampa Too
12:20
Ray. When does your next mock draft come out?
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