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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.14.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
Welcome and let's get started.
Guest
1:58
Your most recent article beat me to the punch on asking whether Brian Branch was now a logical draft choice for the Steelers; but I was thinking at 17, not the 2nd round.  Can you see them doing that if Porter, Gonzalez and Witherspoon are gone?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I wrote about this today. I think Branch is a very good player, but I wonder about the value of a slot CB at 17. Coaches would have to be creative to get him on the field in all situations. And if he can play the run in base can he learn two different positions in year 1? Some things to consider, but I like him. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2023/03/14/pittsburgh-ste....
Guest
2:00
Ray , loved your last draft . I think most fans don’t know how fortunate the Offensive line was to go thru the season without an injury . So I believe it is a position of deep need .
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I do as well. They also need to upgrade at CB and DL.
Gman
2:01
Do you think Sutton leaving and the signing of PP changes anything? The need LT, DT, C, OLB and ILB.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Not really. If anything I think they might draft two CBs now -- an outside guy and a slot. Witherspoon, Wallace and Peterson all play outside. I know they have Maulet, but he comes off the field a lot in sub or depending on matchups.
Dan Stryzinski Fan Club
2:02
Did the Steelers offer to match what Sutton is getting from Detroit? I'd rather have Sutton at that contract than Peterson and the contract they gave him.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
Gerry has a story up on this subject. Apparently "nowhere close to the Lions offer." https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2023/03/14/pittsburgh-ste...
Hi Ray
2:03
Given the cap implications of Peterson, seems like a low risk play.  Don't see the problem in building depth as the Steelers we always going to need more than Sutton.  Wallace has one year left with little on the roster after that.  Draft one, sign another as prices come down.  Agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
They could sign another one, but eventually they have to build a younger CB room, right? And it's a great draft for CBs. Why not take advantage of the depth in the class?
Guest
2:04
I see Lavonte David is still unsigned. What do you suppose his price tag would be? I imagine it’d be a bit rich and splashy for the Steelers way of doing things (which I am ok with for the record) but still it’s a nice thought.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
You want them to recreate the Over The Hill Gang of Redskins lore? They already have a bunch of old guys. David is 33. They need to get younger on defense and find guys to replace the older players who are about to retire or leave.
Steel Russel
2:05
Hi Ray - Is Peterson it for big name free agents or will we see another surprise this week?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
He might be a big name, but with only $5.8 million in guarantees I'd classify the signing as mid-tier. And I think any other signings will be in the same range or lower. Not sure they're going to spend big on a big name. They'll look for value to fill in some holes.
Jay
2:06
Hello Ray.  Thank you for the draft coverage.  The steelers met with many 2nd and 3rd round Oline prospects, signaling they dont think the top 3 will fall to them at 17.  Very likely the top 3 CBs and Banks will be out as well.  Maybe Bresee at 17?  If DL is pick at 17 then perhaps CB at 32?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Pat Meyer was at Northwestern to watch Skoronski go through his pro day workout today. So they are doing their due diligence. I like Bresee, but he's had some injuries in his short college career. The Steelers would have to be convinced those injuries are behind him if they're going to use the No. 17 pick on him. WOuld love him at 32 if he's still there.
Rich
2:08
Seems to me Khan tipped his draft plans on getting a CB with a high pick.  Signing Peterson will be a good mentor for a young corner to learn from.  Make sense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Yes it does, but it's a deep class of CBs, and everyone knew they were going after one anyway. Every NFL teams has scouts who go through rosters and figure out other teams' needs. It's not exactly a secret.
KC in NY
2:09
Ray: Thanks for all the great work on these chats.  Much appreciated.  What’s your feeling on the PP pick-up?  I’ve read that he is a pro’s pro and can serve as a mentor to the younger DB’s (which I hope we see coming in the draft).  Is this really something the Steelers value? Or will this pick-up be judged 100% on whether PP still has “it”.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
I like it in that sense. He can mentor the younger players and hopefully play well in the process. It's basically a one-year deal though and it does little to provide them with any depth going forward at the position. They'll use the draft to fill out the rest of the room.
Guest
2:10
Hey Ray, do you think the Steelers should have kept Cam Sutton?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
I liked what Sutton brought to the defense, but they obviously had a price in mind to retain him and weren't willing to match the Lions' offer. These things happen in free agency. As Mike Tomlin is fond of saying: "It's free for them, and it's free for us."
Ray
2:11
Hi Ray, with the addition of Peterson to the secondary, would someone like Brian Branch make the ideal first round pick? An upgrade at safety and flexibility to play slot. Paired with Trenton Simpson, the defense could be remade very quickly. Would be great to hear your views.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
I agree but again asking a rookie to pick up two positions is a big ask.
Walter K
2:12
Who is higher on your draft board? Jack Campbell or Trenton Simpson?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Different types of ILBs so it depends on what the Steelers are looking for. Campbell would be more base defender with the possibility of playing in sub. Simpson might be the opposite. Fast and athletic, can spy QBs, possibly cover well. Not sure how he'd fit in base.
2:15
Some news before I get back to questions. Apparently Damonte Kazee is back on a two-year deal and the Steelers signed OL Nate Herbig.
Walter K
2:16
What makes mores sense (assuming they are both available at 32)? Schmitz (C from Minnesota) or Mayer (TE from ND)
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
I'd lean Schmitz because he's plug and play, but Mayer might be higher on their board. The nice thing about Mayer is he's an all-around TE. Can be used as an inline blocker. He's a capable pass catcher but not as good as Freiermuth in that regard. I just doubt they use a second-round pick on a TE unless they plan to use two TEs ALL THE TIME.
Nate from Fort Wayne
2:18
Hey Ray. Are you surprised at how much Tremaine Edmunds got compared to Kendricks, TJ Edwards and Pratt? Do you think Bobby Wagner will cost more than those 3 or about the same?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Edmunds is only 24. Obviously, the Bears think he can develop into a better player. You can argue he's not even in his prime yet. But to your point, the Bills basically chose Milano over him so you have to wonder if they believe he's maxed out his potential.
Jon in NC
2:19
Hi Ray -- hearing any whispers regarding the D-Line?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Nothing yet. I said this on the North Shore podcast yesterday. Larry O. lost out on big money when he failed his physical in Chicago. I think his agent is going to try to recoup some of they money for him. So I'm not surprised he's still on the board on Day 2 of free agency. I don't think they'll jump at any offer.
J$Money
2:20
Are the Steelers required to announce contract restructures by a certain date? What positions do you expect them to fill in free agency either with their own players or someone from another team? Thank you!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
No they can restructure any time, but many of them come this week so they can clear cap space to sign guys in free agency.
YinzerinMontreal
2:21
What’s not to like in the Peterson deal? His production last year shows he’s probably not finished and has most likely one good year left in the tank. (See also: Heyward.) And he’ll be an amazing mentor for the young cornerback they will inevitably draft next month. If his production is subpar they can ditch him after a year at little cost. It looks like a smart bridge move to me… Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
I think you hit the nail on the head.
Adam T
2:22
Hey Ray, probably going to get this question several times, but are you surprised the Steelers didn't snag a linebacker on a cheap deal? I guess there's still time, but sheesh, I can't believe how cheaply guys like David Long and TJ Edwards signed for. I know the Steelers are as stubborn of an organization as exists in pro sports, but why the loyalty to Myles Jack? I hate to grumble too much, I just can't believe THE STEELERS can't figure out the linebacker position all of a sudden.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
A little. Edwards and Long were mid-tier signings. I guess it might indicate they think they can get Spillane back and maybe draft an ILB.
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