Swampy, Sarasota Florida: Brian, after seeing how Burrow has changed Cincinnati fortunes in two years, is there any doubt the Steelers #1 move needs to be going all in for a franchise QB?
Brian Batko: Sure there's doubt. Look at the team on the other side of the Super Bowl. The Rams went all-in on Jared Goff as a franchise QB but then changed gears and traded for Matthew Stafford, which seems to have worked out just as well. There's no one way to win or blanket statement with this. It's going to depend on the individual evaluations the Steelers make on this QB class.

demosthenes98: Which current member of the Steelers do you believe will be with the team the longest? I ask because I'm in the market for a new jersey now that Ben has retired.
Brian Batko: Great question. I answered this last offseason and said Pressley Harvin, which I would like to retract. Now I'd probably go Minkah Fitzpatrick, followed by TJ Watt, followed by Najee Harris. Then a big drop-off after those three.

SteelAddiction: What rationale can AR2 and the Steelers possibly have for sticking with Canada next year? Numerous former players, coaches...etc. have commented on how basic and vanilla his offense is at the NFL level. Even when Rudolph started vs. the Lions, nothing changed. What are they seeing that most are not, besides paying a coach not to coach?
Brian Batko: The rationale that the players were more of the issue than the scheme. I think it's possible that it was vanilla because of the personnel, because his reputation at the college level was anything but. In fact, he was known for tons of pre-snap motion, shifts, jet sweeps, misdirection. Not saying it's going to work, but that's the rationale. And the Mason Rudolph game was a plan prepared for Ben Roethlisberger. Keep in mind the COVID test came back positive the day before.

Alex: Hey Alex, It looks like Jimmy G of 49ers will be available. I know he is an upgrade over our current QB, but would you trade away draft picks and pay him $27~28M per year as he is not as good as Allen, and Mahomes?
Brian Batko: Wait, is my name Alex or is your name Alex? I'm confused.

SteelAddiction: Hey Brian, thanks for the chats, as always! Is more being made out of Najee's comments about QB's he'd like to play with than maybe what was intended?
Brian Batko: I don't think that much is being made of it, but sure. It's not exactly a big story to me. He's a rookie who was riffing on a question he probably didn't expect, and threw out some big names. Perhaps it's interesting that he's the latest in a line of Steelers who haven't immediately stumped for one of the incumbents, but that doesn't necessarily mean the front office is thinking the same way.

Guest: in addition to having an excellent QB the Bengals also have some pretty smart coaches. Their second half adjustments (O and D) were a work of art. Bungals no more.
Brian Batko: Yes, and I don't think they have a very splashy coaching staff, either. Zac Taylor was seen by some as a hot seat candidate going into the season. Brian Callahan is the OC, but Taylor calls the plays. And Lou Anarumo is the DC. Not what many would consider a slew of heavy hitters, though that narrative will probably change now.

Guest: Brian do you think if Strong there in round 2 would the Steelers make a move
Brian Batko: No, Carson Strong is the one "top" QB in this draft who doesn't do much for me, at least in terms of his fit with the Steelers. They clearly want to shift their offensive approach to a more mobile guy, and he's basically a statue. To me, you already have two true pocket passers on the roster in Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins. Now watch, Strong will be the next Peyton Manning.

Bernard: Anything, position group, player, etc, positively surprise you this season? What position groups are you most optimistic about heading into 2022 season?
Brian Batko: Dan Moore was better than I anticipated, compared to his draft buzz (almost nonexistent) and early impressions in camp. John Leglue certainly came out of nowhere, and JC Hassenauer had some moments, too. Zach Gentry fared well in a bigger role. But I wouldn't say I'm optimistic about the OL. Defensively, you have to be impressed by the work of Chris Wormley, Isaiahh Loudermilk and Tre Norwood relative to expectations.

obxandy: Brian, Some bloggers suggest defense does not win Championships? After yesterday's games, in which Bengals shut down Chiefs in second half and Rams and 49ers scored total of 37 points, what do you think? Thanks.
Brian Batko: I think it's too simplistic to say defense does or doesn't win championships. But look at where the Bengals and Rams have invested more. One used the No. 1 pick on a QB, then the No. 5 pick on a WR in back to back years. The other traded two first-rounders for their QB. Of course you need your defense to play well to win it all, but uh, the 49ers were the team in the final four that was least scary on offense and you see what happened.

ZO: Do you envision a scenario where the Steelers pick a QB in round 1 of this year's NFL Draft?
Brian Batko: Sure. Like I said above, they still have some homework to do between the Senior Bowl, combine and pro days to get a full picture of these guys. Obviously most of the hay is in the barn when it comes to the film and the numbers, but it's called the pre-draft *process* for a reason. There also are a multitude of possibilities in terms of who falls to them, chances to trade up, trade down, etc.

Tom in Punta Gorda: Hi Brian, that guy Feller who plays for the Chargers sure would look good in black and gold.
Brian Batko: Bob Feller

Yankton Ern: Brian, Both quarterbacks, when interviewed, said that the offense was Roethlisteined to fit the needs/abilities (or the lack of) Ole #7. Shouldn’t Canada be judged by his performance this upcoming year, with the ability to implement his entire offense? Thank you.
Brian Batko: That's mostly where I come down on it, yes. But you also can't just throw this year out. It needs to be part of Canada's overall body of work going forward, even if it doesn't get him canned (and I didn't think it should've).

AZ Stiller: Sounds like Mr. Rooney feels we will have a Super Bowl contending team next year. Is he just giving out a dose of lip service, is he blind to the condition of the team or do you think he's going to make a big splash this offseason? Your best guess is always appreciated.
Brian Batko: Ha, thanks for acknowledging that I don't have a direct line to Art's inner monologue. I certainly don't think he's blind to the condition of the team, but I imagine he's inherently more even-keeled about it than a majority of the fan base, which is essentially his job. He probably sees championship-caliber players in Watt, Heyward, Fitzpatrick, Harris and thus a core that can keep the Steelers competitive if they make the right moves this offseason. Will that be a big splash? Not necessarily, but I don't think his comments are "lip service."

TJ: if we settle for Rudolph or Haskings we are giving up on the 2022 season before it starts. Please tell me we have a better plan? With exception of QB we are not quite as far away as most seem to believe.
Brian Batko: They have a better plan, TJ.
Brian Batko: (I don't know if that's true, but TJ seemed like he needed to hear it.)

Bubs: Bri, Love the chat. Hypothetical situation: Tyler Linderbaum, Jordan Davis and any of the top QB's are available when the Steelers pick. Who do you go with and why?
Brian Batko: Never too early for a draft hypothetical. Love it. Obviously, this question largely depends on what they did in free agency, but I think I'd go with Tyler Linderbaum. Although certainly I'd be tempted to take a QB, and if ALL are available, you'd have to assume the Steelers are really fond of at least one. But Linderbaum seems like as close to a can't-miss in the NFL. Davis, while dominant, a distant third for me in this scenario.

Donna: Hi Brian. The non-relationship between Ben and Mason…was that personal? professional? Both? Thank you.
Brian Batko: I don't know. Looking at it from the outside, I can't imagine Ben's public welcoming, or lack thereof, would sit well with any young QB stepping into that situation.

Tom: What is the point of taking a 2nd/3rd talent qb in the first round? Is it worth being less talented than other teams just to say you have a QB?
Brian Batko: Well, nothing, if that's what turns out to be the case. But I'll tell you one reason why QBs often get pushed up the board to the first round, other than positional significance: Getting that option year before their fifth season can be quite valuable. At least it's an extra factor in the long-term contract situation for those players, even if most of the good ones get mega deals before you even get to that point.

Reggie Jones: Do you think there is any bad blood between the Steelers and Big Ben? Do you think he was ready to retire or do you think the Steelers forced his hand?
Brian Batko: My fellow beat writer Gerry Dulac wrote just last week when Ben retired that there is some "bitterness" given the way things went down last offseason. Certainly I trust Gerry on that.

Pete: Hi Brian Do we trade up for Pickett or sit back and wait and see?
Brian Batko: There are so many permutations for how draft day can go that I'm gonna go with "the field" versus something as specific as "trade up for quarterback who practiced across the hall from us."

Rich R: Any news on Steelers DC hiring?
Brian Batko: The first name that surfaced from outside the organization, Patrick Graham, is staying with the Giants under new coach Brian Daboll. That's about it. I'll be surprised if it's not Teryl Austin. And if we're discussing him a lot more over the next 12 months, a PSA on his behalf: It's pronounced TER-yl, not tuh-RELL.

Jake: I’m not sold on Rudolph or Haskins, next years QB draft class looks to be a lot better than this years. I think we need to use our cap space on OL and get younger on the D line through the draft. Would you like a guy like Minshew to come in and compete for the QB job?
Brian Batko: They'd have to trade for Gardner Minshew, unless the Eagles cut him. He could be a better QB than Rudolph and Haskins, no doubt. But if you're just looking for a bridge to the 2023 draft class, not sure it'd be an upgrade worthy of giving up much in draft capital.

Steel Nation: Hello Brian: any chance management brings back Joe Haden on a one or two-year deal (assuming he’s not totally sold on free agency)? Also, do you foresee going after a bigger name in free agency to shore up the aging but still effective defensive line, assuming Tuitt departs?
Brian Batko: Yeah I think there's a chance they agree on a deal with Joe Haden, but probably more likely that he sees what's out there in free agency. As for the DL, I'd rather rebuild it through the draft, although I realize you only have so many picks to use. Their best big name/veteran acquisition could be Tyson Alualu.

D-Ru: Some media members are speculating the Steelers would trade for Jimmy G. Maybe a 1st round pick or maybe a 2nd. How much would he cost? Is it plausible? What say you, sir?
Brian Batko: Hard pass, D-Ru.

Alan: When should we start caring about Kenny Pickett’s hand size if at all. Only QB to not get measured at the senior bowl ????????
Brian Batko: I care more about Kenny Pickett's hand size than everything else in my life right now, even my 2-year-old son. But seriously, it is going to be one of those deals where certain teams will downgrade him based off of that, which is why he's playing the long game on this. Kenny Pickett Hand Watch at the combine should be a blast.

Marnie: Hi Brian: all this talk of Steelers needing a mobile QB as if it’s a brand new concept. Tell that to Tarkenton! Are the Steelers defining mobility as what young QB Ben did to extend plays with the threat of running, or a run first QB like Jackson? Hoping the former. I
Brian Batko: The former more than the latter, I believe. Basically, any QB is more mobile than Ben was this past year, so they're not really setting the bar too high there. Even Rudolph and Haskins showed some escapability this past season/preseason/training camp. Granted, there is a spectrum of mobility, if you will. The more you can move, the more you can have some of the advantages the Ravens enjoy with Lamar Jackson. But that's far from the only quality they're looking for.

Jud: GM Bats! QB or Position of Need in Rd 1?
Brian Batko: I'm sure I'll go back and forth on this a hundred times before the draft, but I'm leaning toward best OL available...
Brian Batko: Why did I just use an ellipsis? There's nothing else coming in response to that question.

Dirk: Thanks for the chats Brian. My question is this--of all the Steeler QB's between Bradshaw and Ben, who would be your top two or three of that group?
Brian Batko: Many of them predate my consciousness, let alone my football watching or writing, but I guess I'd go with Kordell Stewart and Neal O'Donnell. One got you to the Super Bowl and the other got you very close.

IsItJustMe: I agree the lines need help (both of them). But just saying if you look at the Bengals…they replenished with offensive firepower. Let’s not go to overboard on spending every dollar/pick on the lines
Brian Batko: I actually think the DL is in decent shape, assuming Alualu can come back and play the way he had been, especially if Loudermilk takes another step forward. Montravius Adams showed some flashes, too. You're right that the Steelers need some more playmakers too, something that hasn't even been mentioned yet in this chat. If you told me the Steelers should draft a WR in the first round, I wouldn't shout you down. Especially if JuJu leaves in free agency.

Mr Medium Chest: Hi Brian, Since the Steelers dont seem to like to spend $ on assistants, I’m starting a Gofundme so the Steelers can hire Mike Munchak back, how much are you in for?
Brian Batko: No thanks.

Gairzo: Players named to the Pro Bowl who play in the Super Bowl--are they still credited with a Pro Bowl year? Are players who opt out due to injury still Pro Bowlers?
Brian Batko: Yes. In fact, as I understand the CBA, it's the alternates who don't get credit for a Pro Bowl selection when it comes to their contract escalators. But of course they're "Pro Bowlers" in the general sense of being there all week, playing in the game, etc.

Guest: As long as MT is in charge we’re doomed…..your thoughts?
Brian Batko: I disagree.

Tommy: Speaking of Ben and his relationship or lack thereof with Rudolph... Ben went out of his way, after his lingering embrace of Myles Garrett, post game this season to say ... "He {MG] does it right" & that he really repects him... Rudolph too, went out of his way to say the year after their altercation that he respects MG. Q.) Did it come to light that Rudolph actually did say something that could be contrued as racist to Garrett because it's odd that Garrett never apologised to Rudolph or admitted that he lied.
Brian Batko: No. The whole thing was odd and will forever be.

Ticco: Thanks for the chat, Brian. Given that it will likely be Mason Rudolph at QB next year, do you see scenario where he convinces James Washington to stay to rekindle their college success potentially?
Brian Batko: Nope.
Brian Batko: OK everyone, the clock just hit zero. I'm headed to Las Vegas for the Pro Bowl this week but we'll chat when I get back next Monday. See you then.

First Published January 31, 2022, 5:54pm