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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 04.13.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:51
Let's talk Steelers.
21-58-66
1:52
Ray - Is Quinn Meinerz as good as the hype?  Do you think the Steelers might consider him for their need at center, or do you think they would go with a Division 1 center if both available when and if they decide to draft a center?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:54
Depends at what point in the draft. I have a few concerns about Meinerz. The level of competition is one of them. Another is the fact that he's never played center. He taught himself the position in the past year because Division III schools did not play in the fall. That's a concern as well. I've seen where he is mocked in the second round. That's a little high for me. I'd feel comfortable taking him in the third round. If it turns out he can't play center he could play guard. Ali Marpet went late in the second round a few years ago, and he turned out to be a very good player. He was a Division III player as well. There are some good players at that level. You just have to do all of your homework to make sure it's the right pick.
DaquidiBazzini
1:55
Ray- When do you think Landon Dickerson will be picked? Obviously his injury status plays heavily into that.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Yes many players are in Indy this week for the medical portion of the combine. His medicals will be huge. He suffered three season-ending injuries at Alabama. Teams are going to want to know how much tread is left on the tires. I think second round is the sweet spot for him. Maybe a team with two second-round picks. If the medicals are OK you probably feel comfortable rolling the dice at that portion of the draft.
Steeler in Virginia
1:56
Seeing so many national mock drafts with the Steelers picking an OLB with their first pick. I know these national writers rarely actually know the team, but talk me off the ledge please that the Steelers may ignore RB/LT/C with their first.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
The Steelers definitely have a need at OLB, but I'm not convinced they'll take one in the first round. They used the No. 102 overall selection in last year's third round to take Alex Highsmith to play after Bud Dupree left. Why make that investment if you were going to take a guy in Round 1 this year. I can see the Steelers taking an OLB in the third round or after this year. They need a player to play 20-25 snaps behind Highsmith and T.J. Watt. So I'm with you. Go offense early.
Milka-wut
1:59
Ignoring RB for the moment, do you think the Steelers would try to land the best center in round 1 in Dickerson, or would they opt to grab T. Jenkins if available and hope to get Humphrey in later rounds. How big is the gap between Dickerson and Humphrey if they pass on Dickerson.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I don't think it's a huge gap between Dickerson and Humphrey. And given Dickerson's injury history, Humphrey could be the safer pick. He's a quality player and should go in the second round.
Utah Jim
2:00
If they draft a Tackle doesn't it have to be someone that has played on the left?  They have at least three already on the right.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Right. That's what I'm thinking. Teven Jenkins is a popular pick for the Steelers in mock drafts, and he has almost no experience on the left side. I saw an interview with him where he said he's most comfortable on the right side. So I'd go for a left tackle in Round 1 if someone like Darrisaw was there. Otherwise, I'm going with another position and then get my tackle in the second or third round.
Merc
2:02
Ray, how much did McFarland’s stock drop with the Steelers coaches last season? Do they still like his potential?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
Hard to say he barely played in a difficult circumstance for a rookie. He didn't show me much, but I'm willing to give him another chance to see if he has any value.
HitMan
2:03
The only thing worse than Terrell Edmunds deep coverage and tackling over the past few years is his recent foray into rap music. In what round do we look for his replacement?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
I don't think safety us high on their list of priorities this year. They could use some quality depth, but if Edmunds is not retained beyond 2021 they can get their new starter in free agency in March or in the 2022 draft.
BrantonLuvMelvin
2:04
Will Justin Layne make the roster this year? His play last year was absolutely horrid. Most members of last year's Pitt secondary would be an upgrade.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
He's in the mix to play more this year with the departures of Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson. He controls what happens with his play.
TexStill
2:05
Some rumors around that Avery Williamson is coming back. Makes sense, but have you heard anything about it?
kevin in Punxsy
2:05
Hi Ray.  I have seen a number of mock draft preparers who say that the Steelers will take an ILB, to help Bush with covering receivers over the middle.  Do you see the Steelers taking an ILB with one of the 1st 2 picks?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
I doubt in Round 1, but it could happen anytime after that. Spillane is a nice player, but they should definitely get someone to push him and compete with him. If it's a second- or third-round pick, so be it.
Guest
2:07
If the top runback, is tbere at 24?  Do  you take him.  Instead of one of top OL. Such as a top center or offensive tackle .
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I'd lean RB because it's a deep tackle class and a center could be available at No. 55 as well.
Josh
2:07
Etienne or Harris....who would GM Fittipaldo take
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Harris.
TheHitManMiami
2:08
If the Steelers cannot draft a top rated RB in this year's draft, what is the game plan? With Connor signed in Arizona, there is minimal talent available in FA. Potentially very scary situation.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
They have a plan. They can probably find a starter in this draft. If not, they'll bolster the line and hope the likes of Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland can benefit from such a move.
Wayward
2:09
Hey Ray,  thanks for the chats.  How about ranking the Oline prospects that may be available to the Steelers in the 1st and/or 2nd round in order to how they fit what the Steelers are looking for?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Round 1 -- Darrisaw if he is available for reasons discussed above. Round 2 -- there are a number of possibilities. Probably too many to mention, but they should be able to find a starting right tackle for the long term in Round 2 or after.
Brian
2:11
Have you heard anymore about Avery Williamson signing? I heard that he mentioned it on his Twitter account. I hope so because I think he is a better option than Robert Spillane.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
I haven't heard, and the Steelers don't share your opinion.
cspicer@gwloans.com
2:11
Would you be on board with the first three Steeler picks being Harris RB in rd#1, Dickerson C rd#2 and Spencer Brown/ Walker Little OT rd#3? I think those are realistic spots for those players and would be a home run draft for the Steelers especially in regard to improving run game.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
I think that would be a really good draft at the top.
daniel11
2:12
Do you think Najee Harris not running the 40 yard dash will hurt his stock?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
No he showed enough on the field in my opinion.
david
2:13
I was hoping the Steelers to sign a veteran RB such as Marlon Mack for Giovani Bernard and focus on OL, LB, CB in the draft since this will be last all-in season before BB retires. Now it looks inevitable one of their top 2 picks will be spent on RB. What do you think of this strategy employed by KC/MT?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
When they let guys go in free agency they know what's coming in the draft. So they must feel comfortable with the RB, OL and CB prospects in this draft.
Nate
2:14
Hi Ray, love the chats!  Do you plan on doing another (at least 1st round) mock draft?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Yes my final mock draft will be published draft week. So stay tuned.
AK
2:14
I see Connor went to Pittsburgh West.  It doesn’t really affect things in the draft for the Steelers does it?  They still need to draft a starter.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Right. It was a foregone conclusion Conner was not going to re-sign with the Steelers.
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