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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat
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Guest
12:10
The Steelers have to know that there is NO WAY Ben doesn't play out his full contract, so why draft a Josh Dobbs now?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
Because they wanted to add another QB to the mix. If Dobbs turns out to be starter quality down the road it's a great pick. If he turns out to be a backup it's OK too when Landry Jones moves on. You have to invest in every position, especially with a starting QB who is 35 and has openly mentioned the possibility of retiring.
GeorgeR
12:12
Are Steelers working on a long term deal with Cockerell? Last I heard he hadn't signed the tender. Is part of holdup of AV extension that LSU tackle may be the real deal and he may surpass soon?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
Cockrell did sign his tender and there are no indications they are seeking a long-term deal with the Steelers.
12:13
As for Villanueva, I like him but I'd be careful if I was his agent. Jerald Hawkins has potential. He looked really good to me before he was injured in training camp last summer.
Zo
12:13
Do you think Cam Sutton will win the outside corner spot?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
I think he has a better shot of starting in the slot.
Guest
12:14
The Steelers didn't have a bad draft, but in retrospect, Kevin King would've been a better first-round pick. Still could've gotten a pass-rusher like Lawson or Rivers in the third instead of Watt. King/Lawson > Watt/Sutton, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
Apparently, there were some injury concerns with Lawson. That's why he lasted until the fourth round. And yes, it turns out they could have drafted Rivers in subsequent rounds, but the Steelers had no idea how the draft would fall when they made the Watt pick.
SteelSteve
12:15
ive been reading a bit about our new cb Sutton. Sounds like he has a high football IQ and I was curious, with this understanding of his role in a defense and from what I read, everyone else's roles, he could really be an asset and start sooner than later. Is that feasable to ask a 3rd round pick to make immediate contributions? Love reading the chats! Thanks Ray!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
Why not? It's no like the Steelers have Mel Blount as an incumbent CB.
Renengade
12:16
Do you feel Steelers would consider looking trying DHB at corner? A speedster who is very strong on special teams and has ball skills. Seeing how Brian Allen made a shift like this in college - DHB seems like a candidate in house to do this. More so now with all the WR depth.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
For your amusement only
JamesinNYC
12:16
Would you agree if Dobbs has even a 20% chance of becoming a solid starting NFL QB it was a good pick? I get that you start with developing him into a backup, but he appears to have a chance to develop further.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
Sure. Any fourth-round pick comes with risks. Let's give him a chance to develop and see where it goes. He certainly has some traits that are good for developmental picks.
JF
12:17
According to an inside source the Steelers are going to work JuJu at slot and see a healthy and available Martavis Bryant as a sure-fire starter across from AB. Thoughts on what that means for Eli Rogers and do you like JuJu in slot?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
I don't think you needed an inside source to figure that out. All the scouting reports had Smith-Schuster transitioning to a possession WR int he NFL. I think Haley and that offensive staff are creative enough to work in every WR that can help the Steelers win games. It's a nice problem to have as opposed to the problem in the AFC championship game when Cobi Hamilton was playing.
JF
12:19
Also, I hear that Greg Warren is perfectly healthy and ready to go..do you see the Steelers running with 2 LS on the roster? Especially with the likelihood we see them carry an extra DB and extra WR more than normal.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
Yeah and I hear they're going to carry an extra place kicker and an extra punter.
atown jason
12:20
Do you see Hubbard or Finney competing or challenging Foster for the LG spot?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
I can see Finney doing that down the road. I see Hubbard as more of a versatile backup.
Taz
12:20
Hi Ray. After losing Feeney from the practice squad, did the Steelers take a different approach this year, emphasizing likelihood of making the roster as opposed to just getting "first dibs?" Does this explain 6th rd LS?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
I don't think they took that into consideration. What I read into the long snapper pick was they like their roster overall and maybe Greg Warren is slowing down as he gets older.
Ryno
12:21
Odds Toussaint will be released?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
They'll bring him to camp. If all the RBs are healthy at the end of camp he'll likely be released, but this is football and players get injured all the time.
Guest
12:22
Darrelle Revis is still available on the market.. Has there been any indication that the team may bring him in for a visit?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
Nope.
Rick
12:22
Loving how explosive our offense could be.Bryant being back and the addition of ju ju, Green hopefully being heathy,solid players like Rogers,James and the offensive line not to even mention the killer bees...Am I just dreaming or could this be a offense that could put out the most points ever seen
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Looks good on paper but let's see if they can all can stay healthy and clean before we make any predictions about it being one of the best of all-time.
Yes forgot about him. They also have a history of not cutting guys like DHB, guys who are under contract. That might change this year.
Ron
12:23
I see you left Justin Hunter out of your wide receiver prediction for the final 53. Steelers have a history of having their free agent acquisitions make the cut, correct?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Question to previous answer.
TX_Steeler
12:24
Why hasn't Villanueva signed his tender? Is he planning on holding out?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
Holding out does not accomplish anything anymore in the NFL. I guess he and his agent weren't thrilled with the long-term offer. He's in a unique situation. He'll likely only have one opportunity to cash in because of his age. But as I wrote earlier he had better be careful because Jerald Hawkins could develop into a starter in the not too distant future.
TX_Steeler
12:25
How much does Landry Jones have left on his contract?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
He signed a two-year deal in March so through 2018.
SB Steelers
12:26
Any reason not to trade M Bryant a la S Holmes? Seems like good value vs risk.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
The reason is he is one of the top WRs in the NFL when available. Why wouldn't you want him on your team if he stays clean?
Guest
12:26
Which rookie from last years starting 3 on defense has the beat chance to have the best career to you?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
All three are looking like they'll be decent to very good. But I'll go with Sean Davis.
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