Brian Batko: Good evening, friends! It's NFL draft night, and for the ... third, maybe? ... year in a row, I'm here chatting with you for it. Adam Bittner is here as well.
Brian Batko: Say hi, Adam.
Adam Bittner: It's me. Let's jam.
slazar19@earthlink.net: How many hotdogs will be eaten at the draft?
Brian Batko: By us? None, that I know of. In Nashville? I'd hope they're going for hot chicken instead.
The Duke: Any chance the Steelers stand pat in the first round but trade up to get an early second round pick?
Heath Miller Fan: Gentlemen, in a draft deep with prospects between rounds 2-4 does it make more sense for the Steelers to load up & use the4 draft picks they have? They need talent & depth.
Brian Batko: Shout out to The Duke, who dropped us this question like four hours ago. He's a real one! Anyway, I think I'd actually place my money on the Steelers standing pat, if I had to.
Adam Bittner: I think there's a lot of merit to quantity over quality, given the Steelers' track record of usually finding two or three impact players in drafts that they have 10 or more picks. If you're going to trade up, you have to be sure.
Dude_From_Cali: Welcome, Brian Batko! Who would you choose the first 3-4 picks if you were GM for a day?! Welcome aboard!
Brian Batko: Thanks, Dude. I appreciate you reminding me that I should point out I am now officially official on the #TeamPG Steelers beat with Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo.
I am the next man up.
Zachory Quinto Drives A Pinto: Does Darnell Savage have a chance being this year's Edmunds "Surprise #1 Steelers Pick"?
Adam Bittner: Our Ray Fittipaldo had the Steelers taking Savage in the second round in his final seven-round mock draft. Seems like he might be a reach in the first.
Ron from SoCal: Hello Brian- and Adam, seems like it has been a LONG year since our last chat. Quite a year to forget. Thanks for hosting - great to be back
JuJu 2017: The Steelers should trade up for Devin White only.
Brian Batko: All the draft prospects who are in attendance in Nashville are currently walking across the stage, at least on the ESPN broadcast we're watching. Josh Allen, the DE/OLB from Kentucky, has a tremendous suit on.
rman: What am I suppose to be seeing inside these guys sports jackets?....They selling watches that are hot?
Brian Batko: By the way, as a PSA, I went back and looked at the past few drafts, and if the Steelers stay at No. 20, expect the pick sometime between 10:20 and 10:30. You're welcome!
RZ: Any juicy Steelers rumors to share?
Ryno: Profootballtalk claims the Steelers gave been on the phones trying to move up. They y pick later than 20, so is this the year to go for it???
Brian Batko: The rumor mill has been churning all day, RZ and Ryno. First it was that the Steelers ARE one of the teams calling about moving up. Now, the latest I've seen is that they probably won't find a feasible deal to make that happen.
As I said above, I'll side with history and say they decide to stay at 20. IF I were GM for a day, as someone asked earlier, personally, I would be trying to do just about everything I could to grab Devin White or Bush.
Z'ing by 20: I like moving up if White is available. Don't like it for the second best player at the position.
Dewey: We need a ILB..........the BEST ILB is still on the Board (Devin White)............do whatever it takes to go get him....................we have 3 and 1/2 hours to 'Get R; Done'...........no matter the cost..............just do it...........
RealityMan: If we cannot trade up and get Bush I really hope we do not go CB with 1:20. No clear pick and likely to get one in a later round that is not that much different which is ok because our starters are set for this year. Really love to see an impact WR, or one of the two TE’s or even a top S. Also, if we don’t trade up in RD1 use some ammo to go up in RD2 or RD3 where many good players still to be had.
Brian Batko: I think Adam and I are thinking on different planes about this: Where I'm at, the Steelers don't have THAT many needs. They signed reasonable-to-decent free-agent options at three of their need positions. So why not put together a package where you can get an instant-impact guy?
Adam's thinking is more that no one is truly a sure thing, and what smart teams in the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE like to do is stockpile picks and increase their chances of striking gold. I get that, too.
B: Let's trade for Patrick patterspn!
Brian Batko: The NBA guy?
BuccoBil: Why not use one of the backup QB's in a trade for more draft pics. I believe Macon would bring in a nice return.
Brian Batko: I don't know about that. Arizona is probably dangling Josh Rosen to teams, and he was a first-rounder last year, not a third-rounder.
Anne O nymous: Brian, will we still be having this chat when the draft begins and will you be announcing the picks?? I am not near a TV tonight.
Brian Batko: Yes, this chat will go until the Steelers make a pick, at which point, Adam and I will hop on Facebook Live to discuss/debate/etc. So keep it here until then!
And, of course, if you're enjoying this - as well as our day-to-day coverage - consider subscribing to the P-G: https://my.post-gazette.com/purchase/?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=web...
Brian Batko: How we feeling about Devin Bush, folks?
RonK: Last year, drafting the 5th best ILB wouldve gotten us Darius Leonard, but this year if the Devins are gone, I'd like to see them draft an impact WR. Drafting CBs doesn't seem to work out. What say you?
Adam Bittner: The Steelers have made a nice living drafting receivers in later rounds, though. So there are two sides of that coins to consider.
Mister Sofia Vegara: Don't know about his haberdashery skills, but Bush has all the football skills the Stillers need at Inside Linebacker!
Brian Batko: Not gonna lie, I had to google haberdashery
Steelman: I’m not high on any of these corners. They are all 2nd and 3rd talents. Hope we don’t reach Artie Burns II. If the Devins aren’t there hope they look at Ferrell from Clemson, he’s a beast and opposite of Watt is powerful! What say you?
Adam Bittner: Brian Burns of Florida State is another name that's come up as a possible consolation prize who could bolster the pass rush. I like it. If you're not confident in the corners available, then drafting someone who can make life easier for the corners you already have makes a lot of sense.
HappyNCharge: If they give up as much as they'd have to for a top 10 pick...you'd think it would be a QB. It's definitely not a QB pick...just seems like a lot.
pdxJaxon: Gimme Devin or Gimme Death
Brian Batko: I think my shtick tonight might be to compare draft picks to Game of Thrones characters. Should I do this?
Adam Bittner: Yes. But it will go over my head.
RonK: I had LB Leonard as a first rounder last year, did you??
Brian Batko: He was NFL defensive rookie of the year, right? Yeah, definitely, I did.
Count Floyd > Chilly Billy: Do the Steelers consider Fant at 20? That'd be awfully scary for opposing Defenses in the AFC North!
Adam Bittner: Generally with you, Happy. Though our Gerry Dulac made a good point yesterday. Bush has potential to be a "quarterback" for the defense.
Brian Batko: A TE is actually a pretty intriguing Steelers option to me. In an NFL world where defenses are getting smaller, but faster, to match up with spread-out, pass-happy offenses, why not start building your offense the other way a little bit? Pair another top tight end with Vance McDonald and see how teams try to stop that.
Dude_From_Cali: Kyler Murray seems smaller than listed 5' 11" as potential #1 overall pick, would that be wise for the teams? K.M. had only one good year of stats...
Adam Bittner: San Jose State TE Josh Oliver was a popular pick in our fan mock draft: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/04/23/2019-nfl-mock-...
Adam Bittner: Ray Fittipaldo also had the Steelers taking him in three of his four mock drafts.
Brian Batko: Well, the draft is about to begin, and he's going to be the No. 1 pick. When Kliff Kingsbury started saying things like he respected how Josh Rosen handled his rookie season, well, that tells me he ain't long for Arizona.
Adam Bittner: If the Steelers are going to take a TE earlier than that, I think they're going to have to like him a lot.
Brian Batko: Kyler Murray, I mean, not Josh Oliver.
Brian Batko: Some good green room chatter
Professor Flush: Why not trade DOWN to late first round or early second round, since there are good athletes to be had from picks 15 thru 70? Why put all your eggs in your defensive basket for one player who might be the next Jamain Stevens, Troy Edwards or Huey Richardson? I would rather have three or four picks to spread the risk, and to reap the benefits of this middle round heavy draft!
Ted Cassidy As Lurch: Is D. K. Metcalf too muscular for his position?
Brian Batko: From everything I've seen and read, I'm leery of DK Metcalf. Seems like he could be John Ross 2.0.
RonK: Please don't draft a long snapper or a QB this year. Wouldn't mind a late round punter though.
Adam Bittner: I don't think standing pat = putting too many eggs in one basket. The Steelers have a lot of picks in this draft. I'd only favor trading down if they're *really* unimpressed with what's available at No. 20.
Brian Batko: Rest easy, comrades. Vince Williams is here to tell you it's all good.
Seth : What do you think of the Steelers taking Winovich?
Brian Batko: Chase Winovich, from Thomas Jefferson High School and Michigan, played in the same linebacker corps as Devin Bush. Like him a lot, but seems as if he won't go tonight. Not sure he'd be there for the Steelers in round 2.
Michael Douglass Keaton: Didn't Vince end his tweet with - "...And THAT'S the bottom line!"?
pdxJaxon: I think they trade UP in Round 2 to get Winovich
Ryno: How awesome is tonight for Mean Joe Greene?
Brian Batko: Ehhh, he's probably had better nights
Adam Bittner: Hey gang, while I've got your ear, here's a shameless plug for our daily PG Sports Feed newsletter. Subscribe, and we'll send you a digest of our best sports stories every morning. All you need is a PG digital profile to sign up and get it sent straight to your inbox. https://my.post-gazette.com/profile/#/preferences
Brian Batko: Here comes Roger!
Walk With Elias: And there's the heel heat for the Commish!
Damian: Joe Greene looks like he could get out there this Sunday and play.
Jake in DC: There are two scenarios that I think should happen.
First, you trade up to grab a Devin. This is seeming more and more unlikely due to what it seems like it would cost. If it's going to cost the Steelers their 2nd as well, I'd avoid it. The 2nd round is where the money is this year.
Second, If the first situation doesn't happen, you trade out of the 1st and get more 2nds and 3rds.
Regardless of either scenario, you package as many lower picks as you can to get 2nds and 3rds. I'd take 5 picks between 40 and 60 for literally all of our picks this year. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.
Brian Batko: Jake has takes
Guest: Mean Joe looks dapper
Brian Batko: My goodness, Broadway in Nashville is teeming with people. Love Nashville. Love that strip. But I don't understand traveling somewhere to attend this particular event.
Coprascope: Does Roger Goodell have to hug everyone he meets?
Brian Batko: Yes. And now the Cardinals are officially on the clock. They have 10 minutes!
Ron from SoCal: Giants season tickets? Couldn't I have just 50 years?
pdxJaxon: Id totally travel to the right venue for this.....Pittsburgh for SURE
Brian Batko: I'd travel to Pittsburgh to watch the draft, because I live here.
SteelersCal: Do you agree that offense should be our main concern in this draft? The team usually focuses more on the other side of the football?
Brian Batko: Outside of tight end, not really. I'd like to grab a third RB to pair with James Conner and Jaylen Samuels, and probably want to bolster the WR group, but outside of that, no, find some more playmakers at each level of the defense.
Paul Long & Don Cannon: I say give Pittsburgh a draft - since Canton ended up with the Hall!
Ryno: Just wanted to thank you guys for doing this chat tonight. Love it.
Brian Batko: Thanks for hanging out, Ryno. Always a good time. I have a surplus of Easter candy we're going to tear up while we do this.
Brian Batko: As I was saying, why are we not in Nashville?
Guest: Mel Kiper is such a Muppet
Damian: If the Steelers can't trade up and/or can't draft a LB named Devin, who are you going with in round 1?
Brian Batko: Kind of hard to say without knowing who's available, but personally, I like Greedy Williams the most of the corners. Who cares if he can't tackle that well? You had 8 picks as a team last year. 8! Greedy had 8 himself over the past two years.
Quizmaster Bill Cullen: Isn't Rock Ya-Sin a faster Byron Murphy?
Brian Batko: They're about the same in the 40. Byron Murphy is the pick our man Gerry Dulac predicted yesterday, but I can't help but think back to a couple years ago when the Steelers could've had two Washington DBs in the first round - Kevin King or Budda Baker - and went with neither.
pdxJaxon: rock ya is a small school guy. Never in the first round for the steelers in round 1
Adam Bittner: I know a small-school guy who worked out pretty well for them at a relatively important position.
Brian Batko: Then again, the Steelers haven't used a first-rounder on a non-power five player in the Colbert/Tomlin era.
Bryan: I agree, you can't teach height and speed. I'm worried about them getting Rock because Tomlin loves him, that right there scares me but Dulac made me feel a little better because he said when last time Steelers have drafted a player from a power 5 conference. I would take Greedy. His height alone
Brian Batko: The pick is in!
Damian: Ricardo Colclough?
Brian Batko: Yes, the Cardinals selected Ricardo Colclough out of Tusculum first overall. Just kidding, they picked Kyler Murray. A real Arya Stark, if you ask me. Undersized but versatile, and do you want to be the one to bet against him?
Dennis Miller: I haven't seen a longer time to select a Cardinal since the last Pope!
Indiana Steelerfan: Does Gerry Dulac have a suit like Kyler?
Jake Adonizio’s Best Friend: I guess one last time for old times sake, come back to the Pitt beat Batko nothings been the same since you left :/
Brian Batko: Stay strong, my guy.
Damian: The Kyler Murray pick could impact the Steelers. If the AZ trades Rosen to a team that otherwise would take a QB in the top ten in the next hour or so, Pittsburgh may see one of the Devin's go higher.
Indiana Steelerfan: So how long until the Cards trade Rosen?
Brian Batko: I think the national types are projecting sometime tomorrow or Saturday
Ryno: If my name was "Booger", I would have changed it as soon as legally possible, and I would never own a BOOGERMOBILE!
Brian Batko: Are you serious?! I'm naming my first child Booger.
Adam Bittner: I'm on Brian's side here. Booger is a fabulous name.
Brian Batko: That seemed pretty quick. 49ers take Nick Bosa, who reminds me of Melisandre. We haven't actually seen him play in a while, but potentially remains very powerful.
Damian: Booger Bittner works too. Booger McFarland sounds like a member of the A Team
Bryan: Will you guys here before the average fan, if the Steelers traded up? Or you will hear like the rest of us?
Brian Batko: If Kevin Colbert hits me up, I'll be sure to alert the chat squad
Ming-Na Wen: Do yinz believe the Lions are interested in trading out at #8?
Brian Batko: Well, the Lions aren't in the QB market, so I'd say yeah, put them among the teams that would be willing to trade down for a king's ransom.
MD: How is it possible that none of the national or local media following the team recognize the Steelers' desperate need for a WR in round 1? James Washington showed nothing last year. We just gave away one of the top 5 WRs of all time and got little in return. We almost have to take the best WR available at 20 if we want to continue to contend as Ben's career winds down.
Brian Batko: I'm not sure I agree with you here, MD. James Washington showed nothing, but that doesn't mean he can't, or won't, break out in Year 2. Donte Moncrief was signed as insurance, and he only turns 26 in August. Should still have some left in the tank. Ben has weapons. Don't think it's a clear Round 1 need like you do.
Indiana Steelerfan: Would be great if four quarterbacks go early so other guys slip and the price to move up is not as great.
Adam Bittner: And like I said earlier, I trust the Steelers' instincts when it comes to finding receiver talent in the later rounds.
Shawn: Just logged in so not sure if your location, but are you in a position where you would notice a “buzz” among Steelers suits, indicating they are close to or in the process of executing a trade?
Brian Batko: Hey there, Shawn. Appreciate you tuning in. We are at the Post-Gazette headquarters, while Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo are at Steelers headquarters. I'll be there the next couple days. If anyone here in the P-G office starts buzzing, it's probably just because of the Maren Morris concert next door at Stage AE.
Indiana Steelerfan: Colbert has a pretty good track record on selecting receivers. He will get a good one and it doesn't have to be round one.
Damian: By the way, good luck this weekend to the Starks. Sansa, Arya, Bran and Tony. Hope everyone makes it out alive.
Brian Batko: Jets pick is in. Have to figure it's one of the big dogs up front on the DL.
Vcoach: If the Steelers do move up, where do you think the most likely landing spot is?
Brian Batko: Here's how I see it, Vcoach: Steelers aren't making this decision in a vacuum (obviously). They're going to want to see if Devin White starts falling, and then if Devin Bush starts falling. If it gets to the point where one or both is still there within 10 picks, they probably start getting a little more involved.
pdxJaxon: I think steelers can trade up to 13-14 or so
Z'ing by 20: Washington was the talk of spring/ summer until Ben ended his family vacation. Maybe Ben didn't like that Mason to Washington connection.
Brian Batko: Alabama DT Quinnen Williams to the Jets. He's rocking a MEAN groutfit, if you ask me.
Larry Whistler Zbyszko: Jets -best DL in the draft
Shawn: You think they’d start making calls if white gets past Tampa?
Brian Batko: Here's what Kevin Colbert said on (generally) this topic Monday: " What we look at is if a certain player we think we would take at 5 is available at 10, then we say, you know what, this guy is coming to where he’s available. We might want to think about going up to get him because he probably won’t get to 12."
Now, whether or not you consider that straight talk from an NFL GM in draft week, that's up to you.
Black Jack Bill: Is there any chance Colbert will be aggressive instead of his usual passive self in the draft? Why not trade DOWN and get more coveted picks in the 15th thru 70th range? That is where the value is this year.
Adam Bittner: Oakland's up. Some young man is about to get a large-chested mentor.
Indiana Steelerfan: White will go n the next couple of picks
Vcoach: Rock
Brian Batko: Raiders pick is in. Might they do something wild?
Damian: I would take a Sebastian Jenakowski here if I were Gruden
Brian Batko: Oh, by the way, Quinnen Williams is The Mountain. Just because he's huge.
Brian Batko: Narrator: The Raiders did something wild.
Indiana Steelerfan: That was a surprise pick by the Raiders
pdxJaxon: TB on the clock.....please sweet baby jesus in your swaddling clothes,.....DONT let them pick Devin White
Bryan: Does Tampa get Allen now? If you are Colbert are you talking to Detroit now?
Adam Bittner: If you're not tuned in, Oakland took DE Clelin Ferrell from Clemson.
Brian Batko: Yep, Raiders take Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell over the likes of Josh Allen, Ed Oliver, and they don't take a skill guy for Derek Carr.
Shawn: Great player but that might be the most anticlimactic pick I’ve ever seen the raiders make
MD: I am amazed that anybody thinks a corner that runs 4.55 or played one year at Temple should be the pick. I thought we figured out that corners need to run and cover. There are safeties, LBs, and even a DE faster than Murphy, Baker, and Ya-Sin. Time to have the greed for speed. Williams is the only legit 1st round prospect at corner.
Brian Batko: A lot of mock drafts that a lot of analysts worked on for a lot of time just got blowed up.
Adam Bittner: We've seen the Steelers go the projectable route in the past without a ton of success. I like Williams, too, but I don't think the choice is black-and-white either.
Rick S: Count on the Raiders. That took Hey-Bey in the first round.
Alaska Steeler: Raiders take a guy at 4 that's probably there at 24.
Joey: If that is top guy on your board you trade down
Ryno: Ferrell being a core character should mix well with the accountability AB will be offering.
Adam Bittner: Welp, there's one Devin off the board.
Brian Batko: Aaaand there goes Devin White. If he was your Steelers first-round pipe dream, my deepest condolences.
Bill Burns: Arians! Darn him!
Ben H: #DraftHakeemButler
Brian Batko: Devin White is a White Walker. Rides a horse, and his last name is White.
Adam Bittner: Would have been a heavy lift for the Steelers to trade up that far.
Rocco: Go get Josh Allen!!
Joey: Raiders could have swapped with Steelers and both teams get their man
Brian Batko: Maybe the Steelers find Buffalo as a trading partner at No. 9? I mean, since they couldn't work out that Antonio Brown deal and all ...
Shawn: No way were Steelers jumping up to 4. Only hope was if white fell past Tampa.
Jon Snow: Steelers are not moving.
Brian Batko: So, uh, Giants at 6. This is where things could get wacky, right? Er, wackier than taking good-guy-but-not-viewed-as-a-top-5-pick-by-anyone Clelin Ferrell.
Ryno: Did I see you will soon be starting a weekly chat?
Brian Batko: Ryno, yes, I will join Gerry and Ray in their weekly chats. If not this upcoming week, then next.
Adam Bittner: Daniel Jones to the New York Giants.
Jake in DC: Wow, this is actually so nuts tbh. Daniel Jones???
Vcoach: Is Jones a bit of a shock to you?
pdxJaxon: wow....Daniel Jones eh? Ok
Brian Batko: Samwell Tarly. Was a 0-star recruit, but benefits from the training of Maester Cutcliffe. Not a sexy pick by any means, but might be able to get your team to where it needs to go.
CD in SC: Expect the Steelers to do the unexpected as usual.
Guest: They could have traded down and got him.
DanC: Wow, amazing how bad most mock drafts have been so far
Brian Batko: To be fair, Ray Fittipaldo did nail this one https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/04/24/2019-mock-draf...
Fan: Does it seem like teams aren't willing to trade up with some of these picks?
Gravel: In last 10 years, what is the latest into the 1st round before a trade was made?
Brian Batko: Take this with a grain of salt, but according to Wikipedia draft pages, everyone made their original pick until No. 15 in 2015.
Adam Bittner: Josh Allen to Jacksonville.
Jon Snow: Dang Jacksonville defense just got tougher
Guest: This draft is not falling well for Pittsburgh. We needed a few more QBs to go higher. Although Oakland helped some.
Shawn: Detroit a threat for bush?
Brian Batko: Yes
DanC: For all the trade chatter before the draft, seems like no one can pull the trigger
Brian Batko: I'm just mad that the Bills didn't end up with Josh Allen and Josh Allen.
jeremiah: Broncos ans Bengals a threat for Dev Bush as well
Brian Batko: Adam Schefter tweets that Detroit took some calls from teams looking to trade up, but decided to make its pick. Then again, doesn't that probably happen a lot?
Indiana Steelerfan: I suspect that all teams are getting calls about trading up but the asking price is cost prohibitive.
Manny: Let's not trade until 12 if devin still there I would think
DanC: Bold prediction! Steelers will stay at 20 and not take an ILB, Steelers fans will cry all season!
Dominic DeNucci: No surprise Best TE to the Lions
Adam Bittner: T.J. Hockenson goes to Detroit.
Brian Batko: TJ Hockenson reminds me of Brienne of Tarth. Can make plays and is a solid blocker.
Jake in DC: Thank god Detroit just dropped $25 mil on Jesse James...
jeremiah: Stop hating on me moderator...
Brian Batko: We don't hate you, Jeremiah. We love you.
Joe willie: Here comes the 1st trade. Hope it’s us for Bush
Brian Batko: I broke down and got into the sour patch kids. Bills pick is in.
Tony: With rounds 2-4 predicted to be strong with picks, any chance Steelers trade down to get another second or third rounder?
Brian Batko: Don't they kind of say that about every draft, though? It's like how the college basketball bubble is weaker than ever, every year.
Adam Bittner: Ed Oliver is Buffalo's choice at No. 9.
Henry Hill's Pittsburgh Guy: Not bad, Buffalo!
WashPA: Bush is going to the Bengals
Indiana Steelerfan: Really think Bush to Denver now.
Adam Bittner: These next two picks are significant for those hoping to see the Steelers get the remaining Devin.
Shawn: You held out longer than I did Brian. I broke into my Pepperidge Farm cookies around the time the raiders took a dude named Clelin
Jake in DC: Yep, barring a trade here, Bush is 100% gone
Jon Snow: Ed Oliver is a beast
jeremiah: Bengals take Haskins
Brian Batko: I don't think the Bengals are gonna take a QB. Give Andy Dalton one more year under the new coach and see what happens.
TS: I don't see the Broncos taking Bush here. I think they actually take a QB.
Adam Bittner: I think they'd have to just really love Haskins for that to happen. Can't take him just to take him.
Brian Batko: Sounds like Broncos are trading back, from reading the Twitter tea leaves...
Brian Batko: Steelers are trading with Denver, eh?
Adam Bittner: Red alert
Ron from SoCal: Can I change my vote?
Jake in DC: OH MY GOD IT'S ACTUALLY HAPPENING
Shawn: Haha I just clicked vote no
pdxJaxon: HOLY FREAKING COW !!!!!
TXSteeles: This can’t be happening!
Brian Batko: Hey everyone, this is pretty interesting. We're gonna be going live on Facebook shortly to discuss it https://www.facebook.com/PGSportsNow/
Brian Batko: Mean Joe Greene is about to announce Devin Bush, who's gonna walk out there in a WILD get-up
Jon Snow: lol who loves Tomlin now
SO STOKED: SOOOOO STOKED!!!!!
Vcoach: Woo Hoo!
Brian Batko: According to Field Yates of ESPN, Steelers swapped their No. 20 this year, and gave up their second-rounder for this year, and third-rounder for next year. Wow.
Colby: Let's hope Bush plays better than he dresses.
Chamkila: Hefty price I think
Indiana Steelerfan: Never thought they would do it.
Adam Bittner: OK, gang. Brian and I are about to go live here: https://www.facebook.com/PGSportsNow/
Adam Bittner: Join us and we'll chat a bit back here afterward.
Adam Bittner: We back squad. What's shakin'
SO STOKED: Thanks for the vid, guys! Looking forward to having you on the beat, Mr. Batko!
Brian Batko: Check's in the mail, my friend.
Gravel: Steelers gave up their 2nd ......but CBs and WRs moving slow so far so that might bode well for our 2nd pick.
Adam Bittner: The second pick will be in the third round, but early. Makes the price a little easier to swallow for sure. Thanks, AB.
Brian Batko: In case you all were too LAZY to click a link and watch us on Facebook Live, here's the top-notch Internet video chatter you missed https://www.facebook.com/PGSportsNow/videos/884772118535694/?__xts__[0...
Jeff from south side: What is this a draft chat or a Game of thrones thread? Either is fine by me. Cause we got our man!
Brian Batko: Yes, I am your man! Oh, maybe you were talking about Devin Bush. Carry on...
RD: don't be surprised if they trade a third and maybe forth or fifth and get back into 2nd round
Kevin: I'm betting Steelers trade back into the 2nd round with some of their extra mid/late round picks
SO STOKED: Now, what do we have to give up to Get Chase Winovich?
Brian Batko: Gonna be tough to get Devin Bush's Michigan teammate and a former WPIAL stud. I've even seen soem buzz that he might be a late pick tonight, if a team really loves him.
ZACK: I think we may trade up again and snag Winovich or a wr. Boykin may even be at our 1st 3rd rounder
Adam Bittner: Boykin popped up on Ray Fittipaldo's radar and was a popular choice in our fan mock draft. Wouldn't be surprised if he's the choice.
SO STOKED: Who's your GoT comparison for Bush?
Brian Batko: Devin Bush? I'll go Daenerys Targaryen. Strong lineage, covers a lot of ground and a fan favorite.
Sam Surloff : Great move. Fills a need and a fabulous talent. Kudos to the front office. You have to take chances I am delighted
Brian Batko: OK folks, I think we're gonna do about 20 more minutes of this enlightening chat. Thank you, once again, for spending your draft evening with us. We know there are plenty of other options out there.
DSup in FL: Great move and harkens back to Polamalu move in ‘03 - let’s hope Devin can have similar impact
Jim: Gave up too much
Mike : What happens to the LB the Steelers signed from the Rams?
Adam Bittner: Mark Barron will have a role. As much as there is to like about the pick, the reality is that Bush is still going to have to learn and develop.
Brian Batko: You're going to want to keep this story open in a tab as Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from Steelers HQ on the South Side https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/04/25/Steelers-pick-...
Brian Batko: One thing Colbert has already said is that the Steelers had this move in mind, and that getting that early third round pick (No. 66) from Oakland in exchange for Antonio Brown allowed them to do it.
So, if you consider that you traded Antonio Brown, this year's second and next year's third for Devin Bush and whomever they take at 66 and 141, is that good?
MD: Please tell me it wasn’t Drew Rosenhaus with Bush in the green room.
Brian Batko: Drew Rosenhaus reps both Devin Bush and Antonio Brown, yes
My Kingdom for a Devin: If Bush turns out to be a difference maker, the trade was brilliant. The team needs a defensive star.
Mark: Barron and bush our starting ilb’s?
Brian Batko: Should be interesting to see how that spot shakes out. Bush and Barron are similarly sized. Vince Williams and Jon Bostic more run-stuffers.
MD: If you merged the Browns and the Steelers, JuJu would be the third WR, Vance the second TE, and Conner the 3rd RB. We should try to trade into the 2nd round for a WR.
Brian Batko: I think you'd still have the best quarterback, though.
Gravel: With the Bush selection, and Barron on roster does Vince get more looks as an outside rusher on passing downs?
Brian Batko: Not sure that's really something they need out of him, considering what we've seen from T.J. Watt in two years and how much they're paying Bud Dupree to stick around. Maybe Colbert will slow-play Devin Bush behind Vince Williams and Mark Barron and people will be mad.
Tony: And, next years third will be replaced by Bell compensation pick, right?
Brian Batko: Believe so, yes, but of course they come at the end of the round.
Mark: Steelers rebuild with youth the last few years. Bush, JuJu, Conner, Edmunds, Watt. Not to mention remaining picks in 2019 draft.
PdxJaxon: Trading our second and next years third is pennies.
Indiana Steelerfan: With 8 picks left, including two third rounders, wonder if they will try to make a move to go to the second fond if there is guy they love on the board?
Adam Bittner: First thing I thought about when I heard that they lost their second was that they probably won't be able to get Darnell Savage.
Gravel: With ILB everyone wanted at #1, look at the other position of needs........CBs, Safeties, and WRs depth remains very attractive..........Where do Ravens go with #1 pick?
Brian Batko: Yep, Kevin Colbert said Monday: "It’s deep numbers wise in corners wide receivers and tackles, and that’s been really the trend over the last two or three years based on what’s going on in college football."
My Kingdom for a Devin: If Bush is a difference maker, it was a great trade. This team has good defensive talent, but they need a star.
Brian Batko: OK, kids, I think that's gonna do it for us. At No. 20, the Broncos used the Steelers pick to take Noah Fant, big, fast, wide receiver-like tight end out of Iowa. I'm sure Joe Flacco will never overthrow him.
Thanks once again for reading and chatting, whether you were participating or just lurking. Stay tuned to www.post-gazette.com for the rest of tonight and rest of the weekend. And you're always welcome to subscribe right here! https://my.post-gazette.com/purchase/?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=web...
Adam Bittner: I talked to Rod Woodson toward the end of last season about what the Steelers needed and his word was "leader." A star is great, but for a group with a reasonable amount of talent, some glue to hold it all together can be just as important as highlight-reel plays.
Adam Bittner: Goodnight all.
First Published: April 25, 2019, 8:00 p.m.
