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Steelers No. 1 draft pick Devin Bush poses for photographers during afternoon press conference Friday, April. 26, 2019, at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Pittsburgh.
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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat transcript: 04.29.19

Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat transcript: 04.29.19


Ray Fittipaldo: OK, Steelers fans, what did you think of the draft? Post your questions and let's get started.

Mark: Ray, other than Devin Bush, do you think any of the draft picks can contribute in the upcoming season? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo: I think Diontae Johnson has a good chance. They might need him to step up as a rookie. Remember, he's the No. 66 overall pick. Kevin Colbert calls second- and third-round picks "significant." He believes you can't miss on those picks. Johnson is basically a late second-round pick. There will be expectations. I expect Smith-Schuster and Washington to lock down the starting jobs, but Johnson could be the No. 3 or 4 if he shows well during camp. As for the others... Justin Layne will start out as a depth outside CB. There are no plans for him to start or play right away from what I gather. Benny Snell could be a short-yardage back. Zach Gentry, Sutton Smith, Ulysees Gilbert, Isaiah Buggs and the O-lineman from Maryland all must prove in training camp they belong on the team. I'm intrigued by Smith and Gilbert because they're different types of LBs than they've drafted in the past, but I'm not banking on either having a big role, at least not early in the season.

Zach: Do the Steelers add another tight end before the season or is Gentry enough?
Ray Fittipaldo: Great question. Gentry is a converted QB who is still learning the TE position. Kevin Colbert liked that he played in a pro-style offense at Michigan, but it appears there is still some development that has to take place before he can be ready to help the Steelers. Like the others, I want to see how he looks at OTAs but more importantly in training camp. I think Xavier Grimble has the inside track on the backup job. If Gentry isn't ready to be No. 3 then they could add a veteran after other teams make their final cuts. If they're not satisfied with Grimble during camp they could trade for a veteran. It's not a deep position for them.

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Pitt: Should Pitt have drafted a punter or kicker late?
Ray Fittipaldo: They signed a punter and a kicker as undrafted free agents. So there will be three kickers and two punters throughout the spring and maybe the summer. I was told there was only one good punter worth a draft pick so this might not have been the year to take one in the draft.

Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster
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Brian Batko's Steelers chat transcript: 4.30.19

Tampa Too: I have to laugh at the "pundits" grading each teams 2019 draft class. In reality they should be grading the 2016 draft classes. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: You're right on the button. I don't even read them. I actually wrote about the 2015 class last week in the run-up to the draft. Four or five years is when you should look back on drafts.

Ross from Erie : What was your surprise pick of the draft? And why?
Ray Fittipaldo: Diontae Johnson. Even though he was in for a top-30 visit he was not on my radar as a Day 2 pick. Some of the draft sites had him as an undrafted free agent. Others as a late-round pick. Only Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had him rated as a third-round pick. Kudos to him. Apparently Johsnon checked all the boxes for NFL teams and the Steelers did not reach for him. We are being led to believe other teams would have taken him before the Steelers hose again at No. 84. Can't wait to see him play this spring and summer.

Goose: Do you think layne will be a contributor this year?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think they'll get his feet wet on special teams. He's a big bodied CB who can run. Teryl Austin said they'l start him at outside CB and then evaluate him before they put more on his plate.

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Dave G: Do you expect the Steelers offense to run more conservative this year, especially in the redzone?
Ray Fittipaldo: Maybe. There is speculation Ben Roethlisberger felt forced to throw to Antonio Brown in the red zone and perhaps that contributed to his high interception total last season. Ben never came out and said that, but it was talked about. They drafted Benny Snell in the fourth round. I would expect the coaches to find a role for him even if it's only as a short-yardage or goal line back. We'll have to wait and see how it plays out, but they have the personnel to run the ball effectively. They underachieved in that area last year. Some of that has to do with the lack of opportunities in the run game.

International steeler: Apart from the first round selection don't you think this draft is disappointing
Ray Fittipaldo: I would never say that two days after the draft ended. Let's wait and see.

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Leaper: Who, in this draft class, do you feel has the least chance to make the 53?
Ray Fittipaldo: Probably the seventh-round lineman. They don't have many spots there.

Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins celebrates with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being drafted in the first round.
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Dave: Can Barron play strong safety, and that would allow Bush to start at ILB?
Ray Fittipaldo: Barron can play dime linebacker. They didn't draft Bush No. 10 overall to sit all season. I'm not saying he'll start from Day 1, but he might. Barron is being paid $12 over two years so he'll have a role.

Leaper: Any chance Haden gets extended before the season starts?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think they'll look to do that this summer. Can't say for sure it will get done, but they want to do it.

FloridaSteelers: Hi Ray, I thought the draft was very productive for the Steelers. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: Getting Bush was huge. We'll have to wait and see on the others. Nice potential there too.

AZ: From the standpoint of NFL Star potential as a college linebacker, who was more highly regarded, Bush or Shazier?
Ray Fittipaldo: Shazier was taken No. 15 overall. Bush was pretty much a consensus top 10 pick. Not much of a difference, but Bush had a little more hype. Louis Riddick said he was the best player in the draft.

KN: Good Morning. Love your chats. What do you think of TE gentry? I have heard that his blocking is subpar and he drops too many passes. Considering the injury history of MacDonald and inconsistent play of Xavier, will they be in the market for a free agent TE and who is even available ? Thank you very much
Ray Fittipaldo: Wait til final cutdowns. We'll have a better idea of how Grimble and Gentry fare in camp and the preseason games now. No sense in adding a vet now. Give those guys all the reps and let's see if they sink or swim.

Andy: Morning Ray. I didn't believe the Steelers would move up to get one one the LB's, but they proved me wrong! I think Bush will be a very solid addition. My dark horses are Smith and Buggs. They were very disruptive at their positions. Not so sure about the TE pick though, but we'll see. But overall, I really do like the LB and WR picks. What say you...
Ray Fittipaldo: Smith is the most intriguing draft pick for me. He's an edge rusher, but he's 6 feet and 233 pounds. How is he going to fare versus NFL tackles? I know he had monster numbers in college, but I want to see how they deploy him. Maybe they look for matchups with TEs. I don't know. It will be interesting to see what their plans are for him. He has to make it as a special teamer, but there is some potential there. They want more athleticism with their LBs and he fits the mold. He ran a 6.75 in the 3-cone drill. That was faster than Bush.

Matt-Fl: Ray: with the addition of Bush and as he develops, do you think they may move Barron back to safety?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think Barron could end up being the dime LB.

Brice: Loved the draft, BUT I watched the 6th and 7th round closely hoping they would take a chance on David Sills, any word on why they passed as I had heard they really liked him
Ray Fittipaldo: Well, they took a WR in round 3. Not really a lot of room at the back end of the roster for a draft pick. Better to use those late picks in other areas or for special teamers like Smith, Gilbert, etc.

Daniel: Ray, I am in the "grade drafts in a few years" camp, but did anyone in the front office explain why they passed on certain, higher-ranked players like Winovich and Oruwariye to draft guys who in all likelihood would have been there later? For example, I like Diontae Johnson a lot, but I had him pegged for the Steelers in the fifth or sixth round.
Ray Fittipaldo: The Steelers did not believe they could have gotten Johnson at pick 67 much less in the fifth or sixth round. As for Winovich I was told some teams did not think he could transition to a 3-4 OLB so that limited him to teams that needed 4-3 ends. That was a little surprising to me because Chase had a really good combine. It does explain his slide down the board though.

Chi-Town RD: I was really surprised they took Johnson in the third over Boykin. I thought that was a big mistake. I trust the Steelers and their ability to find hidden gems in WR's but they seemed to have tunnel vision on when looking at what still available for WR let alone other positions. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: Boykin was a big, tall fast guy, and the Steelers don't really value those guys now as much as they once did. I wrote a story about that over the weekend. They value route runners now. They don't care if you;re a half-step slow. They want guys who can catch and get open. They had a bunch of those one-trick ponies the past few years, and they've decided to go a different route with their receivers.

Andy from CA: Did the Steelers just draft three inside linebackers or do they believe that Smith from Northern Illinois at his size can play on the outside at the NFL level?
Ray Fittipaldo: They're going to start him on the outside and see how he does. He told reporters on his conference call that the Steelers have discussed with him some off-the-ball duties, but he won't start there. He'll start outside.

DaquidoBazzini: If DK Metcalf was still there when the Steelers had the second pick in the 3rd round, do you think they would’ve taken him or Deontae Johnson?
Also….Why do you think Metcalf fell so far in this draft?
Ray Fittipaldo: Maybe his injury history, maybe his bad times in the quickness and agility drills at the combine, maybe the fact that he doesn't have a typical receivers body... Not sure why hell, but it was a surprise to me. I think he might end up being a steal if he can stay healthy.

Go to section

Ben: Love that they went big on a defensive playmaker. On the other hand, it was a Pretty good draft for grimble, Dupree, and davis, no?
Ray Fittipaldo: Right. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler doubled down on Dupree when he spoke with us over the weekend, sharing the same sentiments as the head coach and GM. They like him. It will be interesting to see what they do with Davis. Do they sign him to a second contract? Something to watch this summer.

JeffMcClelland: The Steelers signed an undrafted kicker and punter on Saturday. Are these players camp fodder, or does either have a legitimate chance at making the regular season roster?
Ray Fittipaldo: If the punter is any good at all he can challenge Berry.

Cburg Stiller: At the risk of being POSITIVE, it feels like (at least on paper) the draft picks in combination with the free agent pickups along with the removal of the two knuckleheads have this team headed in a good direction. Personally think the front office has done well the last few months. So, is it ok to be excited for the coming season??
Ray Fittipaldo: Sure. Why not? That's what the offseason is for.

Jacque Strap: Any of the UDFAs look interesting to you?
Ray Fittipaldo: I'll let you know after OTAs.

Chachi: Little surprised they didn't draft a safety. Any chance they add a vet before camp?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not really much out there now, is there? Tomlin said he was happy with the numbers he has there. He also mentioned CBs such as Mike Hilton and Cam Sutton can play there in a pinch. I didn't get the sense they were overly concerned with their inability to draft one.

Max : Hi Ray. Is it me, did the Steelers cut the wrong linebacker? To me Bostic is better than VW vs the run and cost a lot less. What do you say?
Ray Fittipaldo: Vince is good at stopping the run and he's much better than Bostic as a pass rusher. He has his limitations, but I think he's better than Bostic.

Wisconsin Winters: Ray, I know that the Steelers do not officially retire numbers, but with so many linebackers on the squad, do you see a player wearing #58 or #59? Will anyone ever wear #75?
Ray Fittipaldo: 75 was officially retired a few years ago. And I can't see 58 or 59 being handed out by the equipment staff.

Jeremy from MIA: Hi Ray, with the draft over and some obvious needs addressed, which position do you feel needs the most attention now, either through a FA pickup or UFA?
Ray Fittipaldo: Probably TE, maybe safety.

Ed Bouchette Jr. : Ray, one area that I feel really good about on this team is the OL. I like the top 9 on this team already and also how Prince and Morris looked in preseason and on the practice squad last year. Just a shame that Muncak left. Do you think the Steelers have the best OL in the NFL as far as quality and depth?
Ray Fittipaldo: They have a really good line, but I can't say they're the best when the team finished 31st in the league in rushing. They failed miserably when they tried to run when Ben got hurt versus the Raiders. They need to do a better job running the ball this year.

Wayward: Are you surprised they took a RB as early as they did? I thought they would take a 6th rounder or so. On the other hand I like the Snell pick and think they now have a nice stable of young backs.
Ray Fittipaldo: After they brought in a bunch of RBs for top-30 visits I think it was clear they would take one, but I too was surprised it came as early as the fourth round. Maybe they're concerned about Conner's ability to stay on the field for 16 games.

Ed Bouchette Jr. : Ray, I didn't understand the Sutton Smith pick at all - until I saw his highlights. This kid is a football player. I can't see him beating NFL tackles at 6'0'' 233 lbs as an OLB. Do you see him making this team as a special teams ace who could also play on the inside or outside?
Ray Fittipaldo: If he makes the 53 it will be because of his ability as a special teamer. He has the athletic skills and the makeup to do it. Not sure if they're counting on him to have a role within the defense this season...

Wisconsin Winters: Ray, Lots of high draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. Those players I feel will get better as they get more comfortable with the Def. (Edmonds, Davis, Watt, etc). Seems like we may have depth issues on the O line, thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not really. Finney is a great interior backup. And if they keep Feiler as the starting RT you have two young tackles in Okorafor and Hawkins to back him up.

TJ: I believe the addition of Bush should instantly make Dupree much better, thoughts.
Ray Fittipaldo: How?

Bob: Hi Ray. Any idea why they didn't consider Kevin Harmon once he slid all the way down to the 6th round? Seems like he would have been a complete steal there.
Ray Fittipaldo: Harmon did not test well at the combine. And I honestly didn't like him very much when I watched him. I thought he was OK but nothing special.

Jeff: Hey Ray. Read in a couple places that there were many tight ends rated more highly than Gentry. What is it about him that made the Steelers select him instead of the others? Upside? Height? Attitude? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo: It was the fifth round. The best TEs were off the board. At that point of that it's all about team preferences. The Steelers like that he has room to grow into his frame. They like his potential.

Whit: Still think they need help with DL depth. Surprised they didn't add anyone. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: They drafted Isaiah Buggs. Karl Dunbar recruited and coached him at Alabama. He can be a nice depth DL.

Glenn: Would you agree that inside backer is now a position of strength?
Ray Fittipaldo: Let's see how Bush plays first, but it doesn't look like a glaring weakness any longer, that's for sure.

AK: Will Williams come off the field on passing downs?
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes. That would appear to be the plan.

 

Daniel: Ray, to expand on your comment about Isaiah Buggs... everyone said the same thing last year about Dunbar coaching Frazier, too. Frazier was waived.
Ray Fittipaldo: Buggs was picked in the sixth round, a round higher than Frazier. I think Buggs can compete for a roster spot and even push Dan McCullers to be the No. 5 DL. There's not a lot of depth there. LT Walton was a sixth round pick and made the team as a rookie. There is no reason Buggs can't do the same.

AK: I don’t see Grimble as a #2 TE. Do you?
Ray Fittipaldo: Grimble will have to be much improved to be the top backup. He hasn't played well enough in his limited opportunities to show me that he's ready for that role.

Dude_From_Cali: Ray, James Wash' is expected to have a improved 2nd season. Besides being in the weight room, cardio, what's involved a HIGHLY drafted WR's second year?
Ray Fittipaldo: Just his comfort level, knowledge of the offense, etc.

DS: With lighter and faster backers, pass coverage should be better, but how do they help stop the opposing running game?
Ray Fittipaldo: This is a great question. Everyone in the NFL saw what the Patriots did last season when teams trotted out light linebackers when they played against them. The Pats ran their way to another Super Bowl. Will other teams commit to doing the same? It's going to be a story line this fall. Mark my words. That's the logical adjustment for these offensive coordinators to make.

Dude_From_Cali: Ray, you football knowledge and professionalism is immense. How many years have you been in the sports reporting biz? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo: My first year at the Post-Gazette was 1997. I have been covering the Steelers on a full-time basis since 2012.

Cleansed: is our prospective #2 tight end now on the team?
Ray Fittipaldo: Good question. We'll find out during camp and the preseason games.

SteelBone925: Ray, do you think the pickup of Snell in the 4th round means more of a running back by committee approach or is this insurance for Connor and Samuels?
Ray Fittipaldo: Probably for depth reasons. There has not been any indication they're going to a rotation of backs. They like to have a full-time starter and that guy gets most of the work.

GV: With all this talk about smaller faster backers, isn't that just a cop-out for teams that didn't draft big, strong & fast backers?
Ray Fittipaldo: There aren't that many big, fast linebackers in college either. That's why Devin White was the No. 5 overall pick. Those guys are few and far between.

Ed Bouchette Jr. : Ray, I think one FA signing that isn't getting enough attention is WR Donte Moncrief. I think he will be a better Martavis Bryant in this offense and will start opposite of JuJu. He has the size and speed at WR in this offense that no one else has. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not sure he'll start over Washington, but he has speed and can be a deep threat for Ben. He's another player I'm anxious to see in camp and the preseason.

Steve: Bengals would have taken Bush - correct?
Ray Fittipaldo: That's obviously what the Steelers thought. They took Jonah Williams next. He's a good OL, but they probably had a bigger need at ILB.

Dude_From_Cali: Ray, ( please clear up this pt ) your earlier post stated with lighter LB's against the Patriots, the OC called running plays, cuz 300 lb OL would eat up these light LB's... right?
Ray Fittipaldo: What's to clear up? The Pats went heavy against light defensive sets. That's how they managed their offense after Josh Gordon was suspended and Gronk was injured. It worked for them. Surely other teams will see that and try to copy it. Maybe not all teams have the personnel to do what the Patriots did, but it's clearly on the radar of teams after the success the Pats had.
Ray Fittipaldo: Ok that's all the time I have for today. Join me again next week for my next chat. Have a good week.

First Published: April 29, 2019, 2:24 p.m.
Updated: April 29, 2019, 5:23 p.m.

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