Brian Batko: Good evening, party people. Time to fire up our Day 2 draft chat. I'll be with you for the next *checks watch* four hours?! Anyway, like last night, I'm sure some of my coworkers at the P-G will be dropping in here and there. Thanks for joining.
Doyle37: Which center will the Steelers draft ?
Brian Batko: My pre-draft prediction was OSU's Josh Myers, so I guess I'll stand by it. Even though my first-round pick of Travis Etienne has already whiffed. Sorry about that.
Brian Batko: However, my official Round 2 prediction of Asante Samuel Jr. is still in play. Don't feel great about it with the way O-linemen are sliding into the second day, but hey, I'm no flip-flopper.
jay: Hello Batsy. Harris pick is interesting. Does that mean more I formation or single back?
Brian Batko: I'm not ready to go that far. He's not just a between-the-tackles guy. Great pass catcher. Good pass protector. But I think they could benefit from some more under-center stuff, for sure.
GoSteelers: Aaron Rodgers wants to live Green Bay, so what can the Steelers give to get him to come? I say 2 first round picks and some later picks, and play with Ben and him in the backfield at the same time. Restructure contracts for cap space.
TominPunta Gorda: Draft Quinn the GUT, has a nasty disposition.
Doyle37: When does the draft come to the Burgh ?
mrhoads59: If Humphrey or Dickerson are there take them if not I go friermuth a good blocking TE will be important for the running game
TomServo: I like Samuel and think he’ll be good but if they don’t replenish the line today than it was a waste to pick Harris
Banaszak: I am good with Myers or Humphrey, I just want the guy who continues the tradition of Steelers centers. Since 1969, I think we've had fewer starting centers than most team have head coaches.
Brian Batko: All good points. I look forward to breaking it all down with you folks tonight as we get started with Roger Goodell kicking things off from the podium now.
Brian Batko: Except for the one about Aaron Rodgers coming to Pittsburgh. That's not happening. Dare to dream, though.
Banaszak: I do love how Roger owns the boos. Have my issues with him, but that is funny.
Paul: ETN was the next pick, Brian. You called it closer than I thought it would be.
Brian Batko: Some early facetime for Franco. Who knew DMC from Run DMC was a Steelers fan?
Brian Batko: Jags on the clock. I say don't overthink it and draft Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the most surprising guy to fall to Round 2.
TomServo: Very disappointed that they didn’t trade down. With all three too backs still on the board they could have traded down still gotten one of them and likely picked up an extra third to address C, LT and CB today. Maybe no willing partners I suppose
Brian Batko: Colbert basically addressed that last night, saying they had "eight players" they would definitely draft if they were on the board, and Harris was one of those eight. Believe him or not, that's the company line for why the pick was made when the pick was made.
Brian Batko: I'd swap houses with Kyle Trask if given the chance.
Paul: It was good they didn't trade down. They might have lost ETN and Harris.
TomServo: Yeah I get that but moves like that are how you really nail the draft when you need to rebuild a bit. They never do anything outside the box like that. They are crippled by insular thinking.
Scott: If we had traded down we would've missed out on Harris, Jags would've grabbed him.
Brian Batko: I don't agree with that. From the little I've seen of Urban Meyer explaining the Etienne pick, he has a very specific vision for Etienne's particular skill set.
jay: Off topic, you should start every chat with 'chipped ham and football, that what Pittsburgh does."
Brian Batko: That would be good synergy for the North Shore Drive podcast with Ray Fittipaldo and myself. Glad we have some faithful listeners out there. In case you haven't checked us out yet, give it a whirl: https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/the-north-shore-drive-sports-...
Banaszak: Aw, Jay, I haven't had chipped ham since my dad passed.
Brian Batko: Jags don't care for my opinion. They're beefing up the secondary, taking Tyson Campbell from Georgia. Cornerback.
Brian Batko: OK, Jets up. THEY should take JOK now. I wonder how many picks I'll be stuck saying that?
GoSteelers: Will Trevor Lawerence be a bust?
Brian Batko: I don't think so.
Brian Batko: Jets getting a playmaker for Zach Wilson. Elijah Moore, receiver from Mississippi. Smal but can run really, really fast.
Scott: Rumors earlier that the Jets were receiving serious offers to trade up, guess not.
Brian Batko: Interesting that NYJ isn't going Javonte Williams here. For those who wanted the Steelers to wait on RB, pay attention to how that plan works out for the Jets.
GoSteelers: How do drafted players already have team hats at their house
Brian Batko: I believe they just get 32 hats and then grab the one who picks them. Talk about bloat! Hopefully those other 31 go somewhere good.
Tim: Has to be center at 55, yes. Plug and play starters w our first two picks would be sweet.
GoSteelers: Broncos trade up
Guest: Center or left tackle but I would go with a Dotson later and Frieremuth PSU
Brian Batko: Wait, what? Denver traded up for Javonte Williams? With Melvin Gordon on the roster? I ain't too sure about this one, friends.
John: I vote friermuth. They like Myers and can get him in round 3. Heath Miller reincarnated.
Brian Batko: I mean, I like Javonte Williams. But I don't like trading up for him and taking him over an elite linebacker.
Brian Batko: Dolphins pick Jevon Holland, Oregon safety, and now I've got bad news, y'all: Landon Dickerson is gone. To the Eagles. At pick 37.
Guest: Brian you are so correct on so many things.
Brian Batko: Please tell my wife.
Brian Batko: Philly is a perfect landing spot for Dickerson. Doesn't even have to be ready to go this season, can take all the time he wants to get healthy and learn from Jason Kelce.
Guest: I would like to tell your bosses to elevate you.
Brian Batko: How much higher can you go than Steelers beat writer? I've got it made.
fury1: Creed Humphrey, safer pick.
Brian Batko: I have my doubts Humphrey falls to 55. Not a lot of holes in his resume. By the way, Patriots traded up for the Bengals' pick at 38.
Nervous Steeler: Patriots will find a way to mess up the Steelers. Always do
fury1: We wont trade up? Need a good center to start now,
Guest: The Pats! Always thinking. It's sad they won't always be down.
Brian Batko: Yeah, Patriots take Alabama DT Christian Barmore. Value pick. Not one that messes with the Steelers' plans at all. If anything, the Bengals might've looked to grab a new C at 38. Perhaps they still will at 46 now.
Just a fan: Do you envision the Steelers trading up shortly?
Brian Batko: No.
Banaszak: As long as they don't select a DB Tomlin likes, I was on Ancestry the other day and it turns out he drafted my grandma to play corner.
Nervous Steeler: Bears taking weapons for Justin Fields?
Brian Batko: Yeah, another trade, Bears moving up to 39. But they're grabbing a protector for Fields in Teven Jenkins.
pdxJaxon: Good evening boys....sorry Im late. Another interview...how we lookin?
Brian Batko: Could be going better, Jax.
Just a fan: Maybe a few more picks then trading up??
Brian Batko: Steelers have too many deficiencies to give away additional picks, in my view.
Banaszak: I'm surrounded by Bears fans who think they won the SuperBowl last night.
Nervous Steeler: Yeah, an O-line run is staring
Brian Batko: Nope. Falcons going safety Richie Grant, followed by Lions picking DT Levi Onwuzurike.
Nervous Steeler: I think we need something on the O-Line to have any chance
Ricketyolddude: I could really see us going defense the way its going at this point. Might not be an olineman there worth it
Just a fan: Was thinking a 2022 pick in order to get Creed this year.
The Dude: Dickerson was a good pick if you are a Steeler fan....he is the one center to avoid
pdxJaxon: we arent trading up....not a lack of desire....lack of resources to do so
Scott: Probably too costly to trade up right now from 55.
ssa76: Why do people always want to trade up? It's not as easy as it seems, right? Kind of like like signing Rogers.
Jerry Micco: I don't know that the Steelers need to trade up to get an OL who they like. Or a LB.
Brian Batko: Sheesh, another trade. Miami moves up to Giants' spot at 42.
Brian Batko: Dolphins could want Creed...
pdxJaxon: Gimme Quinn Mienerz
Jerry Micco: Miami will draft a person with a first name that starts with J. They are 3 for 3 so far, including two Jaylen/Jaelons.
Brian Batko: Jeremiah?
GoSteelers: Welcome Jerry!
Jerry Micco: Whoever fits to the letter. Hi GoSteelers!
Just a fan: Other teams keep doing it but the Steelers don’t, trade up that is
Jerry Micco: Maybe not this draft.
Nervous Steeler: jerry?
Jerry Micco: Yes.
Brian Batko: There's a DB in this draft named Jerry Jacobs, but he is not projected to be selected.
pdxJaxon: lots of really good OT and C on the board still....we are good.
Brian Batko: And Pat Freiermuth.
Brian Batko: Dolphins are grabbing Liam Eichenberg, OT from Notre Dame who can probably step right in and help protect Tua on either side. I like it for them.
ppozone6031@gmail.com: I am looking for Josh Myers with pick 55
Nervous Steeler: Have they ever had an unsuccessful trade up?
Brian Batko: Depends what you think of Mason Rudolph.
Guest: why trade up we need all our picks or a few more
The Dude: who needs a center besides Miami?
Brian Batko: Maybe Bears. Maybe Bengals. Maybe Raiders. Lots of unsuccessful teams reshuffling their OL this offseason.
jamdans4: why trade up we need picks
Rov guest: If there is tackle and center depth, why not go for Friermuth, he plays big
The Dude: TE at round 3
Brian Batko: I do really like Freiermuth. Jerry Micco, I'm sure you've seen him a lot more than me. Thoughts?
daniel1111: no trade to move up as we have too many holes to fill.
Brian Batko: Raiders are taking TCU safety Trevon Moehrig. Good news for Steelers.
GoSteelers: How can the Steelers get Rodgers
Brian Batko: Relocate the Jeopardy studio to Wexford?
Jerry Micco: Solid hands and good blocker, not great. Good route runner who just got better every year. He's a guy who also is dangerous in the red zone. He'd be a nice 2nd round pick for someone.
Jerry Micco: I could see the Raiders trying to trade for him.
Scott: After Humphrey, are there any centers worthy of a 2nd round pick?
Jerry Micco: Rodgers, that is. Not Pat Freiermuth.
Brian Batko: Scott, I think Josh Myers from OSU and Quinn Meinerz from the D3 ranks might be. Beyond them, Kendrick Green from Illinois is one to watch in Round 3 or later. Gerry Dulac keeps mentioning Drew Dalman of Stanford, but that one would feel like a reach, to me.
Brian Batko: Cowboys taking Kentucky CB Kelvin Joseph. That seems like a major downgrade from hoping to get Surtain or Horn.
Jerry Micco: I don't know that any of those guys are round 2 guys. I like meinerz, but if Humphrey is gone, maybe look at OT or LB/CB. Can get a tackle in the third round, too.
Christian: Meinerz is worth a 2nd. I think Myers is a reach. He’s a 3rd round value
MC Peach: What about Azeez Ojulari if he falls?
Brian Batko: Would be a value pick, no doubt, but I just can't justify edge-rusher this early. Not with the roster situation at C, T and even CB.
daniel1111: JOK is still out there as well as Cosmi
Jerry Micco: I agree on Myers. If Ojulari is there, that would be very tempting. But at some point, OL has to be a priority, right?
SteelFan: Why is JOK Notre Dame LB falling so far?
Jerry Micco: Everyone wants a hybrid LB/S on paper. But then you think, where do I play him? And how does he defend the run. That said, he'll get picked this round.
Brian Batko: Gonna go out on a limb and say someone whose username is @nfldraftscout can answer that better than I can.
Jerry Micco: Maybe, Brian. You do pretty well.
Rov guest: US Steel not upgrading, LTV going under, any chance the Steelers name is dropped
Brian Batko: Didn't see this question coming
daniel1111: Asante Samuels is out there too
Yates: Samuels, Mayfield or Creed, Who do you like?
Brian Batko: Creed, Samuels, big gap, Mayfield
Jerry Micco: I'd take Creed
Zamo: I really hope we get Meinerz!! Big and nasty and then grab tackle next.
Jerry Micco: Mayfield may be a round 3 guy.
Brian Batko: Jaguars picking OT Walker Little, high-upside prospect out of Stanford. Steelers were believed to be fans of him.
Brian Batko: And now the Bengals, who likely know their division rival(s) need a center, and just declined the fifth-year option on their own center Billy Price. The plot thickens...
Jerry Micco: That smarts a little for the Steelers.
daniel1111: some good edge players out there too, wish we had 2 2nd round picks.
fury1: Like them all, but we need Creed now.
Brian Batko: Bengals ARE addressing their OL ...
with Clemson tackle/guard Jackson Carman!
pdxJaxon: I had walker little our pick in 3. I think this is a reach for him.....in my "professional" opinion
Brian Batko: You're a professional in something, my friend.
Jerry Micco: Brian: you mention Billy Price not being kept by Cincy. If you don't fill needs in the draft, there will be plenty of FAs out there who want a job. They know caps are tight, but they want to work. And I thought Carman was a 3rd round guy.
Rov guest: Any free agent centers still out there
Jerry Micco: Uh...Billy Price.
Brian Batko: Price still with the Bengals one more season, just not a fifth. There are a couple out there, but I think you'd have made that move instead of Finney if you're the Steelers.
jamdans4: Professional Stiller fan here !
Brian Batko: The Giants could also be in the market for a center, and remember, they did trade down...
Nervous Steeler: I was surprised Jaguars traded up for ETN. James Robinson looked good last year
Brian Batko: I was too, but Etienne is someone who can help pretty much any team. And now he's reunited with Trevor Lawrence. Will be fun to follow him vs. Harris throughout their careers.
Jerry Micco: And I could live with Finney for a season. But there are centers either this round or next available.
Yates: How can we live with BJ if we are serious about improving our run game and BJ couldn't get at hat with Seattle or Bengals?
Brian Batko: That's where my head is as well, Yates
The Dude: so far Creed and Samuels still available. be ok with either
Jerry Micco: Friermuth here for Chargers?
Brian Batko: Nope, it's Asante Samuel Jr. My mock looking worse and worse, people.
john52: if pat freirmuth is also there at our pick would we pick him
Jerry Micco: You are ahead of TV, Brian, which makes it feel like we are breaking news, which is always good.
Zamo: Get Meinerz! He and Dotson will bring a little punch and attitude which we need upfront!!
Brian Batko: BREAKING: Najee Harris will wear 22 for the Steelers. In case you want to get those jerseys ordered.
Marnie: Asking for the third time, hoping it’s the charm. Meinerz or Humphrey. Which you you select? Colbert a said if all th8ngs equal, he’d pick the layer who played in 2020 over the one who didn’t. Are Meinerz and Humphrey equal?
Brian Batko: Not in my eyes. I think Humphrey is better. Just one man's two cents.
Yates: Real reason why we released Nelson finally revealed!!
Jerry Micco: I would take Humphrey over Friermuth.
Brian Batko: Eight picks away from the Steelers, they're guaranteed one of these young men: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Creed Humphrey, Quinn Meinerz, Samuel Cosmi, Dillon Radunz, Jalen Mayfield, Pat Freiermuth and a sleeper ... Elijah Molden.
ppozone6031@gmail.com: What is that reason Yates?
Brian Batko: To free up Harris' number.
Brian Batko: 'Twas a joke/
Zamo: BB. Well done. Happy with any of those 8!!
Banaszak: I could love having all those dudes in Black and Gold
pdxJaxon: we are gonna get a really good player here....likely do well in #3 as well
The Dude: any love for Hunter Long?
Jerry Micco: I"ve seen a couple mocks with Molden going to the Steelers. But out of your list, I still like Humphrey. Anyone want a LB? Could be one or two besides JOK left.
Brian Batko: Yeah I like Hunter Long, TE from BC, but certainly not over Pat Freiermuth.
Christian: Either Center or Pat.
Brian Batko: What will you all do if they take Kyle Trask or Davis Mills?
Jerry Micco: I think they are similar, Brian. Friermuth may be a little better. He'll be a very good nfl TE.
Brian Batko: Not a bad nugget to file away.
Doyle37: If no Freirmouth could Steelers get Long in round 3 ?
Brian Batko: Possibly. That wouldn't be bad at all.
Jerry Micco: Hey, I used to live in Hampton, Va. For 8 years. But I didn't know JOK. But we covered William and Mary, and Mike Tomlin was a pretty decent WR back in the day for coach Jimmye Laycock.
Brian Batko: Aaron Banks, guard from Notre Dame, to the 49ers. First true guard off the board, so that's interesting.
Nervous Steeler: Brian “Twitter Man” Batko
MC Peach: Creed would be a day 1 starter. That’s what they need.
Jerry Micco: If Ojulari is there, they have to take a long look. He's a 3/4 edge guy. LBs are undervalued. Tampa tormented KC with their LBs in the Super Bowl.
GoSteelers: Rondale Moore to Cardinals. Who is he?
Brian Batko: A Tyreek Hill-type player for the Cards. Not sure if he'll be Tyreek for Kyler Murray, but I like the pick.
Jerry Micco: Yeah, Moore's a nice player. Thought he might go late first round.
Jerry Micco: Giants taking one of the centers here?
Jerry Micco: Huge value for the Giants.
Brian Batko: Azeez Ojulari, edge from Georgia. Giants waited on that need and it worked out for them. On paper, at lest.
pdxJaxon: thats a good pick (For the Giants And for us)
daniel1111: wsh might take cosmi
Zing53: Creed still there
Brian Batko: Huh. And the Browns just traded up to 51.
Jerry Micco: Or Radunz.
Brian Batko: Perhaps Gerry is intimating the Steelers have their eye on Freiermuth. Panthers and Titans need TE help at 52 and 53.
Brian Batko: Excuse me, Browns traded up with Carolina, not WFT.
Jerry Micco: I'm thinking Ronnie Perkins, DE, here
pdxJaxon: yeah....Gerry has been speaking a lot about Freiermuth.
Just a fan: Who do the browns have targeted?
Yates: NOoooo to a TE. C'mon
Jerry Micco: I think if they want Friermuth, the will need to move up. But we'll see.
daniel1111: brownies will take jok
Brian Batko: Yep, that's what they're doing. Just saw it on Twitter. Wow, quite a weapon for an already scary defense, potentially.
Nervous Steeler: Browns going defense?, should be good for steelers
Brian Batko: Good on draft night, maybe bad in the fall if Owusu-Koramoah is flying around and breaking up passes to Eric Ebron.
Yates: No need to break up passes to Ebron. Just let him drop them
pdxJaxon: Eric Ebron doesnt need any help breaking up passes
Brian Batko: Wow, you guys are tough. There are more of these in the queue...
Jerry Micco: JOK, if someone figures a way to use him, is a terrific player. But I also think he's a square peg/round hole in some way.
Brian Batko: BB's BAFS (Best Available For Steelers)
Creed Humphrey
Pat Freiermuth
Quinn Meinerz
RonK: Take Humphrey. Take an OT later.
Banaszak: PAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!
daniel1111: let dotson pancake JOK
Sergio from Mexico: who is your favorite Of those Bats?
Brian Batko: I got 'em in order.
Jerry Micco: Would they take Radunz?
Brian Batko: Small school guy, NDSU only played one game last year, and he might not be ready in 2021. I vote no, Jerry.
Jerry Micco: I'd put him in the mix. But if Creed Humphrey is there, I don't see how you pass on him.
Javi: Just checking in..are we picking soon?
Brian Batko: Two picks away, Javi.
Jerry Micco: Titans didn't mind where Radunz went to school.
Jerry Micco: Well, the Steelers can pick one of the 2 centers here, right?
Brian Batko: Looks that way.
daniel1111: creed creed creed creed creed
Christian: Indy need a TE? They done need a C
Brian Batko: Not particularly, but Freiermuth might be too good to pass up as a weapon for Carson Wentz.
ppozone6031@gmail.com: CREED would make this a perfect draft so far
pdxJaxon: man,....as much as I want a C here, Freiermuth would be really hard to pass by
TMay: tight end
Brian Batko: What if you can go Freiermuth in 2, Josh Myers in 3? Is that preferable to Humphrey in 2, Hunter Long in 3? Of course we don't even know if the Steelers want a C and TE tonight, but still, worth asking.
PatrickB: Is Cam going to tweet out the pick like last night?
ppozone6031@gmail.com: BB I LIKE IT A LOT
Lifer: Humphrey and Long - no question
Tim from WV: LTs are gone. You have no choice but to go Center. Unless the go ILB with Bolton.
Yates: Humprhey now. Tommy is my later round TE
Mike: Stay the course .... you got RB .... need blockers
Jerry Micco: I don't think Long is there at 87. They have no one at TE after Ebron. You can find a guy to block as a FA. But Friermuth is a future star. Not superstar, maybe a Heath Miller type. I still like Creed here.
Nervous Steeler: No one spoil the pick for the Steelers from Twitter ok?(Brian!!!)
Marty in jupiter: Not a question about a pick BUT what station are you watching while on the chat? Me--ESPN. Mike Greenberg is now on my bottom list of announcers
Jerry Micco: A QB? They're kidding, right?
Brian Batko: I've been on the ABC broadcast both tonight and last night.
Brian Batko: Seems like I made a good choice.
Jerry Micco: ESPN here. Not great. They pretty much muted Kiper. If you don't like him, watch ESPN.
Jerry Micco: Well, TE or C?
Brian Batko: PSA: I'll be jumping on Zoom with the second-round pick shortly after the selection.
Brian Batko: Edge-rusher to the Colts. Dayo Odeyingbo of Vandy. Steelers are up.
Steeltown: I think we have two good choices here, won’t be disappointed with TE or C
Tim from WV: You got your choice on IOL, TE, and ILB. Sweet spot for all 3.
Jerry Micco: Say hi to Creed for me, Brian :)
fury1: Tell Creed Welcome to the Burgh for me.
Brian Batko: Did Steelers sprint to submit the draft card or what?
Jerry Micco: Penn Stater announcing a PSU draft pick here?
Brian Batko: Keep in mind Tomlin/Colbert went to Penn State's Pro Day but not Oklahoma's.
Brian Batko: Welp, just saw who it is on Twitter...
Jerry Micco: Yep. Penn State's 3rd player in this draft.
Brian Batko: Franco Harris gets to announce a fellow Nittany Lion in tight end Pat Freiermuth. Steelers' tight end of the future? And maybe present?
RAS1968: Solid pick, but I wanted Humphrey the center.
Jerry Micco: Gives them a solid TE for years. But I'm worried about OL. Maybe grab a C in round 3 and T in round 4.
Brian Batko: Oh boy, Franco pronounced it wrong, didn't he?
Rov guest: Like I said I will take a Heath Miller like TE every time
Jerry Micco: Franco was close, but just short of the marker.
Jerry Micco: I think the Steelers thought Friermuth would be gone by now. Most mocks had him in the top 5 or 6 of round 2.
TomServo: Horrible pick. Basically their entire oline is in the last year of their contract
MD: They are clueless as to how bad this OL is
daniel1111: we might get ohio st c or nd c
Nervous Steeler: Bye Bye Ebron
Jerry Micco: If he stays healthy he'll be a very good TE. But I think now Myers, C, Ohio State is a guy to watch for. And there will be OTs in round 3 that are pretty good.
Brian Batko: Here's what we're learning here in real time: The Steelers are confident Matt Canada's scheme can produce better results in the run game, and that the O-linemen they do have an improve under Adrian Klemm.
Jerry Micco: Nah, Ebron plays. Friermuth, too. Hey, one can catch, one can block. Pat's right about 260, I think.
Jerry Micco: Rolling the dice a little. But I think Canada is going to do very good things.
GM: Well thinking silver lining, he's basically an extra OL if he blocks well
GoSteelers: Steelers must be confident in their line scheme and everything else
Rov guest: They have been missing a center for the last couple years and a TE. We now can go to JuJu, Claypool, Freirmuth, or Harris, yes
BBatSG: so when he catches a pass at Heinz Field, will fans chant MUUUUUUUUUUUTH
Jerry Micco: And, watch in round 3. Still can pick up a center.
Brian Batko: For the record, I'm a fan of this pick. I think I mentioned above that I really like Freiermuth.
Steeltown: Any chance we will trade up to try to get Quinn?
GoSteelers: trade in rd 3 for center?
Jerry Micco: Do you guys think Chuks was that bad last year? I thought he was pretty good. Banner is coming off a bad knee, but he was original start at right tackle.
Brian Batko: I thought Chuks was OK. Big question of course is moving from right to left.
Jerry Micco: They don't have a 5th-round pick, so that hurts if they want to move up. They have 2 in the 4th, but they need a 5 to move up far enough to get Meinerz.
Tim from WV: Chuks can't play 3 point. I have yet to see him do it.
Banaszak: Hey BB - guess all the questions about why Jesse James has not been singed just got answered. "The KC is waiting to see if Pat is there at 55.".
Brian Batko: Good point.
Doyle37: A good center tops off the evening
MD: Will be interesting to see if Tremble is there at 87 and we could have had Humphrey and a TE
Marnie: Dulac always says the Steelers won’t pass up a skill player they really like..and at a position of need which TE is. Thought I’d say C bigger need. If Colbert & Co believes in Center depth in this draft, it will be tested this year!
Jerry Micco: Friermuth is a full level above Tremble. I still wanted Humphrey, though.
NoClue: Horrible pick
RicketyOldDude: I have to assume there is an olineman they think they can get in the 3rd. Or are going to try to move up
daniel1111: canada better produce
Jerry Micco: I think Myers from Ohio State could be available.
Mark: 2 starters in 2 picks, and deep draft for OL in later picks. I’m with Jerry- good options for c in 3rd
Jamdans: Tremble is not Frierermuth
Zamo: Well said Doyle. If we can still get a good center, I’ll be happy. This kid still helps the running game and we needed TE help badly. They know what they are doing.......
Jerry Micco: Penn State Michael Menet could be had in round 4. His problem is he's "only" 293 pounds. NFL nose guards would ragdoll him. Technically, he's very good. Put 10-12 pounds on him and he'd be fine.
Brian Batko: We've got a special chatter joining soon. Someone I highly respect, does a great job, and knows a lot about Pat Freiermuth. Kinda feels like being the main attraction on stage at a concert and bringing out a famous guest...
ppozone6031@gmail.com: I said earlier Josh Myers in 3rd bet the house
Steeler 4 life: Love the pick, just hope they can get quality C in 3rd and OT / LB in rounds 4
RicketyOldDude: They have been neglecting te for waaaay to long also
Brian Batko: Pay the Rickety Old Dude!
JayBird: They should give up a 3 or 4 next year to move up this year
Scott: The O'line's not as bad as some make it out to be. We're set at RT, the two guard positions are solid, just need to somehow upgrade center and perhaps LT. Yes there are holes that need fixing but it's not like the whole line is bad. Hopefully we'll find value in the 3rd.
Jerry Micco: I don't know. Ebron serves a purpose.
Bob: We should have taken TUTU to play across from JUJU,
Brian Batko: Good on ya, Bob.
Destiny: I believe the Steelers have their younger OL people graded out higher than the players everyone wants them to draft. Plus they can always pick up a player after the cuts.
Brian Batko: JC Hassenauer, Destiny?
Jerry Micco: What's Hassenauer, an Alabama center, BTW, weigh. He looks so light.
Brian Batko: I think he's listed at 290. And he was a backup for the Tide until the stretch run.
Jerry Micco: Chiefs just got a really good LB. Bolton is rock.
RicketyOldDude: RicketyOldDude@gmail.com. i will direct you to my paypal acct.
Jerry Micco: Right.
Brian Batko: Meanwhile, with an eye on the AFC, reigning conference champs Kansas City grabs Nick Bolton, inside backer from Mizzou. Think he could really tie the Chiefs defense together.
Brian Batko: Not bad at all for a team that didn't have a first-rounder and also picked up a proven protector in Orlando Brown from the Ravens.
MD: 3 playoff wins in 10 years. No reason to believe in this organization any more
Jeff: The problem with saying they don't have too many issues with the line - is the line was perhaps the worst in football last year.
Brian Batko: Without Banner, without Dotson full time. But yes, point taken.
John McGonigal: Brian, Jerry, folks, how're we doing? I see the Freiermuth pick has been pretty polarizing ...
Brian Batko: Hey, there he is. Pitt football beat writer, and former Penn State beat writer, Johnny McGonigal.
Jeff: Meanwhile, the rest of the division has gotten much, much better. Steelers draft grades trending in the C range and they're being considered a "loser" by many national media
Brian Batko: Johnny, can I put you on the spot? Tell us why Freiermuth will work out and why he won't.
John McGonigal: I was about to say, I would be a fan of this pick if I was a Steelers fan. Think he's a first-round talent and really only dropped because 1) Kyle Pitts blew up and 2) he tried to play through injury in the fall and couldn't really compete at his pro day.
John McGonigal: Maybe his blocking ends up not being good enough. That's the only thing, aside from the shoulder surgery, that could keep him off the field. But think this is a good pick in both the short and long term.
scrub: CBS just gave a C+. Compared him to nick vannet
John McGonigal: I’ve seen him compared to Tyler Eifert, and even Freiermuth said after his pro day that he saw that comp. Think that should be encouraging based on what Eifert did when healthy.
John McGonigal: "when healthy" being the key, of course
Zamo: Can’t block and a bumb shoulder? I need more that that to pass on a lineman of need and this isn’t helping me feel good John. Lol.
John McGonigal: He can block, but he’s not a guy who’s going to pile drive a defensive end. He needs to work on finishing his blocks. But he’s a guy who will be moving all around on the offense.
Destiny: News alert. This is a new offense that will require a different type of player than fans are used too. This has been a great draft so far.
John McGonigal: On that note: when Matt Canada was Pitt’s offensive coordinator in 2016, tight end Scott Orndorff was the Panthers’ second-leading receiver. Canada is a smart guy, and you gotta think they wouldn’t have drafted Freiermuth here if they didn’t have big plans for him.
Steeltown: Do we know how his shoulder surgery went? Was it serious?
John McGonigal: He said back in March at his pro day that he would be cleared for football activities in 2-3 weeks. So unless he's had a hiccup since, he shouldn't miss any preseason work.
ppozone6031@gmail.com: Oh well Myers is gone
Yates: There goes the C from OSU
John McGonigal: Think it's a bit of a reach, personally.
Ky Joe: There goes Creed.
John McGonigal: Sheesh. Surprised he lasted this long honestly.
AZ Steel: Move up for QM?
Ray Fittipaldo: Hi all, I'm going to hang out for a little while. How'd everyone like the Freiermuth pick?
Christian: Hey Ray. Loved the pick.
what do you think on Center options now?
Ray Fittipaldo: There are some options. Not sure Meinerz will last to 87. But Josh Myers of Ohio State could be there. Dalman from Stanford could be there too. Colbert likes this group of centers.
Brian Batko: Whoa, wait a second. I leave for 20 minutes and we lost Jerry?
WV Black & Gold: I’m fine with it. It’s definitely a need, but they really need to address center now. I’ll feel great about this night if they do.
Zamo: Garbage.
daniel1111: robert hainsey of nd might work at center
John McGonigal: Jimmy Morrissey in the 6th or 7th round? Hmmm ...
Ray Fittipaldo: One of the reasons I have questions about Meinerz is he's a guard and is converting to center. Same with Hainsey. Some players can do it, but it shouldn't be viewed as an automatic thing.
Brian Batko: Anyway, interesting Zoom calls with Freiermuth and new TE coach Alfredo Roberts. Especially Roberts comparing him to Hunter Henry.
Professor Blackengold: Professor Blackengold loves the Freiermuth pick!
AkronSteeler: Freiermuth was a great pick. Can’t wait to see how they’ll deploy him and Ebron.
Jeff: Good player Ray, but Steelers had more pressing needs and the options to fill the need just got leaner. So the NFC runner up and the NFL runner up took those guys - obviously they knew something.
Doyle37: Myers is gone
Ray Fittipaldo: Whoops. I was writing and didn't have all the picks yet.
Nervous Steeler: Welcome back Brian, 3rd round opinion?
Brian Batko: I gotta see who got picked while I was Zooming. But is Kendrick Green, center from Illinois getting any love in here?
AkronSteeler: Trey hill in the 4th?
Brian Batko: Georgia center Trey Hill has one thing that would set him apart from the current options: Size. But that's about it. Also coming off knee injuries. I'd pass.
Destiny: Finney is getting love in here
Zamo: Give us some centers to keep an eye on BB and Ray! I need some hope!! Haha
Ray Fittipaldo: Michael Menet from PSU. I already mentioned Dalman from Stanford.
Just a fan: Bummer we won’t get an A list center
Ray Fittipaldo: Colbert likes the depth of this center class.
Marnie: Menet and Dalman 3rd round because they are the next best at Center? Or hope one is there in the 4th tomorrow?
Brian Batko: My ranking of those remaining would go Quinn Meinerz, Kendrick Green, Robert Hainsey.
BoKnows: Looks like the Center ship has sailed. Still some good tackles out there - Brown, Hudson, Mayfield
Ray Fittipaldo: That might be a good call.
John McGonigal: For what it’s worth, Menet was a 4/5 star kid coming out of high school and is from Reading. Good player, but Penn State’s line as a whole last few years has been subpar.
daniel1111: i do like cb shaun wade who can start as a slot cb right away
Brian Batko: Look, I'm no OL expert, but what I have read/seen just makes me think guys like Dalman and Menet are just guys. No major upgrade over who you have there. I could be wrong!
Brah: Drake Jackson from Kentucky.
Ray Fittipaldo: I think Jackson is fifth round or after
Zamo: I want nasty on the o-line. Someone with an edge and likes to put his hand in the dirt. Who is that guy???
Ray Fittipaldo: Probably Hudson from CIncy
Just a fan: Disappointing we let Creed slip through our fingers. Happy for Pat F. But I hope we don’t look back on this draft with a regret at end of next couple of years.
ssa76: They like the lineman they have or the lineman they think they can get, so calm down y'inz. At least people are talking about snagging a qb any more.
AkronSteeler: Find OT in the 3rd. Lower tier center in the 4th-5th
PatrickB: Are we replacing DeCastro with another Stanford player?
Ray Fittipaldo: Kellen Mond goes to the Vikings.
Brian Batko: Fun fact if they do draft Drew Dalman, his dad coached DeCastro at Stanford for a year.
daniel1111: i hope meinerz slips to us but who knows?
Marnie: TE are harder to find n my view than OL. TE talent as blocker and catcher are more rare than teaching a guy with aptitude to block and tackle - sped and sizzle matter less in OL than technique which can be learned. TE requires size and speed which can’t be learned.
Paul: They shouldn't reach for a C now, just keep picking best player available at this point before they add just another average player to the average line.
DougN: Normally I feel the FO knows what they are doing but I agree with you just a fan. We let one go.
Brian Batko: Interesting debate/perspectives all-around. And as Ray just mentioned, intriguing that the Vikings are bringing in Kellen Mond. Kirk Cousins is, like, the most entrenched but uninspiring QB in the league, right?
Zamo: please let this next pick be a lineman. That’s all I care about. If they can trade up for Meinerz, I’d be ecstatic
Destiny: Harris is going to make their line look wayyyyyyy better
Ray Fittipaldo: And Mike Tomlin kind of went out of his way to talk about the scheme us being changed.
Brian Batko: Texans going QB! Davis Mills. Man, another layer of drama to the Deshaun Watson saga.
Ray Fittipaldo: Watson getting traded soon?
Zamo: yeah but we lose pouncey, big al and felier.... you need to draft someone!!!! And our line was awful “when” they were here.... I mean....
Brian Batko: Are those first two big losses?
Ky Joe: Not sure any of those 3 OL played well last year
Banaszak: BB - no, they are not!
Ray Fittipaldo: There goes Jalen Mayfield. Falcons going to use him as a guard
ABTennessee: Houston just let us know Watson is getting suspended
John McGonigal: Kyle Pitts, Richie Grant, now Jalen Mayfield? Atlanta's having a good draft so far.
daniel1111: maybe they will bring back big al after all
Brian Batko: I think we're all in agreement that center/Quinn Meinerz is the ideal target now at 87, but here are a few names still on the board I like at other positions: CB Aaron Robinson, CB Elijah Molden, DB Ar'Darius Washington, DB Shaun Wade, OT James Hudson, OT Stone Forsythe
Yates: Two rounds in the books. Have the Steelers, Ravens, Browns or Bengals done a better job in addressing their needs?
Brian Batko: Also maybe OT Spencer Brown
John McGonigal: Though I think Jackson Carman was a reach, the Bengals couldn't go wrong with Ja'Marr Chase and Joseph Ossai in the 1st and 3rd. Also Bateman and Oweh pretty good for the Ravens at the end of the 1st.
Brian Batko: Rece Davis just dropped a factoid that new Bengals edge rusher Joseph Ossai was a Steelers fan when he first got into football. Sounds like something you'll hear on a future Steelers-Bengals broadcast, eh?
AkronSteeler: all good options BB. Select the highest rated of those.
MD: Big Al basically got a $10m per year extension a few years back and now we are glad to see him go. Deals like that are why we are in such bad cap shape
Hank: Center, Trey Hill, Georgia possible
Brian Batko: I'll say this much for Trey Hill, at 319 pounds he's the second-biggest center in this draft and he has the longest arms. At least that's one trait to work with. But, again, torn meniscus in both knees he's recovering from. You wonder if he can hold up.
daniel1111: chucks at LT is not ideal unless the Steelers know something I don't know
Jeff: Yates - Browns
DougN: Ray did not like it. Wanted a center to shore up the line.
RAS1968: Ray, TE selection was solid but felt OL top tier should’ve been prioritized, at least in 2nd round. I would’ve liked to have seen them go Harris, C, T, then TE thereafter.
BH: No 3rd round tackle is going to be better than Chucks next year. He was solid at RT LA
Paul: Love the Freiermuth pick. This is a talent that fell to them. It's just what you do. They'll find some way to address center, but maybe not by the draft.
Brian Batko: Perhaps there's a guy they really like, or more than one, but I do not think they need to go edge-rusher this early.
Steeltown: What other teams ahead of the steelers need a Center?
Brian Batko: Watch out for Dallas, Vegas and Miami.
RonK: Agree with Gerry ...OLB if there's a good one in 3rd rd.
Tom: Wrong, Brian. OLB or CB.
Brian Batko: I'm good with CB. Does that make me wrong still?
TomServo: If they want Meinertz they probably need to get ahead of the Raiders.
daniel1111: i would say perkins, jones, wade or meinerz for us to choose in the 3rd round
AkronSteeler: Edge? Browning maybe
Destiny: Picks are flyin in will not be long until we know
john52: i think we should use a 4th round pick to trade up for meinerz
Zamo: yes if you think Finney and Hoag are making our line better over what we lost. Ughhhhhjh
Bob in Texas: BPA at C, OT, CB or OLB. Good picks with Harris and Friermuth. Will help running game (TE who blocks should not be underrated) and are both starters. Ebron will be gone next year. But expect lots of 2 TE sets.
daniel1111: cb molden vs cb wade, who would you pick?
Ray Fittipaldo: I'd go Molden, but Wade is intriguing
daniel1111: olb perkins is tempting too
John McGonigal: Wade really is intriguing. Probably the guy who hurt his stock most by playing in 2020. But there's a good corner in there.
TomServo: They have one of the best pass rushers in the game and just used a 3rd on another one last year. With all of their oline needs a edge rusher would be ridiculous at 87
pdxJaxon: im back boys....Quinn Mienerz is still on the board?
Ray Fittipaldo: He is
Bob in Texas: Cam Sutton signing was important. Steelers can take best CB available whether outside or slot corner because Sutton can play both well.
PatrickB: Spencer Brown - Tackle from UNI? We need lineman and he’s good
Ray Fittipaldo: Steelers were at his pro day
TomServo: I’m afraid they’ll do something really stupid and take the WR Schwartz. They just can’t help themselves
Brian Batko: That's Ray's guy!
RAS1968: I believe Humphrey and then Tremble would’ve been better than direction Steelers went.
Ray Fittipaldo: Freiermuth is the better receiver and he'll be the full-time starter sooner rather than later. Tremble is a good blocker and versatile, but he's not an accomplished pass catcher yet.
ABTennessee: Drew Dalman a possibility?
Brian Batko: His dad played in the league. But I do like Meinerz and Kendrick Green more.
daniel1111: dalman is a reach in the 3rd round. if meinerz is gone then specer brown or patrick jones or shaun wade.
Brian Batko: Ray and I talked a bit on the podcast about Creed Humphrey's perfect RAS (relative athletic score) number at 10.0. Dalman not far behind at 9.9.
Ray Fittipaldo: Steelers love sons of former NFL players too.
Ray Fittipaldo: Or brothers
pdxJaxon: spencer brown perfect 10.0 RAS as well
TomServo: If Dalman can gain 10-15 pounds and maintain that athleticism he could work
Brian Batko: Oh man, edge-rusher from Buffalo Malcolm Koonce goes to the Raiders. I had him going to the Steelers in Round 7 in my mock. It's always Vegas who goes way off the radar, isn't it? I love when they're on the clock.
Paul: I could see cornerback here. I don't think any of the lineman left can make an immediate difference.
Guest: I would encourage anyone to watch the You Tube videos of Meinerz. I saw his workout videos and game tape as well. He's a beast!!
Brian Batko: I'm having flashbacks to two hours ago when everyone was getting psyched up for Creed Humphrey ... and then it didn't happen.
Brian Batko: OK, the broadcast I'm watching seems stupefied by this pair of Raiders picks.
J: BJ Finney did good filling in for Pouncey when he was here before, so I don’t understand why Steelers fans refuse to show him some love... the oline was more finesse with Pouncey and maybe the best thing Steelers did to improve the oline was cutting Pouncey... oline will be more straight forward, hit the guy in front of you, with Finney and that fits Dotson’s blocking style as well.. I think the line will be better than most people think
Guest: If they don't draft a C or OT here I don't want to hear anymore lip service about improving the run game
Zamo: if Meinerz slips, draft is. 10/10 for me. I wanted him in round 2! Please answer my prayers
RAS1968: If Meinerz is there it needs to be him; not LB or CB.
HibachiBuffalo: Really thought Divine Deablo would be a Tomlin pick in the 4th Round. Safety with Sean Taylor size, but could also be used in middle linebacker in passing sets.
Reframmellator: Since Mayock went to the Raiders their board is like no other.
HibachiBuffalo: Just got here, but I liked the Friermuth pick. Liked Humphrey more, but still a really good pick.
pdxJaxon: I agree that the Friermuth pick was a very good pick for the longer term.....
john52: would suck if vikings take meinerz before us just like they took darrisaw right before us
Brian Batko: Vikings took a center in the first round two years ago, but hey, you never know. Could use Meinerz at guard if they're big fans.
RAS1968: NFL Network won’t legitimately critique Mayock.
Brian Batko: Steelers are three picks away. Cowboys-Titans-Vikes.
RAS1968: Dallas needs to rebuild OL; do they need a center?
John McGonigal: Cowboys took Tyler Biadasz out of Wisconsin in the 4th round last year, and I thought that was a steal, so they should be fine at center.
Yates: Ray & Bats - BPA and rank order please...
Brian Batko: Quinn Meinerz
James Hudson
Spencer Brown
Kenrick Green
I'm on the OL train, comrades.
Ray Fittipaldo: I'll add Elijah Molden, CB, Washington
Brian Batko: Green Bay is taking Amari Rodgers, Clemson receiver
daniel1111: with meinerz, you have a starting c for 10 years.
Brian Batko: Whoa, let's pump the brakes a tad.
Yates: Dalman?
pdxJaxon: Id add baron browning to the list
Brian Batko: Just saw a rumor that Steelers are picking Kendrick Green, Illinois center.
pdxJaxon: Hmmm.....wouldnt be furious with Kendrick Green....a little surprised, but not an awful pick
Guest: Green a much better pick than Meinerz
AkronSteeler: Green has a good scouting report. Good size and is athletic, strong
Brian Batko: Size is the knock on him, actually. He's a shade under 6-2. But 4.88 40? 36-inch vertical? That's a good center athlete, for sure.
daniel1111: no green please
Brian Batko: It's Kendrick Green, Illinois guard/center for the Steelers in Round 3.
AkronSteeler: i saw where they have Green listed at 6’4, 315
Brian Batko: Yeah, he measured in at just under 6-2 at his pro dya, so..
ppozone6031@gmail.com: RB, TE, C great first 3 rounds
Brian Batko: OK everyone, another Zoom call coming up for me shortly. Likely going to speak with new Steelers center Kendrick Green and new OL coach Adrian Klemm. My initial reaction is mixed. Quinn Meinerz seemed to be in a tier of his own as far as the remaining centers, but Green has some encouraging traits and certainly brings a different kind of athleticism to the position that Hassenauer/Finney do not.
Mark: Day 1 starter?
Guest: It's not like he needs to dunk the football Brian
Brian Batko: Also a converted DT. He supposedly plays nasty. Yinz wanted nasty, right?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not sure. Finney is solid and can play if he's not ready. Green can play guard, too. Remember, DeCastro only has one year left on his deal.
Ray Fittipaldo: Just did some quick research on Green. 33 career starts with 29 at guard and only four at center. Can't see him supplanting Finney right away, but we shall see soon enough.
PatrickB: Thanks for the great coverage Brian, Ray and Jerry!
Ray Fittipaldo: OK folks, I have to get to work and so does Brian. Thanks for taking part in the chat tonight.
First Published: April 30, 2021, 2:57 p.m.