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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.07.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
Post your questions and we will get started.
Utah Jim
1:54
The Steelers have not had an effective run game since the first half of the 2018 season even with Ben and AB to back off defenses. I believe the issue is an aging OL that was just compounded by the problems at QB in 2019 and getting Ben back will only help slightly. The OL is the oldest in the league and didn’t get all that younger with the addition of Wisniewski. Shouldn’t addressing the OL be the top priority in the upcoming draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
While I agree with you that the Steelers will begin to rebuild their offensive line through the draft, I disagree that they didn't get younger. Foster was 34. If Matt Feiler is the left guard he is 27. If Chuks Okorafor is the right tackle he's 22. So you have to look at it that way. Sure, If Wisniewski wins the starting job that wouldn't be the case, but I think his versatility on the inside is why they signed him. They needed a backup guard and center. He'll be given every chance to compete for a starting job, but if not he's the top backup on the interior. I think you'll see them draft an OT with one of their first four picks.
Lloyd's 3-Count
1:57
What compromising photos did the Steelers have on Goodell to get out of Hard Knocks? No one wants to watch LA football, not even people in LA.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
Remember when the Steelers played all those national TV games on Christmas and Thanksgiving? And remember when the NFL had the Steelers play in the Hall of Fame game this summer? All of those things are important for the league. The Steelers jack up TV ratings. They're a cornerstone franchise for the league. Art Rooney II, in all likelihood, brought that to the commissioner's attention and cashed in a favor.
Utah Jim
1:59
I’ve read in some places the salary cap could go up by $40M for 2021. I understand Ben’s 2021 cap number will take up half of that, but even so why couldn’t the Steelers keep Bud and TJ? When Ben likely retires after 2021 there should be plenty of money for Watt, Fitzpatrick, Bush, and others.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
You are correct. That's why they have a capologist -- for long-term planning like that.
Lloyd's 3-Count
1:59
What did you think about DeCastro's omission from All-Decade Team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I would have him put him on before Logan Mankins, that's for sure. Mankins hasn't played in the league since 2015, and he was never the same player after leaving New England.
Matt
2:00
Hey Ray, so which one is it, we need some playmakers on offense because of how dreary it was last season OR we can't truly judge the offense's capability without Ben? These appear to be contradictory viewpoints.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Why does it have to be 'or'? Obviously, they missed Roethlisberger's presence on offense. Any team would. But it's also true they lack a playmaker on the receiving corps. They have different types of receivers with different skill sets. But they lack that fast WR that can stretch the field or make plays from the slot.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:02
If Steelers draft a WR in round two, what's the likelihood Juju stays after this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
If they don't sign JuJu before the season they can franchise him after the season. So I don't think one has to do with the other.
AK
2:02
I don’t believe the mock drafts that have the Steelers taking a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round.  Do you think that would be a wasted pick?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Yes. Those are mock drafts by national writers that don't pay close attention to what's going on in Pittsburgh. I just can't see them drafting a QB when Roethlisberger has two years left on his contract.
Guest
2:04
Do you think the Steelers are more likely to take an RB or WR at 49?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
Honestly might depend on their board. If they really like an RB that's still on the board they might go that route. If not, they'll probably go WR because there are so many good ones in this draft and a really good one is bound to fall to 49.
zbluez1
2:05
Ray, If the Steelers draft a WR in round 2, and a RB in round 3, who do you think that RB target would be ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Well at 103 the top ones will obviously be gone. So you'd be getting into the range of Zach Moss and AJ Dillon from Boston College. Not sure if either fits the Steelers needs for a future three-down feature back.
KK
2:07
Do you think the Steelers may resign Barron at a lower salary?  If they did so, I assume it would be after the draft is over if they didn’t draft an ILB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
He hasn't signed elsewhere so that remains a possibility.
Guest
2:08
Ray, It seems to me if you call something your "base" defense you should use that formation more than any other. Yet the Steelers use both the 2/4 and 2/5 more than the 3/4. I think it is important to note this because later this year (assuming there is a season) when they have trouble stopping the run and folks complain about the 3/4, the first thing we should recognize about the Steelers 3/4 is they don't use it and they will not fix the run defense until they do. What say you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
That's sub-package football in today's NFL. Sometimes you have to sacrifice one thing to be strong at another. There are times Mike Tomlin will readily admit he gave an opponent rushing yards in exchange for being better against the pass in a certain game. It's part of the chess game between coaches. The question for the Steelers is whether they can be stout when they need to be against teams like the Ravens and Titans and Bills -- teams that want to run the ball down your throat. They had some issues late in the season so they'll have to fix it, but they are well aware that sub-package football isn't necessarily the best defense for stopping the run.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:11
Before 2019 season, there were a number of coaches new to their position. Setting aside Ray Sherman, how would you grade the other 1st year coaches?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
The first-year coaches were Shaun Sarrett and Eddie Fauklner at OL and RB. Honestly, given everything that took place last season I'm not sure it's fair to grade either. Tough circumstances for both.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:12
With all official team activities shut down at the time, can players practice and train unofficially?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Of course, it might be unconventional training, but they are free to work out in their home gyms or at their local parks. As you might imagine many NFL players have sweet at-home gym set-ups. I've also seen a bunch of guys pushing cars uphill and things of that sort. You might have to get creative, but you can train during the pandemic.
LeboBrian
2:14
How do you think the CV has impacted potential draft picks?  Interviews can be done online, film can be studied.  Most athletes have some measurables on file.  Do teams depend more on trusted relationships with agents?  Do you see more late round sleepers available?  I'd like your opinion please.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
I think the teams with strong scouts that did their homework in the fall will do the best in the draft. Those that rely heavily on the combine, pro days, top-30 visits might struggle. The good teams will rely on their scouts and look at the college tape.
Pat
2:16
Ray, if the Steelers think based on what’s available @ 49 they can still get someone of those many @ 59 or so, and the opportunity present itself to trade down and get an extra late 3rd/early 4th in the process.. Honestly I Would based on getting a good pick in return specially having only 6 picks. Would you do it or why not? Thanks for sharing chats guys!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
I won't rule that out, but there is a very good possibility they'll like someone at 49 and take him.
Mary Lynn
2:17
Hi Ray..thanks for the chats. With the unusual draft procedure coming up, any idea how many Steelers’ coaches, scouts and management will be involved in the process?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
All team personnel will be holed up in their own homes for the draft. The NFL sent out that memo to teams yesterday. So I would imagine they'' be in constant communication via phone and email, discussing what they're going to do. GMs can still work the phones for trades, etc.
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:18
If the Steelers draft an RB in the second round, who is the odd man out for 2020?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Plenty of time for that to play out, but I would imagine Trey Edmunds and Kerrith Whyte will be competing for the final RB spot.
Raymund
2:20
Ray: if we don’t go RB early ( I wouln’t ) would you still be alright getting one in the Fourth or later? Or in your view is get one of the Top 5 ( likely we know who they are ) early or skip altogether till next year based on few picks he have to address many depth needs in other positions that are more needed.. thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Yes you are on the right track. They've drafted a lot of RBs in the fourth and fifth rounds in recent years. You don't necessarily need another project. You need a future starter after James Conner's contract expires. So your line of thinking is spot on. Get the guy you want in the second round and then be very selective thereafter. There might not even be a RB taken in the draft if it's not one of the top guys at 49.
Artie Bridge
2:21
Ok Ray.. selection #49 is up and Chase Claypool is still on the board, along with one or two of the more highly-touted rb's, a few good ol's.  Who you gonna call?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
If Jonathan Taylor or Cam Akers is still on the board I'm going to take them over Claypool.
DaquidoBazzini
2:23
Hi, Ray - What are your thoughts on RB Jonathan Taylor having a pretty decent amount of carries and fumbles in his college career? I think he's potentially a real good RB, but those are a couple question marks.
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