Ray Fittipaldo: Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Scott: Hi Ray, thanks for the chats and insight. Do you feel the Steelers may be making a mistake by having only Pickens and then bit players in the WR room? I know they will likely draft one early but Friermuth may be injury prone and if Pickens is injured or isn't quite up to WR1 billing, they may be in trouble.
Ray Fittipaldo: This draft is loaded with quality receivers. They can get a starting-caliber receiver on Day 2 of the draft. They might even draft two receivers. Not sure if Quez Watkins or Van Jefferson is a bona fide No. 3. But one of them might have to be.
Ray Fittipaldo: Also, Tomlin didn't sound worried yesterday. He said WRs and CBs are uniquely qualified to step in for immediate playing time because they're being exposed to NFL-type passing concepts earlier and earlier due to the 7-on-7 culture.
Steve in Canton: When will your next mock draft come out?
Ray Fittipaldo: Next week. Was going to do one this week, but with Opening Day on Thursday we're going to push it until next week. Then the final mock goes the week of the draft.
Danny: I got a draft question if Tomlin wants to draft a center in the 1st round an khan wants to draft a tackle in the 1st round who wins that battle
Ray Fittipaldo: That's why they have a big board. These prospects will be ranked in order. Unless there is a really close call -- maybe one or two spots, it won't be difficult.
Guest: Hey Ray, should I be worried that the Steelers are going into the draft needing to find at least two, Day 1 starters? I see center, OT WR and CB as major needs.
Ray Fittipaldo: You are correct although I would say slot CB is a need rather than outside CB since they acquired Donte Jackson. And remember, there is a possibility Patrick Peterson comes back as the slot so it might not be a major need if that's the plan. I feel like they can get plug-and-play starters at 20 and 51 at either WR, OC and OT but maybe not all three. Possibly but not likely.
Danny: Could u see Tomlin coaching the steelers longer then chuck noll did
Ray Fittipaldo: He's young enough to do that. And he loves to coach football so it's not like he's going to want to walk away and go into broadcasting or something like that. But eventually the time will come for him to move on. With Noll and Landry and Belichick they all probably stayed a little too long. Does Tomlin want to do that or maybe go out on top if the Steelers can win again in the next few years? That's the question.
Jeff M: Unless a top WR or CB slips to 20 in feels like they will draft OL. If it is between Mimms and JPJ who do you think they take? Do you think DARIUS ROBINSON could be a sleeper pick in the 1st round?
Ray Fittipaldo: Darius Robinson was in for a visit but not sure if he's viewed as a first-round guy. If you look at the prospect rankings he's usually early to mid second round. And the Steelers would have him play DE rather than edge. As for Mims or JPJ, that's a tough call. JPJ is ready made to start right away, but Mims probably has more upside.
Danny: Where do u see the steelers going in the 1st round center or tackle
Ray Fittipaldo: Check out my mock draft next week. It's a good debate.
Matt: Hi Ray! Would it be too risky to draft OT first, then C ? Maybe trade up in the 2nd to do so?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's risky because the top three centers might not be there at 51. But you have to stay true to your board. That's what good personnel departments do. You don't reach for certain positions.
Steve in Canton: What ever happened to the Tyler Boyd signing? Does he want too much dineros?
Ray Fittipaldo: Lots of action in the first wave of free agency and then it tends to slow down some in the weeks after that. Some guys like Boyd might be waiting for other moves to happen. Or injuries this spring and summer before he signs.
Bill in LA: Should Arthur Smith’s offense be considered special or just average? It was good in Tennessee when he had Derek Henry and and poor in Atlanta where he had average players.
Ray Fittipaldo: I like his offense, but obviously every OC or head coach needs quality play at the QB position for it to be successful.
Steve in Canton: If the Steelers draft a receiver at #20, do you think George Pickens will pull a Kenny & pout his way outta town?
Ray Fittipaldo: No and I don't have a strong feeling they'll go WR at No. 20. Never say never, but I feel like a WR on Day 2 is more likely.
WR1&2: Seems odd to be banking on WR 1 and 2 to be Pickens and Rookie Draft Pick. Currently it doesn’t seem like they have a serious WR2 or 3 on the roster. Is a vet signing or trade still in the cards? If so, who they looking at? Boyd talks seemed to have stalled and Aiyuk rumors appear to be shot down.
Ray Fittipaldo: Yeah the trade talks have quieted. John Lynch came out and said he's not trading Aiyuk. We'll see if he sticks to his guns. I will say the 49ers are in a unique situation. They've been knocking on the door but haven't won the Super Bowl yet. They might be more willing to keep a guy like Aiyuk in the final year of his deal than other teams because he could potentially help them win one. Also could be a distraction. We've seen that with the Steelers. It happened with Le'Veon Bell. That was a big distraction. We'll see how it goes with the 49ers this summer. As for the second and third receiver spots I agree with you. There is work to be done. I view Watkins and Jefferson as 4 and 5 types more than 3s. Seems like they have an abundance of 4s and 5s with Calvin Austin too. Maybe they feel better about one of those guys than the rest of us.
Steve in Canton: Bigger need: Drafting a starting center or a #2 WR?
Ray Fittipaldo: Both! It's more likely they get WR2 in the second round though. I know that's not your question, but that's how it might unfold. It's a very deep draft for WRs and I don't think Barton, JPJ or Frazier will be there at 51. If one of them is then I'd probably lean center.
Steve in Canton: Does the Kyle Allen signing mean the Steelers won't draft a QB?
Ray Fittipaldo: Maybe Day 3 but I doubt it.
Joseph: How would you rank the Steelers draft priority if we were drafting today? I'd go OC, WR, OT, CB, DL.
Ray Fittipaldo: You have the positions right. I don't worry about the order as much as others. Andy Weidl will set the board and they'll make selections laregely based off that.
Steve in Canton: Better center to draft for the Steelers - JPJ or Troy Fautanu
Ray Fittipaldo: Fautanu can probably play center if he was asked, but he's being projected more as a tackle or guard. He played mostly tackle at Washington. There are lots of first-round OLs with position flexibility. JC Latham also can play tackle or guard. It's something front offices value.
Steve in Canton: Will ILB Patrick Queen get to wear #6 with the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes.
Tim in Cleveland: if one of the top two DL’s were to drop within striking distance in the draft, is there one the Steelers would move up for?
Ray Fittipaldo: Byron Murphy is really the only DL who might be worth taking at No. 20. I'd be OK with that. He'd be a replacement for Ogunjobi. That would give them quality depth on the interior of the DL. If they don't draft a DE like Robinson they really need DeMarvin Leal to step up and play well. He had a disappointing second season.
Guest: Hi, Ray. Thanks for doing this again. Will there be another Black Friday NFL game this year? I’ve yet to hear anything on that front, even though we’ve heard games scheduled for pretty much every other major holiday.
Ray Fittipaldo: The schedule is going to come out in May. I just read earlier today the NFL is going to play two games on Christmas Day, which falls on a Wednesday this year. Will be interesting to see how they work that with off weeks and Thursday night games preceding those games. I'm sure they'll do a Black Friday game again if it was profitable for the league last year.
Steve in Canton: Any notable college players coming to Pitt for pre-draft visits this week?
Ray Fittipaldo: Nothing yesterday or today because Tomlin and the front office is in Orlando for the owner's meetings. But they'll be back tomorrow so you could see some guys coming in later in the week.
obxandy: Ray, Any team have a decent surplus RT that wants to trade for a veteran LT (Dan Moore)? Lets make a deal! Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo: Not sure you'd get much more than a Day 3 (and likely late Day 3) pick for Moore.
SMF: Hi Ray: Thanks for the chats. The DL has been off the radar since FA started. Are they really going with last years group and not re-negotiating Cam Heyward’s big cap hit again? Even the first 2 draft picks have avoided DL rumors. Both Ogunjobi and Heyward are unlikely to play 17 games due to injury. New guy Lowry is a backup. What’s your take?
Ray Fittipaldo: They could still do something with Heyward's contract, and I think they'll draft a DL, but it's hard to say when because it's not a terribly deep class.
Steve in Canton: Better backup EDGE to re-sign as a free agent - Markus Golden or Bud Dupree?
Ray Fittipaldo: I thought Golden was solid in his role. If he wants to come back I think they'd be open to that.
Jim: Do you believe the Quez Watkins signing has any effect on a possible Tyler Boyd signing? Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo: Not really.
MZ: Rank these choices: JPJ, Latham, Mims
Ray Fittipaldo: Latham
Ray Fittipaldo: Tough call between JPJ and Mims as I explained earlier. High floor for JPJ but a higher ceiling for Mims.
@roncookppg: We have to assume Cole will not start the season so will be bring back Myle's Jack to round out the depth chart or do we draft one in 3rd or 4th round?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think they'd like to draft one. Queen is their three-down ILB of the present and future. What they now need is a replacement for Elandon Roberts, who is entering the final year of his contract.
CT Art: Do you pickup either Najee’s or Muth’s rookie contract options? I say let them both play it out. Najee has been productive but RBs aren’t a good long term investment and Muth hasn’t earned it IMO.
Ray Fittipaldo: Freiermuth is a candidate to get extended. As a second-round pick there is no option on his rookie deal. He simply becomes a free agent after the season if the Steelers don't re-sign him. As for Harris, I think they'll pick up the option because it's not very expensive.
Surly in Sheraden: Can this defense be a top 10 defense this year? Last year they were 21st in yards against, and that rating was aided by getting lucky to see quite a few backup QBs.
Better health and FA signings should help (at least Queen), but they were giving up lots of yards last year even before all the ILB and S injuries.
Ray Fittipaldo: Where did they rank in points per game? That's what really matters.
Tampa Too: Ray, what do you think of the new NFL kickoff rule changes?
Does this take away the surprise onside kick?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's something I have to see for a few games before I can tell if I like ir or not. But just looking at the rules it seems like it could cause some confusion for returners about when to return and when to kneel down.
Steve in Canton: Any chance WR Myles Boykin comes back? I think he had been a pretty good special teams guy.
Ray Fittipaldo: If they have room for another strictly special teamer then yes.
Stash: Ray, the league cannot be serious about this hip drop move, can they? I mean the refs routinely botch the most basic of calls, and now they are going to judge if a tackler swivels? Its beyond dumb, no?
Ray Fittipaldo: Lots of complaining about this from defenders and I get it, but honestly why can't defenders just dive and grab onto the legs and drag players down from the thighs or knees? Just avoid the hips. In other words tackle at the knees or below.
Mikeinclt: Ray, appreciate the chat. Feels like center is the biggest need. If you could draft Webster (HOF), Dawson (HOF) or Pouncey (will stomp you in the ground if you mess with his QB)-who are you drafting?
Ray Fittipaldo: Webby. I grew up on the '70s Steelers.
Steve Abbott: I know there are a number of top receivers in the draft, but how confident are you that Pickens can handle the role of No. 1 receiver with the added attention he will get with Johnson gone?
Ray Fittipaldo: Well, he wanted the ball more so this is great for him. He'll get double-teamed more, but that comes with the territory. The great ones still get open and make plays.
Paul S.: Hey Ray…Paul from Memorial Dr., now up on Long Island…like you, I am still a proponent of a DL early, 2nd or 3rd Rd. Why not trade back with the 1st Rd. Pick? In this scenario you still can grab a C you like (Frazier or Barton) and thus gain another early pick, likely a 2nd Rd., and get yourself a WR and DL in the 2nd (say Roman Wilson-WR, and Robinson (Mizzou)/Fiske (FSU)-DL)…then grab an OT in 3rd, like the Yale kid.
Ray Fittipaldo: Hey Paul, I'm all for trading down if there isn't a player they want at 20, but I think there's going to be a player they want at 20 given their needs at OT, OC and WR.
Cody: Ray do you think the Steelers will look to draft WR,C,OT first ? And would they consider trading up
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes they'll trade up for a player they really want. They did it last year with Jones. and I think OL at 20 just not sure if it will be OC or OT.
Yogi in Yonkers: Is it really so incomprehensible that the Steelers win the division this year? They’ve swept the Ravens 3 of the last 4 years, the Bengals defense can be exploited by a veteran QB, and the Browns? Well they is the Browns.
Ray Fittipaldo: Not incomprehensible but I view them as the third-best team in the division behind the Ravens and Bengals, if Burrow is healthy.
Arthur not Art: Hi Ray, thank you for your time and the chat. Given Jones' struggles in pass pro, should they be looking for a LT in this draft with better potential in pass pro and keep Jones at RT or were his troubles more likely related to new position and new to NFL.
Ray Fittipaldo: He's young. He'll get better in pass pro. Omar Khan said he will play on the left side eventually so it's only a matter of when.
Nate from Iowa: Hi Ray, do you still prefer an OT like Latham over JPJ if he's available at pick 20? I get that there's more value in OT than C, especially first round, but I just think about all the great centers the Steelers have had during the Super Bowl era. And it's hard not to continue that tradition. Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo: I'd take Latham over JPJ, but maybe not Mims over JPJ.
Richard Petty: Ray, was it really all that long ago that Penny Kickett was in the coveted "pole position"? My how times change......
Ray Fittipaldo: Every time I hear "pole position" come out of Mike Tomlin's mouth I say to myself "Prepare to qualify." Am I the only one who does that?
TVC15: DraftKings SportsBook, which set the Steelers over/under at just 7.5 wins for the 2024 season. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo: I'd say bet the over.
RJT: steelers couldn’t get a rush up the middle. Isn’t DL a huge concern? Can’t count on Cam rebounding and who knows what you get with Larry o
Ray Fittipaldo: It's definitely a concern. They need to find some young DL in this draft. Or least one.
Gregg from Shaler: I had not heard that Pat P might return. Is he testing the market? What % likelihood he’s back?
Ray Fittipaldo: He said he's open to coming back. And he said money isn't a big concern for him. So if the Steelers want him back I think he returns.
Ray Fittipaldo: Ok thanks for taking part in today's chat. We'll do another next Tuesday.
Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and @rayfitt1 on X
First Published: March 26, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Updated: March 26, 2024, 5:58 p.m.
