Poll Question: The Steelers have eight draft picks. How should they manage those selections between offense and defense?
Answer
#1: draft eight defenders (0%) Answer
#2: draft seven defenders (12%) Answer
#3: draft six defenders (35%) Answer
#4: draft five defenders (53%) Answer
#5: Accentuate the positive and go heavy on the O (0%)
Touchdown Joey: Hello there Mr. Fittipaldo. The Steelers are known to be targeting CB and OLB, and it just to happens that top talents at both spots (Peters and Gregory) might fall to them because of off-field concerns. Lucky day or buyer beware??
Ray Fittipaldo: Definitely buyer beware. Gregory had been projected as a top 5 or top 10 pick, but he could fall after admitting he failed a marijuana test at the combine. Gregory spoke with the NFL Network about his past drug habits and how he once had a hard time with smoking. He claims those problems are behind him, but it's certainly a red flag for teams. Peters, according to some analysts, is the top CB in the draft. However, he was kicked off Washington's team in the middle of last season. That's not something NFL teams will take lightly. There are concerns he is not coachable. For me, I'd have a harder time taking Gregory. I think there is a school of thought that in the right environment Peters could thrive. For that reason, if you're asking me to pick between the two I'd take Peters over Gregory.
Dr. Joe: Shamarko Thomas didn't leave us much game film last year to even build expectations. Assuming he is headed toward a starting role this season, what do expect from him? A guy that the front office liked enough to trade up for or a guy who wasn't able to earn defensive playing time the last two years?
Ray Fittipaldo: You are right. There is almost no tape on him from last year. He played two defensive snaps, both in the final regular season finale against the Bengals. He did play 193 snaps as a rookie, mostly in the nickel and dime. To me, it's one of the top story lines of the summer. They drafted him to take over for Polamalu, but for some reason they have been slow to work him into their defense. Right now, I don't think anyone really knows how he'll do because he hasn't had an extended opportunity.
Guest: Steelers entertaining drafting CB's Kevin Johnson from Wake Forest and Darryl Roberts from Marshall, wouldn't you want to draft a CB from an SEC school where the talent pedigree is?
Ray Fittipaldo: If you went by the same logic the Steelers would not have selected Ben Roethlisberger because he went to a MAC school. GMs and scouts are paid well to evaluate prospects from all kinds of places. Yes, it might be more impressive if a CB had a great year at an SEC school, but you cannot make your decision based solely on that.
Draftnik: Breakdown of 8 picks, 2 CB's, 2 DE, 1 TE, 1 Off Tackle, 2 LB's
Ray Fittipaldo: I like it, but I don't know if they'll take two DEs. I think they have to draft a receiver in the middle rounds as well.
Bernard: Shouldn't the DeflateGate penalty ( if any) be announced before the draft? Hoo is responsible for the delay?
Ray Fittipaldo: Ted Wells is the investigator and he had no known deadline given to him by the NFL. But you would have to assume the NFL would like to make a decision before the draft because sanctions could include lost draft choices. Or maybe they'd just go with a big fine and a long suspension if Wells does not produce the report until after the draft. Or maybe nothing will come of it at all.
Touchdown Joey: What's more likely; the Steelers reach for a need and take a 2nd round talent at 22, or go off the radar and draft for pure value, such as defensive or offensive line?
Ray Fittipaldo: In an ideal world neither happens. I think there will be plenty of CBs and OLBs available that the Steelers will find one at No. 22. However, I will play your what if scenario. If they don't like a CB or OLB there and draft on pure value I'd take DL over an OL. The O-line is pretty much set for the 2015 season. The DL could be set, but I think that unit could use more depth, which is why I'd go DL.
Bernard: Hoo do you think will have a better year, Shazier or Jarvis Jones?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's hard to say because we didn't get an extended look at either because of injuries. I'll say Shazier if he can stay healthy. I like his explosiveness and getting to play some as a rookie should help him in Year 2.
Guest: Don't you have to develop Dri Archer into a Kickoff and punt return specialist?
Ray Fittipaldo: To get full value for using a third-round draft pick on him, I would say yes. But after watching him last year I don't know if that will happen. He lost his job as the kick returner early and he never fielded a punt in a regular-season game. I think they'll give him another opportunity to prove he can do one or the other, but I don't have high expectations after last season.
Guest: Pens fans were in a big rush to fire their coach last year and bring up young players. It's not panning out to well. Should Steelers fans take notice?
Ray Fittipaldo: There is always a balance for a franchise to mesh the old with the new. The Steelers are moving on from some players, but they still have some respected veterans such as James Harrison, Heath Miller and Ben.
Guest: Dri Archer was known to come from a small school and would need time to transition to a much much higher level of competition. Why don't fans get this?
Ray Fittipaldo: What exactly is there to transition to when it comes to catching kicks and running up the field. You either have a knack for it or you don't. It's not like he had to learn a big special teams playbook. Now maybe they threw too much at him with the offensive playbook and he was overwhelmed in all facets, but I don't put much stock into him "learning" how to play special teams.
TD: I'm still baffled by our CB situation...do the Steelers really think they will get a potential starting cornerback for less than $2mil dollars. McCain was a cheap as they come, started and still they wouldn't pay that!?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think their offseason approach suggests they will draft multiple CBs. Really, what they did when they let McCain walk was say they like Antwon Blake enough to play in the nickel. And let's face it, they are tied to Allen because of that contract.
Weegie: I believe speed can be over rated, speed is nice measurement to have but if the player can't stay on the field what good is it? I think Steelers should have grabbed Mosley, over Shazier. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's easy to say that now, but a year ago at this time there were concerns about Mosley's injury history. He happened to stay healthy and had a great rookie season.
Bernard: Any idea as to when the formal announcement will come for the Bell suspension?
Ray Fittipaldo: I don't, but I'm not sure why there is a delay in the announcement. The policy is cut and dried unless there is a technicality we are all unaware of.
Guest: Peyton Manning and Troy Aikman were both absolutely awful thier rookie years. What's the realistic chance some rookie is going to come in a be a superstar in this defense if those two HOF's couldn't? Why are fans expectations so high?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's not impossible for a rookie to have a big impact. It's just not the norm. And it certainly hasn't been the norm in this defense. Overall, I agree with you, but the Steelers have made it a point to give more snaps to their past couple of high picks. Jarvis Jones was handed a starting job. Ryan Shazier was handed a starting job and Stephon Tuitt got more playing time late in the season. Five years ago, I'm not sure that takes place.
Guest: Will the Steelers be as fond of players from Ohio State now that LeBeau is gone?
Ray Fittipaldo: That's a good point. Dick has a lot of connections at Ohio State. Cam Heyward, Mike Adams and Ryan Shazier all played for the Buckeyes. I don't think it will matter much now that Dick is gone. He watched tape of college guys after the season, but the scouts are the ones who watch them most in the fall, on tape and in person.
Guest: Williams will be in "substance program", Peters is raw and may not be coachable, Waeyns is to grabbing and will be a penalty flag beacon, Collins has minimal experience...Do we really want one of these cornerbacks?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not sure where you get Peters is raw. He is polished from everything I read and hear about him. Yes, there are character concerns there. We can sit here and nitpik every guy in the draft. If you're asking me which of that group I'd take it's Waynes because he's probably the safest pick, but the guy who could be really good is Collins because he is big and athletic. All he lacks is experience.
Austin: Do you see AB's numbers dropping this year? Or will Bryant's development actually help him?
Ray Fittipaldo: Teams are going to try to devise ways to stop him, but as long as you have viable options for Ben playing with him they can't gang up on him too much. If they choose to do that then Bryant and Wheaton would do damage. That's the nice thing about having a franchise QB and a franchise WR. Defenses have to pick their poison in the passing game.
Guest: Do you see anyone that the Steelers may be interested in trading up to get in the first round, a la the trades up to get Troy and Holmes in the past?
Ray Fittipaldo: They have some other glaring needs other than CB so I think this is a year they might want to hang onto their choices. But I never say never. If someone is there that they covet in the late teens or early 20s they could make a move.
Guest: Steeler rookies who played have a significant history of injuries in their first year (Mendy, Sweed, DeCastro, Jones, Shazier) to name a few. Why?
Ray Fittipaldo: Jones was benched for ineffective play not because of injuries. I just think it's coincidence. I mean, DeCastro's knee was caved in when Marcus Gilbert fell on him. There's nothing you can do about freak injuries.
Guest: If he falls to 22, would you draft danny Shelton or there are too many other needs?
Ray Fittipaldo: I like him and you could make the defensive line fearsome, but they need to add pass rushers and players that can cover first and foremost. I'd be tempted though. I think he could be a game changer in the middle for whichever team drafts him.
Guest: Any hidden gems in the draft that you like?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not sure about hidden gems, but I think it's overlooked that this team needs to add a WR at some point in the draft. So I could see them taking one anytime after Round 3. There are a bunch of guys who might be available and WRs are the guys who can come in and make an impact. There is a guy by the name of Harper (I think) from Fresno State who I think is pretty good He could be around in the fifth round.
Guest: If the Steelers extend or rework any more contracts -- Heyward's, for example -- would you expect that to happen soon, over the summer, or during training camp?
Ray Fittipaldo: They did Pouncey in late June during minicamp and they did Cortez Allen on the night before the opener. So I guess it all depends on how negotiations go. I think they'd prefer early summer.
SteelerfanID: Do you see a tightend in this draft that could be a steel for the Steelers?? Someone who can block and catch?
Ray Fittipaldo: Those guys are getting harder and harder to find. I like Maxx Williams, the top-rated TE who will likely be gone by the time the Steelers select in Round 2. After him there are a bunch of guys who could start coming off the board late in the second or the third and fourth rounds. But unless you're taking Williams I don't think you're drafting the replacement for Heath Miller. You're probably drafting the next Matt Spaeth.
Robert: We follow a failed 4th round pick of Landry Jones with a failed 3rd round pick of Dri Archer. All I can say is geez, do you think this has to happen every year?
Ray Fittipaldo: Look around at other teams. It happens everywhere. They're saying the same thing in Cleveland, except they're complaining about their first-round picks.
Guest: Dri Archer never returned punts and kickoffs in college, right? If anybody can just do it why don't they use someone else?
Ray Fittipaldo: Archer returned kicks in college. That's why they drafted him. They thought he could improve their special teams.
Guest: Do you think the Steelers might spend a late pick on any of the lower ranked WVU players available in this draft, namely Alford at WR, Glowinski at G, or Riddick at OLB?
Ray Fittipaldo: Alford is a slot WR, which I think is an area the Steelers will address. However, Alford is kind of small and I don't know if they want to take another chance on someone like him after Archer. And I think they could add a guard later in the draft for depth so the guard could be an option. The Steelers should have a firm understanding of the Mountaineers because Tom Bradley was there. He worked as an analyst for Steelers Nation radio before he went to WVU. He's now at UCLA.
Billy: Think Lance Moore regrets asking for a release?
Ray Fittipaldo: I was thinking about that the other day. A lot can happen between now and camp. I bet he gets picked up by someone, but maybe he could have tried harder to make it work here. Or maybe it so beyond repair here that he thought moving on was best. Either way, he didn't contribute much last season so it's not a big deal for the Steelers other than it will likely make them invest in a WR in the draft. And that's not a bad thing. This is another good year for WRs.
teddyballgame14: Any speculation as to what CB's or OLB's may be potential salary cap casualties late in the offseason or early pre-season that might be potential help for an ailing Steelers D?
Ray Fittipaldo: Most of that is already done. Guys will get cut in camp, but it won't have much to do with the cap.
Big City: Jess James TE from Penn State might be worth a flyer in the middle rounds. He had a poor combine but I think there's some upside there. Any thoughts on him?
Ray Fittipaldo: He's big and he's a guy who will find a role in the NFL as a blocker. I'm not sure there is a lot of upside in the passing game though. I think he's a competent receiver, but I don't know if he'll ever develop into a guy who will catch 40 passes a year. But that's OK for the Steelers. Matt Spaeth only had three receptions last season. Blocking is most important to the Steelers, which is why someone like James could be an option in the middle to later rounds.
Guest: Greatest Steeler of the 1980's Decade was who? Louis Lipps? David Little?
Ray Fittipaldo: Rod Woodson was drafted in 1987 so I'd have to go with him.
Rick: Ray, I think the big drop off with Harrison will be in his speed burst. He is strong but if you can't get the QB quick then that strength isn't going to help unless you are NT. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: You might be right, but he got 5 1/2 sacks in limited playing time last season. He's not going to be the player he was when he was 28 or even 30, but he remains very good against the run. If they want to use him on first and second downs and bring Jones in on passing situations I wold not be opposed to that.
Joe: Why do so many believe that early round draft pick so are critical? I read a study that only about 50% of the NFL's first and second round NFL actually end up being starters. So isn't the Steelers philosophy on taking the best player available the correct thing to do instead of reaching for a position player of current need?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not sure of your numbers. I'll take your word, but the Steelers have added several really good players in the first and second rounds the past few years. Maurkice Pouncey is a perennial All-Pro player. Cam Heyward is one of their top defensive players as is Lawrence Timmons. David DeCastro has been more than solid. Fans get excited at the prospects of adding good players, which the Steelers have done for the most part in the first and second rounds. (Mendenhall and Sweed excluded of course).
Ray Fittipaldo: Thanks for taking part in the chat today. We'll do it again next week at the same time.
Poll Question: The Steelers have eight draft picks. How should they manage those selections between offense and defense?
Answer
#1: draft eight defenders (0%) Answer
#2: draft seven defenders (12%) Answer
#3: draft six defenders (35%) Answer
#4: draft five defenders (53%) Answer
#5: Accentuate the positive and go heavy on the O (0%)
Touchdown Joey: Hello there Mr. Fittipaldo. The Steelers are known to be targeting CB and OLB, and it just to happens that top talents at both spots (Peters and Gregory) might fall to them because of off-field concerns. Lucky day or buyer beware??
Ray Fittipaldo: Definitely buyer beware. Gregory had been projected as a top 5 or top 10 pick, but he could fall after admitting he failed a marijuana test at the combine. Gregory spoke with the NFL Network about his past drug habits and how he once had a hard time with smoking. He claims those problems are behind him, but it's certainly a red flag for teams. Peters, according to some analysts, is the top CB in the draft. However, he was kicked off Washington's team in the middle of last season. That's not something NFL teams will take lightly. There are concerns he is not coachable. For me, I'd have a harder time taking Gregory. I think there is a school of thought that in the right environment Peters could thrive. For that reason, if you're asking me to pick between the two I'd take Peters over Gregory.
Dr. Joe: Shamarko Thomas didn't leave us much game film last year to even build expectations. Assuming he is headed toward a starting role this season, what do expect from him? A guy that the front office liked enough to trade up for or a guy who wasn't able to earn defensive playing time the last two years?
Ray Fittipaldo: You are right. There is almost no tape on him from last year. He played two defensive snaps, both in the final regular season finale against the Bengals. He did play 193 snaps as a rookie, mostly in the nickel and dime. To me, it's one of the top story lines of the summer. They drafted him to take over for Polamalu, but for some reason they have been slow to work him into their defense. Right now, I don't think anyone really knows how he'll do because he hasn't had an extended opportunity.
Guest: Steelers entertaining drafting CB's Kevin Johnson from Wake Forest and Darryl Roberts from Marshall, wouldn't you want to draft a CB from an SEC school where the talent pedigree is?
Ray Fittipaldo: If you went by the same logic the Steelers would not have selected Ben Roethlisberger because he went to a MAC school. GMs and scouts are paid well to evaluate prospects from all kinds of places. Yes, it might be more impressive if a CB had a great year at an SEC school, but you cannot make your decision based solely on that.
Draftnik: Breakdown of 8 picks, 2 CB's, 2 DE, 1 TE, 1 Off Tackle, 2 LB's
Ray Fittipaldo: I like it, but I don't know if they'll take two DEs. I think they have to draft a receiver in the middle rounds as well.
Bernard: Shouldn't the DeflateGate penalty ( if any) be announced before the draft? Hoo is responsible for the delay?
Ray Fittipaldo: Ted Wells is the investigator and he had no known deadline given to him by the NFL. But you would have to assume the NFL would like to make a decision before the draft because sanctions could include lost draft choices. Or maybe they'd just go with a big fine and a long suspension if Wells does not produce the report until after the draft. Or maybe nothing will come of it at all.
Touchdown Joey: What's more likely; the Steelers reach for a need and take a 2nd round talent at 22, or go off the radar and draft for pure value, such as defensive or offensive line?
Ray Fittipaldo: In an ideal world neither happens. I think there will be plenty of CBs and OLBs available that the Steelers will find one at No. 22. However, I will play your what if scenario. If they don't like a CB or OLB there and draft on pure value I'd take DL over an OL. The O-line is pretty much set for the 2015 season. The DL could be set, but I think that unit could use more depth, which is why I'd go DL.
Bernard: Hoo do you think will have a better year, Shazier or Jarvis Jones?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's hard to say because we didn't get an extended look at either because of injuries. I'll say Shazier if he can stay healthy. I like his explosiveness and getting to play some as a rookie should help him in Year 2.
Guest: Don't you have to develop Dri Archer into a Kickoff and punt return specialist?
Ray Fittipaldo: To get full value for using a third-round draft pick on him, I would say yes. But after watching him last year I don't know if that will happen. He lost his job as the kick returner early and he never fielded a punt in a regular-season game. I think they'll give him another opportunity to prove he can do one or the other, but I don't have high expectations after last season.
Guest: Pens fans were in a big rush to fire their coach last year and bring up young players. It's not panning out to well. Should Steelers fans take notice?
Ray Fittipaldo: There is always a balance for a franchise to mesh the old with the new. The Steelers are moving on from some players, but they still have some respected veterans such as James Harrison, Heath Miller and Ben.
Guest: Dri Archer was known to come from a small school and would need time to transition to a much much higher level of competition. Why don't fans get this?
Ray Fittipaldo: What exactly is there to transition to when it comes to catching kicks and running up the field. You either have a knack for it or you don't. It's not like he had to learn a big special teams playbook. Now maybe they threw too much at him with the offensive playbook and he was overwhelmed in all facets, but I don't put much stock into him "learning" how to play special teams.
TD: I'm still baffled by our CB situation...do the Steelers really think they will get a potential starting cornerback for less than $2mil dollars. McCain was a cheap as they come, started and still they wouldn't pay that!?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think their offseason approach suggests they will draft multiple CBs. Really, what they did when they let McCain walk was say they like Antwon Blake enough to play in the nickel. And let's face it, they are tied to Allen because of that contract.
Weegie: I believe speed can be over rated, speed is nice measurement to have but if the player can't stay on the field what good is it? I think Steelers should have grabbed Mosley, over Shazier. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's easy to say that now, but a year ago at this time there were concerns about Mosley's injury history. He happened to stay healthy and had a great rookie season.
Bernard: Any idea as to when the formal announcement will come for the Bell suspension?
Ray Fittipaldo: I don't, but I'm not sure why there is a delay in the announcement. The policy is cut and dried unless there is a technicality we are all unaware of.
Guest: Peyton Manning and Troy Aikman were both absolutely awful thier rookie years. What's the realistic chance some rookie is going to come in a be a superstar in this defense if those two HOF's couldn't? Why are fans expectations so high?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's not impossible for a rookie to have a big impact. It's just not the norm. And it certainly hasn't been the norm in this defense. Overall, I agree with you, but the Steelers have made it a point to give more snaps to their past couple of high picks. Jarvis Jones was handed a starting job. Ryan Shazier was handed a starting job and Stephon Tuitt got more playing time late in the season. Five years ago, I'm not sure that takes place.
Guest: Will the Steelers be as fond of players from Ohio State now that LeBeau is gone?
Ray Fittipaldo: That's a good point. Dick has a lot of connections at Ohio State. Cam Heyward, Mike Adams and Ryan Shazier all played for the Buckeyes. I don't think it will matter much now that Dick is gone. He watched tape of college guys after the season, but the scouts are the ones who watch them most in the fall, on tape and in person.
Guest: Williams will be in "substance program", Peters is raw and may not be coachable, Waeyns is to grabbing and will be a penalty flag beacon, Collins has minimal experience...Do we really want one of these cornerbacks?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not sure where you get Peters is raw. He is polished from everything I read and hear about him. Yes, there are character concerns there. We can sit here and nitpik every guy in the draft. If you're asking me which of that group I'd take it's Waynes because he's probably the safest pick, but the guy who could be really good is Collins because he is big and athletic. All he lacks is experience.
Austin: Do you see AB's numbers dropping this year? Or will Bryant's development actually help him?
Ray Fittipaldo: Teams are going to try to devise ways to stop him, but as long as you have viable options for Ben playing with him they can't gang up on him too much. If they choose to do that then Bryant and Wheaton would do damage. That's the nice thing about having a franchise QB and a franchise WR. Defenses have to pick their poison in the passing game.
Guest: Do you see anyone that the Steelers may be interested in trading up to get in the first round, a la the trades up to get Troy and Holmes in the past?
Ray Fittipaldo: They have some other glaring needs other than CB so I think this is a year they might want to hang onto their choices. But I never say never. If someone is there that they covet in the late teens or early 20s they could make a move.
Guest: Steeler rookies who played have a significant history of injuries in their first year (Mendy, Sweed, DeCastro, Jones, Shazier) to name a few. Why?
Ray Fittipaldo: Jones was benched for ineffective play not because of injuries. I just think it's coincidence. I mean, DeCastro's knee was caved in when Marcus Gilbert fell on him. There's nothing you can do about freak injuries.
Guest: If he falls to 22, would you draft danny Shelton or there are too many other needs?
Ray Fittipaldo: I like him and you could make the defensive line fearsome, but they need to add pass rushers and players that can cover first and foremost. I'd be tempted though. I think he could be a game changer in the middle for whichever team drafts him.
Guest: Any hidden gems in the draft that you like?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not sure about hidden gems, but I think it's overlooked that this team needs to add a WR at some point in the draft. So I could see them taking one anytime after Round 3. There are a bunch of guys who might be available and WRs are the guys who can come in and make an impact. There is a guy by the name of Harper (I think) from Fresno State who I think is pretty good He could be around in the fifth round.
Guest: If the Steelers extend or rework any more contracts -- Heyward's, for example -- would you expect that to happen soon, over the summer, or during training camp?
Ray Fittipaldo: They did Pouncey in late June during minicamp and they did Cortez Allen on the night before the opener. So I guess it all depends on how negotiations go. I think they'd prefer early summer.
SteelerfanID: Do you see a tightend in this draft that could be a steel for the Steelers?? Someone who can block and catch?
Ray Fittipaldo: Those guys are getting harder and harder to find. I like Maxx Williams, the top-rated TE who will likely be gone by the time the Steelers select in Round 2. After him there are a bunch of guys who could start coming off the board late in the second or the third and fourth rounds. But unless you're taking Williams I don't think you're drafting the replacement for Heath Miller. You're probably drafting the next Matt Spaeth.
Robert: We follow a failed 4th round pick of Landry Jones with a failed 3rd round pick of Dri Archer. All I can say is geez, do you think this has to happen every year?
Ray Fittipaldo: Look around at other teams. It happens everywhere. They're saying the same thing in Cleveland, except they're complaining about their first-round picks.
Guest: Dri Archer never returned punts and kickoffs in college, right? If anybody can just do it why don't they use someone else?
Ray Fittipaldo: Archer returned kicks in college. That's why they drafted him. They thought he could improve their special teams.
Guest: Do you think the Steelers might spend a late pick on any of the lower ranked WVU players available in this draft, namely Alford at WR, Glowinski at G, or Riddick at OLB?
Ray Fittipaldo: Alford is a slot WR, which I think is an area the Steelers will address. However, Alford is kind of small and I don't know if they want to take another chance on someone like him after Archer. And I think they could add a guard later in the draft for depth so the guard could be an option. The Steelers should have a firm understanding of the Mountaineers because Tom Bradley was there. He worked as an analyst for Steelers Nation radio before he went to WVU. He's now at UCLA.
Billy: Think Lance Moore regrets asking for a release?
Ray Fittipaldo: I was thinking about that the other day. A lot can happen between now and camp. I bet he gets picked up by someone, but maybe he could have tried harder to make it work here. Or maybe it so beyond repair here that he thought moving on was best. Either way, he didn't contribute much last season so it's not a big deal for the Steelers other than it will likely make them invest in a WR in the draft. And that's not a bad thing. This is another good year for WRs.
teddyballgame14: Any speculation as to what CB's or OLB's may be potential salary cap casualties late in the offseason or early pre-season that might be potential help for an ailing Steelers D?
Ray Fittipaldo: Most of that is already done. Guys will get cut in camp, but it won't have much to do with the cap.
Big City: Jess James TE from Penn State might be worth a flyer in the middle rounds. He had a poor combine but I think there's some upside there. Any thoughts on him?
Ray Fittipaldo: He's big and he's a guy who will find a role in the NFL as a blocker. I'm not sure there is a lot of upside in the passing game though. I think he's a competent receiver, but I don't know if he'll ever develop into a guy who will catch 40 passes a year. But that's OK for the Steelers. Matt Spaeth only had three receptions last season. Blocking is most important to the Steelers, which is why someone like James could be an option in the middle to later rounds.
Guest: Greatest Steeler of the 1980's Decade was who? Louis Lipps? David Little?
Ray Fittipaldo: Rod Woodson was drafted in 1987 so I'd have to go with him.
Rick: Ray, I think the big drop off with Harrison will be in his speed burst. He is strong but if you can't get the QB quick then that strength isn't going to help unless you are NT. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: You might be right, but he got 5 1/2 sacks in limited playing time last season. He's not going to be the player he was when he was 28 or even 30, but he remains very good against the run. If they want to use him on first and second downs and bring Jones in on passing situations I wold not be opposed to that.
Joe: Why do so many believe that early round draft pick so are critical? I read a study that only about 50% of the NFL's first and second round NFL actually end up being starters. So isn't the Steelers philosophy on taking the best player available the correct thing to do instead of reaching for a position player of current need?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not sure of your numbers. I'll take your word, but the Steelers have added several really good players in the first and second rounds the past few years. Maurkice Pouncey is a perennial All-Pro player. Cam Heyward is one of their top defensive players as is Lawrence Timmons. David DeCastro has been more than solid. Fans get excited at the prospects of adding good players, which the Steelers have done for the most part in the first and second rounds. (Mendenhall and Sweed excluded of course).
Ray Fittipaldo: Thanks for taking part in the chat today. We'll do it again next week at the same time.
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/04/06/Ray-Fittipaldo-s-Steelers-chat-transcript-6/stories/201504060140
