You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 03.30.21
powered byJotCast
Ray Fittipaldo
1:52
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
daniel11
1:52
Hello Ray, Would you be comfortable with Chucks-Dotson-Finney-DeCastro-Banner as our starting OL? IF not, what would be your fallback options?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
I don't know if "comfortable" is the right word. It's what might happen, and it would be nice if the Steelers drafted at least one lineman in the first two rounds and see if he can break into that starting five at some point during the season.
Gene
1:53
Hi Ray ie both Harris and Etienne are gone at 24 would you pick Williams or  OL?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
Williams ran a 4.55 at North Carolina's pro day yesterday. That doesn't thrill me if I'm considering him in the back end of the first round. Probably more value if you get him in the second round. He's a good back, runs hard, but 4.55 is pedestrian for a running back. So at that point maybe the Steelers would grab a lineman who could help in the running game. Or wild card: a defensive player.
Jeff
1:55
Thanks for the chats Ray and thanks for talking us all off the ledge.  In the end these moves were about money.  If there is one move you would have made given current cap situation what would it have been?  Keep Feiler?  Keep Hilton?  Sign starting center?   Seems like any one of those three would have eliminated a "need" in the draft
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
Everything they've done has been calculated. Yes, the cap played a big role in the shaping of the roster, but they know this is a good draft for offensive linemen so they let Feiler walk and didn't sign a high-profile center. Assuming they draft a lineman early then I can't really knock anything they've done. We all know the decreased cap meant this team was going to change.
Just a fan
1:58
With the “return” of Alualu do the Steelers view the new contract they gave to Wormley last week now as redundant or money that could have better been invested elsewhere?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
I'm not convinced they would have signed Wormley had they known Alualu would have a change of heart. I think maybe they thought they had to sign him after Alualu agreed to terms with Jacksonville. But it was a piece of welcome news for DC Keith Butler. Alualu remains a very good player and he was a big part of the run defense.
21-58-66
2:00
Ray - Have to assume the run game will be better this coming year which will hopefully give the Steelers a credible play action threat.  For the play action to be more successful, will BB have to spend more time under center?  Brady and Mahomes are very good at following through with the fake and it seems to be better when they start under center.  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
It would behoove him to do that, yes.
david
2:00
With Alualu coming back, our needs are at ILB, OLB , RB and C. If we were to choose among T Darisaw, CBFarley and ILB Collins, RB Harries/Etinne, who would be your choice?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I'd be good with Darrisaw or either RB.
Jimmy
2:02
We like you Ray, but not your recent mock sorry, you & zeise are my favorites.. rule of thumb # 1 nowadays: never ever draft a RB @ 24 or earlier unless is barry sanders, why? Simple: if you hit it right, he will hold out by year 3 or 4. Short carrers, etc. Just look at Leveon and Zeke at dallas fiascos.. No thanks! Creed Humphrey would be awesome, unfortunately hw will be long gone @ 55. Are you now with me?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
No.
DSR
2:02
Hello! I recall reading last year post draft, that the Steelers were going to teach Dotson how to snap. Any word on that this off-season, since there might actually be one?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
OTAs don't start for another month or two so we'll find out then, but he proved to be a good option at guard. Why move him with a guard spot open?
DaquidoBazzini
2:03
If Harris, Etienne and Williams were all there at #24....Who would you pick and why?
2:04
Who do you see as the teams very possibly to go RB in the 1st Round before the Steelers 24th pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
I'd go with either Etienne or Harris. One of those situations where you couldn't go wrong in my opinion. Etienne might have the edge because of his speed, but you're really splitting hairs. Both are NFL-ready three-down backs waiting to step in and start as rookies.
Ryan
2:05
What do you make of us sending a coach to the A&M pro day to check out Kellen Mond, just doing their homework or do you think there's a real chance we draft him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
Due diligence.
lamberto55
2:05
i think we would of been better off drafting or looking inhouse for a true nosetackle instead of bringing back a 34 year old converted defensive end, what do you think?????
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
This is not a good draft for defensive linemen.
Yancey
2:05
What are the chances Minkah is the one who gets the rich extension, but TJ gets a franchise tag in 2022? If they end up in a rebuild after this season, why break the bank for Watt entering his age 28 season if you're not going to be very good through the rest of his prime?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Watt is the first priority this offseason. Minkah is a 2018 draft pick so no need to extend him now. They can do that in the summer of 2022.
Melody
2:07
Ray, I really hope the FO select Zaven Collins if available 1st Rd, QB's and LB's win championships for you, like last year Claypool was the sure thing for years to come, Collins is this year version.. We always had great LB's let's keep it going.. If we dont select him he will end up in cleveland or baltimore and we will suffer twice, for not having him to also go against him.. Ughhh !! We have lost plenty on defense this offseason, go offense next Rd. Right?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Eh, I'd go offense. They're trying to maximize Ben's window. The offense stunk last season.
Bring Back Hanratty
2:08
Hi Ray.  Thanks for doing these.  What's the point in signing another running back that isn't a starter?  Whose spot do you think Ballage would take if he makes the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
I wouldn't put much stock into any of these signings at this stage of free agency. Just look at them as guys who will fill out the 90-man camp roster. They'll provide depth and competition at their positions.
Greg
2:10
Ray, would you draft a running back or offensive lineman with the 24th overall pick in this year's draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
All depends on who is still on the board.
SteelersFaninPatriotsNation
2:11
How likely is it that the Steelers do something somewhat unexpected in the first round, say picking an ILB or CB, instead of an RB or OL? Also, does the signing of Coward mean they look for OL help in later rounds of the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Given what happened in free agency and the cost-saving moves of dumping Williams and Nelson, I would not be completely surprised if a defender was the first pick. I still favor an offensive player, but it's not out of the question.
cmascaro
2:13
Hey Ray, if Mack Jones slides to the Steelers in the first round, QB isn't their #1 need right now but it will be next year. Is he too good to let get by because the truth of the matter seems to be, this isn't a Super Bowl roster with this O-Line and all the loses on defense.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Not for me. I'd pass.
Wisconsin Winters
2:14
Will Steelers have camp at St Vincent's this summer?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
That is their plan.
Artie Bridge
2:14
I've been pushing this idea for a while, but I think it's getting more realistic and affordable.  How about bringing James Connor back in a secondary role.  Realistic?  Likely?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Why?
Load More Messages
Connecting…