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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 2.19.18
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:50
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Le't s get started.
Guest
11:50
I read that the Steelers are intent on signing Bell to a long term contract. Even if he were Jim Brown, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders all rolled into one (which he's not) I don't think any running back in today's game is remotely worth the kind of money they're going to pay him; and the Steelers can least afford it since even a healthy Bell couldn't take them to the promised land. What the heck are they thinking????
Ray Fittipaldo
11:52
The Steelers like to sign star players when they are in their prime years. Bell just turned 26 so they believe he has several more quality years ahead of him. As I wrote today, the Steelers are a bit top-heavy in their salary structure, but plenty of other teams operate on a star system, too. Here is the link to the story that was published this morning: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2018/02/19/le-veon-bell-fr...
Moose
11:52
Chances that we move back in the draft to try and recoup some lost picks?  I think we are too far back to get the top tier players that we need, and we will end up reaching for players that we could get in the second round.  Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:55
They have seven draft choices so I'm not sure what you mean when you say recoup. There is some misinformation out there that they've traded away too many draft picks. In the Vance McDonald trade for example they basically got McDonald for about 10-15 draft slots. They gave them their fourth round pick for their fifth round pick and McDonald. They also got a seventh round choice for Ross Cockrell. It's not ideal that they don't have fourth or sixth round picks, but McDonald is a starting TE, and they like him.
Moose
11:55
How many years are left in Gilbert's contract?  I was wondering if it would be more prudent to cut him and keep Hubbard.  I was impressed with Hubbard while Gilbert was out, plus he is versatile.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:57
Don't think that would be prudent. He has multiple years remaining on his contract and he's one of the best run-blocking right tackles in the league. Plus, it would be a big dead cap hit if you did it now. Hubbard was a valuable reserve for many years. They'll miss his versatility, but Gilbert is still young and should be an above average player again next season if he can avoid the injuries and drug suspension that marred his 2017 campaign.
Moose
11:57
Other than R. Smith from Georgia, I don't see any draft talent at ILB that can even come close to replacing Shay.  There aren't even any FA's at that pos worthy.  Is there any ILB around the league that could be a trade possibility?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:58
Not sure I agree with you. Rashaan Evans is a guy who likely will go in round 1. Vander Esch from Boise State is starting to get some buzz. Bottom line: the Steelers will get Shazier's replacement via the draft or free agency, not a trade.
mtsteel
11:58
Hi Ray. Brian Cushing was released today.  You think he is somebody the Steelers would like or has his time passed in the league?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
Was a good player early in his career. Too old and slow now. Plus, he's been suspended for performance-enhancing drugs in the past. Why go after him when there are better and safer options?
Danikan
11:59
Good day Ray: What are the chances that the Steelers sign any of the following free agents; Lamarcus Joyner, Truman Johnson, or Aaron Colvin? Also which top ILB will they pursue if any?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
ILB Avery Williamson is a name to watch in free agency. He's been a starter in Tennessee and would likely have an easier transition into this defense because he played for Dick LeBeau. I'm not high on any of the guys you mentioned coming to the Steelers in free agency.
Kyle
12:00
I know the Steelers aren't usually big movers on draft day with the last big move being for Troy Polamalu.  Does Derwin James of Florida State have the same potential as Polamalu?  How far down the draft would he have to fall in order for the Steelers to make a move?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:01
They'd likely have to make a big move to get James. I've seen mock draft where he goes in the top 15. Trading up from 28 into the teens is expensive. Maybe though if he fell for some reason. Lots of time between now and draft day.
mtsteel
12:01
Hi Ray and thanks. So do we have to draft an OLB fairly early this year as well?  This could be Dupree's last year, correct? Seems like we have very little depth there, #'s 48 and 90 then a huge drop off?...Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
I think too many other needs. You start Dupree and hope he plays better. If not, then it's back to the drawing board and in search of an OLB in round 1 in 2019. Can't do it now, not with ILB, S and even WR more important to them in 2018.
Steve from Duncannon
12:03
Hello RP. should things go south with L Bell, and we can't keep him, is there a back-up plan? what RB's might we target in the draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
Guice from LSU, Brown from USC are good options in round 1 though I don't see the Steelers using a first-round pick on an RB. Luckily for them, it's a deep draft for RBs. Really, no need to take one in round 1 especially with so many other needs.
Steve from Duncannon
12:04
are there any O and D lineman that we have an interested in?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
Sure but probably not until the middle or later rounds. Not a big need.
Mark from Sauquoit N.Y.
12:05
Ray, Do you believe that when Mike Tomlin took more control of D that it didn't progress like Butler's first year in control where the defense improved as year went on?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
I know Mike was more involved in the defense but honestly how much and to what extent is guesswork for us. The Steelers aren't telling us if Mike makes calls, is running meetings, etc. So it's hard to answer your question. But whether it's Mike or Butler or a combination of both, the defense has to improve next season if the Steelers want to win a Super Bowl. Been that way for a few years now.
Mark from Sauquoit N.Y.
12:07
Do you think that Steelers need to get back to having a NT to clog the middle like when BIG SNACK was playing? I don't care about a NT doesn't play all downs, they need to get back to Steeler football.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
Yes a nose tackle like Hampton would help, but the Steelers haven't been interested in investing a high-round pick in a player that will likely play 25-33 percent of the snaps in a given week. They used a third round pick on Javon Hargrave. He played fewer than 50 percent of the snaps and many of those were a result of Tuitt's injury and him bumping out to DE some. If they invest a high pick in a DL it will be on someone who has versatility beyond being just a nose.
Todd from Columbus OH
12:08
The Steelers have made signing Bell to a long term contract a priority. Why would we do that when we could draft a rb like psu's Barkley and save money with a younger player? Seems like a waste to sign a vet rb when he has a few more years left at 26 yrs old?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
26 is not old. Bell is in his prime years. The question, however, is at what point do the touches catch up with him? If he signs a four-year deal for $60 million, will the Steelers get diminishing returns when he's 29? That's the question.
Matt
12:10
Ray, obviously this is going to be a defensive draft coming up for the Steelers. My question is about S. I keep hearing Sutton might get moved there. What’s the point? He’s a good CB. Draft a S in either the 1st or 2nd round. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
I agree with you. I think Sutton played well at CB in his limited number of snaps there late in the season. I think his versatility is a plus and he could move there if the safeties they like are drafted before they pick. But ideally, I think they get their future safety in the draft.
Matt
12:11
Mitchell, Sensabaugh & Gay all prob cut soon, correct?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
I would think Mitchell and Gay would happen soon. Not so sure about Sensabaugh. He could be a relatively cheap veteran who could be the fifth or sixth CB on the roster. The way I see the CBs in 2018: Burns and Haden as starters and Hilton in the slot. Sutton top reserve and the sixth DB in the dime. Sensabaugh and Allen filling out the roster. If you cut Sensabaugh then you'd have to draft another CB or sign one in free agency.
Matt
12:13
Steelers close to signing Chickallo, Boswell soon?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
Bell is first priority. Once his situation has some resolution I think you'll see some movement on Boswell. Chickillo can sign anytime. He won't cost that much if they want to keep him, and they pretty much have to considering their depth at OLB.
MinnesotaSteeler
12:15
Hey Ray!  Love your chats!  Who would you take with all in their prime, rank 1 to 4? AB, Hines, Swann, or Stallworth?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
84, 88, 82, 86.
Peezy
12:15
Hi Ray - I'm interested in  your assessment of Artie Burns' through his first two years. Really seems to excel in man coverage as evidenced by his passes defensed on go/post routes, but just seems to get lost in zone coverage. Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
Burns can stand to improve in all areas to be honest. Lots of ups and downs in his second season. Need to see more consistency out of him.
Rick
12:16
Hey Ray, I fill they really need to sign McDonald...The Jacksonville game showed what he is capable of doing..He just needs to stay healthy,and I know there's no guarantees but man what that offense could do if he was heathly a whole year....
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
I agree. Had two injuries last year and had some injury woes in San Fran. If he can stay healthy he's a nice piece for the offense.
Rick
12:16
Ray, Do you think getting a safety is as important as getting a couple of linebackers?
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