Gerry Dulac: OK kids, we're going to start our chat, so get those questions ready.
JB: Your thoughts on DB coach Tom Bradley? I believe a great hire
Gerry Dulac: Absolutely! A teacher, a fundamentalist, a stickler for tackling, just what some of those young secondary guys need.
atown jason: I've seen reports that steelers have 1.9 million in current cap room
atown jason: Try again, I've seen reports the steelers have 1.9 million in cap room. Does that number include the draft pool or will cuts be made post draft to create the cap needed to sign all the picks i.e. Wilcox, Sensabaugh or others. Thanks!
Gerry Dulac: If that number is correct, it does not include the draft pool for rookies
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Rahn: As a reporter, do you enjoy the format of late with it being stretched over three days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) or did you like the Saturday-Sunday schedule?
Gerry Dulac: I like Thursday and Friday. After that, ...... Zzzzzzzzz
Leaper: Are the Steelers concerned about Evans not running the 40 at the combine and his pro day?
Gerry Dulac: Nope
Rahn: If the Steelers get to host a draft, where would you guess it'd be located? Point State Park would be terrific, I think.
Gerry Dulac: Heinz Field
Leaper: Is Guice a realistic possibility at 28?
Gerry Dulac: Not really but you never know
Steeler Tattoo Susan: Why do players try to bring a runner down by crashing into him vs. wrapping their arms around him? I find it infuriating.
Gerry Dulac: That's today's NFL.
Ryno: I realize you don't follow the other teams as closely as the Steelers, but based on your knowledge, how many other teams do you think will be gunning for an inside linebacker in the first round?
Gerry Dulac: ILBs are rarely a big commodity in the draft in the first round. Usually never more than 2 or 3 teams.
bob: If all the targeted players are gone, whats the chance of drafting another cb and move an existing player to safety?
Gerry Dulac: Possible, but not likely
Jarvis "Ragdoll" Jones: What is keeping Mike Mitchell from finding a new job? Is it the fact he can't cover or tackle or does it have more to do with taking bad angles and running his mouth?
Gerry Dulac: Isn't that enough? The biggest reason is the the reason the Steelers got rid of him -- he can't run anymore.
Rick: Who does Troy have his issues with, Rooney's, Colbert, Tomlin or all of them? It seems odd he holds such animosity against the Steeler's who made him a very wealthy man. Thank you.
Gerry Dulac: Yeah, I'm not sure what all that is about. They actually kept him a year longer than they should have. They knew he was a liability in the back end because he couldn't run anymore, yet they still played him.
Jack: Do you think the Steelers will run more play action under Randy's new offense? I feel like Todd Haley abandoned it too often.
Gerry Dulac: I disagree that the Steelers abandoned that w Haley
Ryno: Tackling is taught to players from the time they start smurf, or pee wee leagues, so how can the most elite (NFL-level) football players still be bad at tackling?
Gerry Dulac: Because they go for the big hit and try to knock the guy over if not out. SportsCenter doesn't show highlights of nice tackles.
Wildman Bob: The Steelers seem to have a surprise pick in the draft every year (Juju,Golson, Archer,) any suggestions as to who that might be this year ?
Gerry Dulac: I wouldn't call JuJu or Golson surprise picks. But if you're looking for one, I'd say Darius Leonard, the LB from So Carolina State.
John Strange: What would be your prediction for the Steeler's record this year? Closer to 13-3 like last year or closer to 7-9 which would be Tomlin's first losing season? 10-6 would be straight down the middle.
Gerry Dulac: They are good enough to make another run at 13-3 again, especially if they can solidify the defense a little more...and stay away from key injuries. But, I will tell you this, Mike Tomlin will be under a lot more pressure from the fans and his critics this year. Last year, he was coming off an AFC title game appearance and tied for best record in the NFL, and yet people howled. After an early exit from the postseason at home in 2017, nothing short of a 16-0 regular season and a Super Bowl appearance will suffice in 2018 for those who already want to see him fired.
Jack: Your opinion on why JuJu was completely ignored in Rookie of the Year conversations/voting?
Gerry Dulac: Well, there were several outstanding rookies, but totally ignored? not sure why.
JamesinNYC: Am I the only one that that is happy to keep Bell for only one year? A long term deal might be cap friendly this year but than has to mathematically get worse.
Gerry Dulac: You're not alone JNYC, but you're in a small minority
Wayward: Any positions you think the Steelers double up on in the draft?
Gerry Dulac: ILB
Ryno: Any players you will be watching this season to see if age is catching up to them?
Gerry Dulac: I think they already parted with those players, but Ramon Foster and DHB do come to mind. I think the oldest guy on the team is fine
Jarvis : With Tomlin's pedigree in the defensive backfield, why do they always seem confused, unprepared and poorly coached?
Gerry Dulac: Maybe it's the players
TK: Do you think they're looking for a WR in the draft?
Gerry Dulac: They ALWAYS look at WRs in the draft.
ryanh: Colbert said the steelers need to be better stopping the run well that starts up front and a run stuffing NT will do that what rd do you see the steelers selecting one im a big fan of deandrin senat
Gerry Dulac: Yeah, and he will play 25 percent of the time. There is nothing wrong w Javon Hargrave
John Strange: How will the Steelers do against the Browns this year? Sweep them? Split? Get swept?
Gerry Dulac: We shall see
ryanh: Im not sure how closely you follow the draft but it seems like if the steelers want to replace shaizer fred warner from BYU would be the perfect pick he looks like a shaizer clone and matches shaizer in athleticism
Gerry Dulac: Uh, I kinda follow it a little....
Doyle37: Any discount by Big Ben on next contract ? Also, how many years would they sign him for ?
Gerry Dulac: I think they will extend his final two years into a four-year deal
ryanh: Do you think the steeler are to old school of a organization when u look at teams that are winning SB they take chances and risks and make aggressive trades the steelers never do any of that
Gerry Dulac: I think if you look at their success over the years, their approach is just fine. I look at those six Lombardi trophies every day to remind me of that
Ryno: What are you expecting as far as performance from Watt this season? He had a very solid rookie season, so I'm curious what you think we will see in his second.
Gerry Dulac: I think he will be even better. I like him.
Jay: Gerry, When is this year NFL Schedule announced?
Gerry Dulac: In a couple weeks. Right before the draft
Doyle37: Seeing your answer of the 6 trophies I think 4 were from a different era...read pre cap.
Gerry Dulac: Oh, OK. I'll go put stickers on those ones to make sure everyone knows the difference.
Gerry Dulac: That's all the time we have today kids. Chat next week. Thanx for the questions, at least most of them.
First Published: April 11, 2018, 1:23 p.m.
Updated: April 11, 2018, 4:06 p.m.
