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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.28.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:47
Good afternoon. We will get the chat started in a few minutes.
Nate
1:50
Were you surprised that the Steelers failed to draft an interior DT?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:51
Not really. This was not a deep draft for defensive linemen. Looking back, they were intent on drafting a QB. In any other year, maybe they would have made a move for Jordan Davis, but it wasn't in the cards this year due to the need or want to address the QB position in the draft.
Yancey
1:52
If the Steelers truly want to have a QB as ready to go as possible week 1, it seems foolish to try and spread snaps around 3 QB's during camp. How long do you think Rudolph will really be around, or at least have his snaps in August noticeably reduced?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
I think they'll have the pecking order sorted out by the first preseason game. Doesn't mean any of them won't be around for the final few weeks of camp, but I believe the snap distribution will be known by then.
Virgil
1:53
I liked the Mitch pickup. After drafting KP, I initially thought that MT had to fail or KP would be another first round bust. Considering how many first round QBs are busts, I now think that as long as the Steelers have their starter for the next decade - whether MT or KP - it is a win. What's your take?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
Starter for the next decade is a bit ambitious considering how other teams have struggled to find a long-term starter. All depends on how these guys learn the system, etc. I think the Steelers would settle for a nice three to four-year run by one of them. And let's be real -- Pickett is going to get every opportunity to be that guy after they invested a first-round pick in him.
Rahman chisty
1:55
Hi Ray, Thanks for the chat. Any chance we bring back Joe haden?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
Depends on training camp performance, injuries, etc. but I doubt it.
ZO
1:56
Does DJ play himself out of town this season?  If so, does that make keeping Claypool more of a priority moving forward if he rediscovers his ability to find the end zone and stretch the field?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
Hard to make any long-term plans for Claypool after the season he had last year. He has a lot to prove. As for Johnson, if a deal is not struck before the season, he's likely gone as a free agent. Christian Kirk struck it rich in free agency this year. Johnson is better than he is, so why would he settle for less?
Steelers Fanatic
1:57
Hi Ray, when looking at the Steelers draft picks over the past 10 years or so, I see a few successes such as Watt, but there are many more picks that hang around for a while and are eventually replaced, or not resigned.  Then they waste picks on players who are not serious candidates to contribute such as late round QBs and Cam's brother.  Are the Steelers serious about the draft as a source of future talent, are they incompetent at drafting players or just so arrogant that they think they can make something out of nothing?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
They've missed on a few first-round picks, and those mistakes have hurt them. But overall, their drafting continues to be better than average. Just look at the 2017 class. They drafted Watt, JuJu, Sutton and Conner. All four are starters in the league as they enter year 6. Watt is an All-Pro and Sutton is their highest-paid CB. JuJu and Conner went elsewhere in free agency, but the Steelers identified their talents and each had success here as starters and key contributors. Devin Bush has been disappointing, but in the same class came Diontae Johnson in the third round. Last year's class has a chance to be really good with Harris and Freiermuth looking like long-term starters. I'd suggest looking at the draft successes/failures for other teams.
Steeltown
2:02
Ray, I’ve asked this question on a couple of chats but have yet to receive an answer. I love Najee Harris, especially how tough he runs. The only thing I question is his ability to see the hole. Watching last year it seems like many times he would turn into the tackle instead of where the hole was opening up. He’s a good, tough runner, but not sure he sees the field as well as some of the greats. Comments?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Vision is certainly something all great RBs need to succeed. And I understand some of your concern. I would only say let's judge him behind a competent offensive line before making any hard judgments on his abilities after one year. Oftentimes, he was getting hit in the backfield last season. I can't blame him for having happy feet or not trusting the schemes because oftentimes he wasn't set up for success.
Bernard
2:04
Browns lol.  No specific question but just your high level thoughts on the situation, when Watson actually plays again, where that leaves the team in  the AFC North hierarchy this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
If Watson is indeed suspended for the season, I would have to put the Browns fourth in the division unless they find a way to mend fences with Baker Mayfield. I doubt that happens. It really is hard to believe they guaranteed him all of those millions without knowing the seriousness and depth of the allegations against him. Or maybe they did and thought they would weather the storm of bad publicity.
Robert Lehman in Yorktown, VA
2:06
Thanks for the chats, Ray. Do you know if Minkah has the abilities to play safety a good as Troy Polamalu and if yes, will Austin,  Flores, and Tomlin set him free to play in the same fashion?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Two very different types of safeties. Minkah is best and most comfortable playing centerfield and being a playmaker. That's where he's most valuable, and I think the Steelers understand that. He had to change his game last season because the defense was flawed. They sought to make improvements this offseason that they hope will allow him to get back to his 2019/2020 form.
Robert Lehman in Yorktown, VA
2:07
What prolific offense(s) has Matt Canada ever led?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Prolific? You might be waiting a while.
Robert Lehman in Yorktown, VA
2:08
Do you see the 2022 Steelers defense as a top 5 in the league caliber defense?  If not,  where do they rank?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
Not sure about top 5 because a lot of things come into play. But, given the talent and the coaching assembled, I think it would be disappointing if they weren't top 10 across the board in scoring, total defense and run defense.
Art's stogie
2:09
What is the working dynamic between Coaches Austin and Flores? If they are able to to be non-territorial and non-threatening, respectively, then why in the world would HCMT need to call the shots on game day? Maybe this is the year to become "Game Day OC"? Maybe he would not "run out of plays" late in close games?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
The buzz word this spring was "collaborating." That's what they said when they were asked about how they would work together, how the defense would come together. It's only late June. Camp is still a month away. I think much of this is still to be determined.
Mercury
2:10
If Watson is suspended for the season can you imagine the Browns being interested in Mason Rudolph as a back up to Brissett?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Oooh. Would his locker be next to Myles Garrett's?
Ryan
2:12
I really like the way this team is being assembled.  No reason to think they cannot remain competitive during this "rebuild."  This is the Steelers way.  Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I agree for the most part. The pieces are in place on defense. The offense? Well, it depends on the QB play. I also think they might need to address the OL again before I feel really good about anything on that side of the ball.
Steelers fan 35
2:13
Hi Ray When do you think Chris Boswell will get a new deal and do you think will be able to afford him where can you see him walking in free agency
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Could happen anytime between now and the beginning of the season. Place kickers aren't that expensive. I think they'll find some common ground and get something done.
Robert Lehman in Yorktown, VA
2:14
Who is the Steelers best offensive lineman?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
To be determined. My money is on James Daniels being a good signing.
Robert Lehman in Yorktown, VA
2:14
Why should the Steelers keep Derek Watt on the roster?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Special teams.
Robert Lehman in Yorktown, VA
2:14
Who is the Steelers best cornerback?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Good question. They're all about the same if you look at their salaries. Sutton is making $4.5 million and Witherspoon and Wallace $ 4 million a year.
Robert Lehman in Yorktown, VA
2:15
Is Boswell the second best kicker in the NFL behind Justin Tucker?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
If not, definitely top 3-5.
Guest
2:15
Bengals were only a half game better than the Steelers last year.  Steelers were second in the division.  We are improved at ILB, DL, OL, WR, and probably QB.  Why are expectations so low for 2022?  I see 11-12 wins as very achievable.
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