Ray Fittipaldo: Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
steelmann58: Hi Ray what are the chances the steelers trade down from 49 to add some extra picks .
Ray Fittipaldo: I won't totally dismiss the idea because there is value in the middle rounds of this draft. But I think they'll sit tight at 49 and pick a player that can help them this year.
steelmann58: Hi Ray if Taylor and Winfield are there at 49 you do you pick
Ray Fittipaldo: I'd go with Taylor because I think their offense needs help more than their defense.
steelmann58: HI Ray what round if any do they draft a NT or will wait until abter the draft.
Ray Fittipaldo: Fourth round or after. My final mock draft will publish tomorrow morning at post-gazette.com. I have them grabbing a DT in the sixth round.
Nosmo King: Hi Ray: given the surplus of quality offensive players in this draft... if a star defensive player (linebacker or lineman) falls into the second round and is available along with Taylor at pick #49 who do the Steelers take?
Ray Fittipaldo: Depends on the defensive prospect and where he is on the Steelers board. If they have a first-round grade on a player that falls to them and they don't have as high a grade on Taylor then you might see them go defense. But I don't think it will unfold that way.
fredward: Is Dobbins or Akers the better fit for the Steelers if they're both available at 49?
Ray Fittipaldo: Good question. I think they both fit. Akers is faster. Dobbins is more of a back that breaks tackles. I guess I'd go with Akers because I think they need to add some speed to their offense. But I'd be fine with Dobbins if he's the pick.
Essential: Hi, Ray. I'm a big fan of your work and thank you for your time. Lynn Bowden, Jr looks like the kind of player the Steelers need: fast, versatile and tough. What kind of interest do you think they may have in him?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think he'd be a good fit and you might be able to get him at pick 102. He can help right away as a gadget player and also learn how to be a WR. He's a bit of a project, but not unlike Antwaan Randle-El, who they drafted in the second round in 2002. Just get him the ball and let him go to work.
pozone: Hi Ray, any chance the Steelers might sign L McCoy to a 1 year deal. In draft I'm looking WR, RB, OL in that order?
Ray Fittipaldo: Depends on what happens in the draft. But I'd rather get a young back in the draft and have him for four years than McCoy, who might have a year left.
DaquidoBazzini: Greetings, Ray - I doubt it will happen. But what kind of deal do you think it would take to make the Steelers consider obtaining Leonard Fournette? He would be a major upgrade to the running game.
Ray Fittipaldo: Probably a fifth or sixth-round pick. The Steelers don't have a fifth-round pick so it would have to be a sixth. Fournette has one year and the fifth year option remaining on his rookie contract. So he can become a free agent if the option isn't exercised. So it would basically be a one-year rental unless you wanted to pay him big money on the option year. Even as it is, he'd count $4 million on the cap in 2020. That's certainly doable from a financial perspective, but I don't know what type of person would be walking into that locker room. Maybe he's a good guy and would fit in great. But I know he had some issues with Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone in Jacksonville. I'd have to be really sure he was a decent guy.
steelmann58: HI Ray do you draft and OT or G/C first and and do you draft an OLB/ILB first or a gut the capable to play at both spots
Ray Fittipaldo: Probably tackle, but I say that knowing the top tackles will be off the board before the Steelers ever get a chance to draft. So it could be a guard or center in the middle rounds if they do take an OL.
Troy: Plenty of rumors out there about who the Steelers should take with their first pick, if it were up to you where/who do you see them taking? Appreciate your chats!
Ray Fittipaldo: I'd pick a running back or receiver. Taylor, Dobbins or Akers would be fine with me. If it's a receiver guys like Jalen Reagor, Michael Pittman, KJ Hamler, Brandon Ayuik and Leviska Sheault are possibilities.
APK: Do you think drafting a QB would be a waste of a pick? I do.
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes I do.
Jay in OH: Other than the obvious draft needs for this year that have been repeatedly discussed. What position in your opinion will be at the top of the wish list for next year’s draft?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's so far off, but you'd have to think QB will be a strong consideration. Also OLB if they don't get a guy this year.
AK: In your opinion, what is the more immediate need: ILB depth or a NT to replace Hargrave?
Ray Fittipaldo: Depends on what they're going to do with Edmunds. I suppose NT because Alualu is 33. But I don't see them taking a NT with their first two picks. Maybe round 4 or after.
George in OKC: I’ve seen a few mock drafts recently that have the Steelers taking DT Gallimore out of Oklahoma in the second round. I do believe that is definitely a need but do you think the Steelers will take a DT that high? Personally I don’t think they will or should
Ray Fittipaldo: No because Gallimore wouldn't play that much early in his career. Even if they signed Hargrave he would been the third DT behind Heyward and Tuitt. You can get DTs later in the draft.
Lloyd's 3-Count: Who is the Steelers' best receiver?
Ray Fittipaldo: Probably JuJu, but I think Diontae Johnson is going to surprise a lot of people with the numbers he puts up if Ben is healthy. He's going to rack up the catches.
VAsteelersFan: Hi Ray, do you rate Pouncey and DeCastro as above-average run blockers? They were both drafted as such, and they can both pull. I guess I'm wondering if Foster and Villanueva are (were) the problem?
Ray Fittipaldo: yeah you;re on the right track. Villanueva was never an above-average run blocker. Foster was OK at one time, but he was a detriment to the offense the past few years.
Florida Steeler: I think we should get Winfield with our first pick. Because wr and rb is so deep. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: But you don't pick again until 102. That's another 50-some picks. The receiver you want might be gone. Same for RBs. And Rbs aren't as deep as receivers this year.
MW: Pittman, Gallimore, Akers, Taylor, and Raegor are all available at #49. Which one do the Steelers select, and which one would you personally select if it was your decision?
Ray Fittipaldo: Taylor, Akers or Reagor. Taylor I suppose because he's a shade faster than Akers. Regaor is definitely the type of receiver they need.
KA: What is your opinion about drafting a RB?
Ray Fittipaldo: I like the idea. A lot of other people do too.
Tom: The draft is such a crapshoot, most teams still miss on their first pick even with all the research. If stats show similar results from this year (in a few years) do you think teams will spend less time on interviews private workouts, pro days etc going forward?
Ray Fittipaldo: Good question. Kevin Colbert said they'll learn from this draft. He said it might be more cost effective to FaceTime with prospects rather than flying them in.
Phil: Why do some Steelers fans think Hurts is so good? He had to transfer to get a starting job and his scouting report says he’s not accurate. Sounds like a career backup to me.
Ray Fittipaldo: I tend to agree with you. I think he's an OK prospect, but you'd have to tailor your offense around his skill set.
GSMP: I'm not convinced that using an early pick on a receiver is worthwhile. With Smith-Schuster, Johnson, Washington, McDonald and now Ebron there are only so many balls to be caught. They've had success drafting receivers late. I'd rather see a running back, linebacker (OLB or ILB) or OL or DL with the early picks and a receiver late. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: You didn't mention the injuries to JuJu and what that did to the offense last season. You need depth at the position. But I wouldn't mind an RB at 49. Either WR or RB can help this offense this year.
Lloyd's 3-Count: Lamar Jackson said he'd be happy if the Ravens signed Brown. Think there's any chance that Baltimore FO would take a flyer on Brown?
Ray Fittipaldo: Never say never, but I wouldn't take a chance on screwing up my chemistry by signing someone with his problems.
Eddie T.: Hey Ray...do you think the Steelers have any interest in Fournette? Would you give a third round pick for him? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo: Hell no I'd never give a third-round pick for him. He's probably going to be a rental.
Harry Bacz: love Connors but every time he carries the ball I have to hold my breath. What is your assessment of the guys behind him? Can they get the job done over an extended period? Seemed like that was a big part of the poor quarterback play last year.
Ray Fittipaldo: Snell has to find a way to be a little more effective in the open field. He's a good short-yardage back, but I didn't see enough from him to think he can be an every-down back. I like Samuels as a receiver out of the backfield. I don't think the Steelers view him as a three-down feature back.
James: Ray, if the Steelers don’t draft a running back early, might they consider Antonio Gibson from Memphis? I understand he’s a good returner as well. Thanks for the chats.
Ray Fittipaldo: Gibson is a good prospect. He'll probably go in the third or fourth round. Another fast back, which is what they need.
Wojo: Hi Ray. If the Steelers can't get RBs Taylor and Aikers, how about getting that bulldozer A.J. Dillon who is faster than Bettis used to be?
Ray Fittipaldo: I like Dillon and he'd be a great pick if it was 2000 all over again. Not sure if his style fits this Steelers offense.
RJT: I believe the Steelers will go for a playmaker, however I would not be very surprised if they went with a guard in the second round, believing they could get a decent receiver in the 3rd round. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not a great class of guards. The value there is in the middle rounds.
Krugerrand: Ray, is it too early to get in line to start complaining about the Steelers draft choices?
Ray Fittipaldo: Give it another 24 hours.
kent: Ray, I hope you are safe and healthy. I know that Fournette has been injured a bit but is he a proven difference maker. What would it take in terms of a draft pick to get him? I am sure that they could renegotiate another salary to fit him in under the cap. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: Sixth or seventh. That's it. No higher.
Angus: Assuming the season starts normally, at minimum there likely will be no team activities before training camp. Is it even possible for any rookie to make a big contribution this season beyond spot play and special teams?
Ray Fittipaldo: Good point. Those virtual OTAs will be important for the rookies. They're going to have to learn the playbook over Zoom meetings. That won't be easy. And for that reason, yes it will be harder for rookies to contribute.
Lloyd's 3-Count: I read the NFL owners aren't going to renew PI video review. Was it lack of clarity on the rule or poor execution by the review judge (New York) that killed video review for PI?
Ray Fittipaldo: It was a disaster. There was no consistency. Anything they can do to leave Al Riveron out of the equation they should do.
RJT: Is there a potential Bud Dupree replacement in the 3rd round?
Ray Fittipaldo: Maybe. Guys like Jonathan Greenard, Jubari Zuniga, Terrell Lewis and Anfernee Jennings could be in that range. Some others too. Might even be able to get one in the fourth round.
steelmann58: H Ray are they going extend Cam after the Draft and any others that might happen?
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes I think they will do Cam. Not sure about others.
RJT: How will they replace Barron? He was playing more downs than Bush toward the end of the season. Who will take on the nickel linebacker role?
Ray Fittipaldo: The more I think about it, Edmunds might be ticketed for that role. Of course, that would require someone else playing in the back end, but they have Cam Sutton and Mike Hilton. Both are capable of doing that. Maybe they'd draft someone, too.
seferg: Sometimes a high quality prospect unexpectedly slides to where the Steelers can draft him. What position would you like to see a high quality prospect slide to the Steelers at pick 49 this year?
Ray Fittipaldo: WR or RB!
Milly: Ray let’s say it’s your call and this are available only on BPA Steelers Board: Akers Pittman Claypool @ 49 .. rank them one thru 3 for us, all other top WR & RB gone.. stay safe!
Ray Fittipaldo: Akers and Pittman are pretty close. Claypool third. For the Steelers I'd rather have Akers. Pittman is another big WR. Don't think the Steelers necessarily need another one of him. He's good. I just think they need a different variety.
Buzzard Bill: Imagine this scenario: It is the end of game 5 and BR goes down with an arm injury. He is questionable for the rest of the year, and Rudolph is now the QB. Looking back, would it have been better to have taken a RB or a WR with the 49th pick?
Ray Fittipaldo: Rb for sure.
Jeff: Thanks for the chats Ray. Why do we think the same line with exception of Foster will be able to improve in the running game? Seems we should be worried about a repeat performance from essentially the same personnel.
Ray Fittipaldo: You're right to a certain extent. But if Feiler moves to guard he'd be a huge upgrade over Foster. We'd have to see how the new right tackle fit and how he performs in the run game. But they'd be better just because Foster isn't playing. How much better? I don't know.
Ryno: It seems a lot of fans are down on Conner and want a RB in the draft. But has he been out much more than Bell or other running backs in the league? Furthermore, weren't all his injuries the type that dont linger from one season to the next?
Ray Fittipaldo: Sometimes guys just can't stay healthy. It's not necessarily their fault. It's just the way it is. And guys who get injured are more likely to get injured in the future. That's just the way it works.
Troy: Ray, what are you hearing? Skill position player with the first pick, possibly first two picks?
Ray Fittipaldo: I'd be OK with that. I think they'll definitely take a skill guy at 49. After that, who knows? There are a number of different ways they can go.
Reg: I can get on board with drafting a RB @ 49 provided one of the top four are available, but I think that a WR who isn't an undeniable deep threat would be a luxury. I believe that we need to look for replacements for Villanueva and Dupree, neither of whom I think will be on the roster next year. Do you think that KC and MT are so committed to "win now" that they will spend the early picks on offensive skill players only?
Ray Fittipaldo: The only problem is the top tackles will be off the board at 49. You'd be getting a developmental tackle prospect, which is OK. But again, I think this draft should be all about making a run at a title.
Picksixlisberger: Ray, Who’s your starting LG & RT for the opening game, if there is one?
Ray Fittipaldo: Feiler and Okorafor. Just a hunch.
Indiana proud: Ray...any late-round thoughts about the Steelers looking at the Stapleton brothers from Indiana, PA via James Madison?
Ray Fittipaldo: Ben DiNucci from James Madison probably has a better shot to get drafted or be in a camp. But I wish those guys from Indiana luck.
DT: What is the long term plan at OLB opposite Watt? Will it be addressed this off season or next?
Ray Fittipaldo: We'll find out Friday and Saturday night. They might grab a guy in te third or fourth round they can groom behind Dupree.
DT: Have you heard any plans for a shortened regular season? 12 games?
Ray Fittipaldo: Lots of speculation about that. But hopefully our country can figure out a way to mass produce Q tips before then. Or maybe not.
Guest: Hi Ray I am glad that the draft is taking place because I think all fans need this. My concern is will there be NFL this year. Your thoughts please.
Ray Fittipaldo: I sure as hell hope so. They'll find a way to make it work if it's safe for all parties. I don't care if it's front of no fans. We'll all need a sporting diversion in a few months. Hopefully it's before then with MLB and the NHL, but i doubt it.
DT: Is there going to be no schedule release in near future?
Ray Fittipaldo: I heard sometime in early May, but no firm date yet to my knowledge.
JR: Do you think Tee Higgins could fall to the Steelers at 49 and would you pick him over Johnathon Taylor?
Ray Fittipaldo: I'd probably go with Taylor, but Higgins is a nice prospect.
FrenchyFuqua: Your opinion of drafting a QB this year?
Ray Fittipaldo: I don't like the idea.
Greg: If they draft a RB high then which current RB goes? I like Samuels around for 3rd down, and Whyte is their only "fast guy"
Ray Fittipaldo: Probably Whyte because I think Samuels can be effective as long as Ben is healthy.
Ryan: This team definitely needs speed at the running back position but I think a lot of people are forgetting about the guy they signed off the practice squad of another team last year. He has speed to burn and looked really good!! why not give him more of an opportunity.
Ray Fittipaldo: Maybe they will, but remember he was a seventh-round pick of the Bears and was cut before he signed with the Steelers. We're not talking about Gayle Sayers here.
FrenchyFuqua: Hi Ray, Which position helps the offense more at 49, WR or RB?
Ray Fittipaldo: Either.
Thomas: Would Steelers trade up 5-10 spots in the 2nd rd to get the RB they could want?
Ray Fittipaldo: They don't have the draft capital to move up.
Greg: What happened to Washington? Obviously the QB play fell off but I still was expecting more from him, like more speed or broken tackles.
Ray Fittipaldo: He led the team in receiving yards. He was OK and he's only entering his third season. Could still be some growth there.
Utah Jim: The Steelers have drafted a WR in the 2nd or 3rd round in each of the last three drafts. Are they really going to make it four?
Ray Fittipaldo: They've done pretty well with JuJu, Washington and Johnson, so why not?
Guest: given the inability to work out players, have team doctors do a physical, do you think players coming into the draft with injuries are likely to fall - and do you think WR such as Aiyuk and Shenault are off the Steelers board due to injury concerns?
Ray Fittipaldo: You very well could be right. Shenault could be a beast if the medicals check out.
Linebacker Lounge: Pouncey and Ben leave together.. When’s the time to get a Center in place? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo: Check out my final mock draft at post-gazette.com tomorrow morning. I just might have an answer for you.
AK: It seems to me that if the Steelers take a RB this year, it’s one of the first two picks or not at all, agreed?
Ray Fittipaldo: I tend to agree with you.
STEEL TOWN: Hi Ray, What's your take on the Steelers taking a flyer on Marquise Lee if they don't take a receiver early? He was a productive receiver before all the injuries.
Ray Fittipaldo: Plenty of receivers in this draft so no for me, unless of course they don't grab a receiver for some reason.
Linebacker Lounge: Get the best LB available in 2nd.. Buck LB could start, OLB to replace Bud in 2021.. WR/RB in 3rd and 4th.. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think they need help on offense more.
Jeff: to your point above given the draft is really a crap shoot why don't more teams look to pull off more Minkah like trades. First rounders that prove themselves. I get it might be because it was the "Dolphins"
Ray Fittipaldo: To be fair, there aren't many GMs dumb enough to offer Fitzpatrick. That was a no-brainer.
Troy: do you have a draft crush this year, doesn't matter the round?
Ray Fittipaldo: WR Devin Duvernay in the middle rounds.
Tom: WR or RB? WR or RB?...Ray you have the patience of a saint! ED B. would have been tearing his hair out by now.
Ray Fittipaldo: Ed would have logged off at 2:30. Ha ha. I'll say RB, but I can definitely see WR too.
Ray Fittipaldo: And on that note, I'm going to log off. See yinz Thursday night. I'll be doing a live draft chat with Brian Batko on Thursday and Friday night.
First Published: April 21, 2020, 4:51 p.m.