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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.24.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:52
OK let's get the chat started a little early. I have some interviews at 1 so I'll have to end this around 12:45.
Stairway to seventh seed
11:52
Ray: in the Tomlin era, I often was critical of the Steelers for overvaluing size at corner, speed at ILB, and quickness on the OL.  This led to a lot of acquisitions of big corners that couldn't cover, fast ILBs that couldn't shed blocks, and quick offensive linemen that could get bull rushed.  Which of these philosophies do you think will be gone with Tomlin and which are more organizational?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:55
This is a good question, Stairway. I recall with Tomlin and former DC Teryl Austin they were enthralled with those tall corners with length. They thought they could shut down those outside passing windows for QBs between the numbers and the sidelines. Obviously, Porter has turned into a good player but some of the other big corners they've brought in haven't worked out so it will be interesting to see if new DC Patrick Graham has similar thoughts on that or not. As for the ILBs, you do need fast ones and ideally ones who can play the run. Those players are rare, which is why you see specialized personnel in those roles. The Steelers have Queen as the every-down guy with Payton Wilson as their cover LB and Malik Harrison as their designated run stopper. It's hard to find players who can excel in all areas.
11:57
And I think with respect to offensive linemen some schemes require more athletic players to get to the second level. Zone blocking teams need a little more athleticism to execute their schemes. Other teams can run power with maulers up front so it's really in how you coach them or implement them into your offense. I think with McCarthy and Angelichio they'll lean more to zone schemes than power but we'll see. We haven't had a chance to talk to the coaches in depth about what they're going to do.
Jeff
11:58
If we make the playoffs this year isn't it reasonable to assume that we'll have a better chance of winning an actual playoff game no matter who the quarterback is?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
Too early to tell on that. We don't even know for sure who the QB will be.
Jeff
11:59
With Maxx Crosby kind of on the outs with the Raiders wouldn't it be better for us to trade him straight up for Watt?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
If the Raiders trade Crosby it will be because they're building for the future. Why would they want another middle-aged edge rusher in return?
Chrissy
12:00
Ray, I hope you have a great time at the combine.  Does the fact that Omar Khan indicated that Broderick Jones might not be ready for training camp change the draft/free agent strategy?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:01
That's a good question. You can read more about that here: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2026/02/24/nfl-scouting-c....
12:02
But in the end, I think Dylan Cook's emergence late in the season gives them some comfort. In other words, if it's the worst-case scenario with Jones, then Cook showed them he's capable. They'd have to bring in a veteran as insurance, but I don't get the idea they'd draft another offensive tackle early if that's what you're asking.
George T
12:03
Ray, looking to the 2027 draft are there any free agents we may lose that could get us additional draft picks in 2027?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
Not as many as last year and certainly not the guys like Dan Moore who will sign a big deal. You have Gainwell and others who could hit the market, but they won't approach the quality of comp picks they got for this year I don't think.
62 Stack Monster
12:04
Hello Ray.  With all these draft picks, why not take a flyer on Drew Aller?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
I would not be opposed to that in the right round. He's a guy who has the size and the arm to play in the NFL. He just never really put it all together at PSU I'm sure that's troubling for evaluators, but if the Steelers are looking for someone who is raw they can mold he's a good candidate. The question is where is he a value pick? Third round? Steelers have three of those so maybe.
Mike From PH
12:06
Hello Ray - what do you think the feeling is in the front office about Tomlin skipping town without even a word to the fans?  Art was left to do all the explaining and MT just took his boatload of $ (made possible by the fans) and said c'ya.  I think it shows a real lack of class and one could even use the term "ungrateful jerk"...
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
I don't think that's even on their radar. Once Tomlin made his decision they had to get to work on hiring a new coach and then building a staff. As Khan said today's it's been a grind for the past month, but he feels like they're almost caught up.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:07
Hi Ray thanks for the chats! Where are the Steelers on Malik Willis? Are they interested or only interested at the right price or are they going to wait for Rodgers again and do the same dance as last year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
If Rodgers wants to come back he's the guy.
Gene
12:07
Is there any news on how Broderick Jones is since his neck surgery?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
Addressed this a few questions ago. At the very least, I would say the situation is uncertain.
Nicholas
12:08
Hello Ray, besides QB, what do you believe are the Steelers top positions of interest at the combine?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:09
Receivers, corners, safeties...Khan didn't dismiss more linemen either when we spoke to him earlier today.
Barry in MD
12:09
Have negotiations with any of our free agents began. Gainwell maybe
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
Yes there have been discussions, but Khan said these negotiations always seem to go up to the deadline.
Mark Katy, Tx
12:10
Thanks for the chats Ray! If Peter Woods is available at pick 21, do you think the Steelers will consider drafting him to improve our run defense, even though we all know we need wide receivers?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
The problem with this group of interior defensive linemen is they're really good against the run but aren't accomplished pass rushers at this stage of their development. So it's the age-old question. When do you draft a two-down player? It's still probably not the first round, but the Eagles made that plunge with Jordan Davis a few years ago. I guess there are certain talents where it makes sense. But knowing the Steelers and the way they operate I think they'd rather get that type of guy in the second round.
Ryan
12:12
Ray will the Steelers release Jonnu smith to get more cap space i think they should
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
I think that's a strong possibility.
Jim Bow Dean
12:13
Isn’t the smart move being to not extend Herbig this offseason? He’s going to want close starter money, and you can’t invest that much in one position. I say let the season play out and if Watt continues to decline maybe move on and then pay Herbig.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
You can never have enough good edge rushers. Khan said that today, but there are only so many snaps to go around. It's the deepest position on their roster, and I think they have to consider all of their options considering the circumstances.
Jim Bow Dean
12:14
Shouldn’t every draft include at least one OL or DL? I think the last few Super Bowls have shown with dominate trench play you can win without an elite QB.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
Depends on how many picks you have, but we've seen how important it is to Khan. He's made 21 picks since taking over as GM and 9 have been either OL or DL.
Pittfan
12:16
Hi Ray. Is it worth spending a 1st round pick on a player some have described as a Kenny Pickett type of player? I'm sure you know I'm referring to Simpson.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
No, and I don't get the idea the Steelers re strongly considering a QB in Round 1.
Bpos
12:17
Going all in, other than for Mendoza, whose the one guy you'd trade up for to get even if it costs the farm?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
You don't trade the farm unless it's for a QB and there aren't any QBs worth trading the farm for this year.
Nico
12:18
Hey Ray, hope you’re enjoying Indy.  Any idea if the Steelers have interest in signing one of the Browns’ free agent offensive linemen?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
They might have a hole to fill at left guard, but I haven't heard anything specific about any of the Cleveland OL. Aren't they all free agents?
Titan in Charlotte
12:19
Ray, Like many fans, I’d be very surprised, and honestly disappointed, if the Steelers used their first-round pick on a quarterback. Is there a quarterback outside of Round 1 who strikes you as a potential “sneaky” target? Someone who, if they drafted him on Day 2 or later, would make you think, “Okay, this might be the guy they like enough to roll with this season”?
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