HR3: Live from OTAs

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
This is the Drive with Dale Lolly and Matt Williamson
on your twenty four to seven Home of the Black
and Gold cast in r Steelers Nation Radio.

Speaker 2 (00:18):
Final hour of our OTA's coverage here on the south
side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the upmc rooney Sports Complex.
Practice six of six for your Steelers. Almost in the books.
That will do it for OTAs. But of course we
will be back next week, same time, same format, ten
to one Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday for many camp week when
things get mandatory around these parts. But we've got another

(00:42):
hour of our OTA's coverage here is still plenty to
get to.

Speaker 3 (00:46):
Matt.

Speaker 2 (00:46):
One thing that I wanted to bring out here as
well too that we touched on a little bit in
this week, but wanted to finish the conversation how the
Steelers now apparently will be in the market for a
tight end once again. I know, you know there's been
the John Newson some degree at conversations, but that doesn't
even it doesn't have to be something to that level,
just in terms of needing to add another body now

(01:09):
with the injury of Darnold Parnham junior, that can mean
a lot of different things and a lot of different
ways of acquiring them.

Speaker 4 (01:16):
Are there any free agents? Is there anybody out there?

Speaker 5 (01:19):
Now?

Speaker 3 (01:20):
Okay, there almost always is. I mean, someone that's going
to be on an NFL roster. That's not a hard
position to find. A lifetime special team or blocker number
three tight end, Now Johnny Smith, isn't that? I mean,
obviously Kyle Pitts has been a rumored to be on
the trade blocks as well. That's obviously not who he
is either. But one observation I've kind of made since

(01:43):
we talked about that yesterday. So Arthur Smith's been the
offense coordinator for two years, so he's had two tight
end rooms, and we know tight ends are very important
in his system comparatively speaking to thirty one other coordinators,
and in both instances, even though there's been some different people,
none of the four tight ends, including Parham, including Michael Prewitt,

(02:04):
look like anyone else in the room, you know what
I mean? Like that, I think that can't be an accident.
You know, Like obviously Hayward and Washington don't even look
like they play the same position or played the same sport,
you know, but like all of them have had clearly
different skill sets than the other three. Is that desired
or even param and Preuit aren't the same, but Parham

(02:27):
was an outlier six' eight strange.

Speaker 4 (02:29):
Place power forward and right right?

Speaker 3 (02:32):
Right do they want four different types or does it
just worked out that way in two years and into
your sample? Size you know WHAT i? Mean, Like i'm
not sure exactly what they're looking for for that third,
guy BUT i think we know they're going to keep. Four, oh,
absolutely and they're.

Speaker 2 (02:45):
Short, Absolutely and you Know kinger that that feels like
one of those things that you, know philosophically from The
Arthur smith's standpoint of the heavy twelve, personnel the heavy thirteen.
PERSONNEL i, mean they're they're they're going to have to
add a body and bring somebody else in there that
you know they, can least hope give them what they
were hoping from From Donald Farnum.

Speaker 4 (03:02):
Jr or. Not probably.

Speaker 5 (03:08):
You, Know i'm not Gonna i'm not discounting what you
guys are saying This THIS Dj Thomas.

Speaker 3 (03:14):
Jones you brought him up a few. Times, yeah he
Little birdi's telling you something about.

Speaker 5 (03:17):
It, No, no absolutely not other than it's the largest
contract that they've that they've ever given to a non
quarterback free.

Speaker 3 (03:28):
Agent that means a. Lot Like Beanie bishop was their
top guy last year with the intentions of making the.
Team castro got a pretty good jump.

Speaker 5 (03:36):
You he's a guy THAT i, mean of the non roster,
guys the two guys that interest me, MOST i think
Are Sebastian castro AND Dj Thomas.

Speaker 3 (03:43):
Jones so they're like an extra draft. Pick.

Speaker 5 (03:45):
Yeah so if you have A Dj Thomas jones who
now can play full back for you and can help
you on special. Teams we know how much they Like Connor.
Hayward is he an in line blocking tight? End, no
could you get a guy like, that maybe in stash
him on YOUR, u on your you, know your practice,
squad maybe a guy you could call up like A

(04:08):
Rodney williams or somebody like.

Speaker 3 (04:09):
That.

Speaker 5 (04:10):
PERHAPS i just think, that you, know you, know the
fact that they gave him that, money and the fact
THAT i want to see him in, camp and whether
they're gonna line him up at. FULLBACK i, mean they've
got him listed as a running, back you, Know so
he does interest, me AND i think that if he shows,
SOMETHING i could see them just going with two tight

(04:30):
ends and a.

Speaker 4 (04:31):
Fullback at an h.

Speaker 5 (04:32):
BACK i could see that and having one or two
options perhaps on your practice. Squad Now i'm not saying
that's the likely, outcome.

Speaker 3 (04:40):
Yeah i'm just saying it's a.

Speaker 4 (04:41):
POSSIBILITY i could see.

Speaker 3 (04:42):
That it's a passible.

Speaker 4 (04:43):
Outcome it's it's a.

Speaker 3 (04:44):
Path, Yeah And i'm a fighting. You and it's way
too early to talk about the final fifty three. ROSTER i, mean,
boy we talked about that to no end up up at.
Camp but, right Could hayward and him both be on
the roster or does it have to be? Either or
it's a good. QUESTION i, MEAN i don't know the.
Answer i'm not saying that yes or. NO i don't, know,
right you, Know Con he's he's such a good Special

(05:08):
he's such a good football player just in, general you
know WHAT i.

Speaker 5 (05:10):
Mean you think about all the different ways he can
help your team without maybe being elite at any one.
Trade he's very good at a lot of, trade very
good at a lot of. Things and he could help
you out in and you, know could you you, KNOW
i do think that they you, know they obviously want
to play two tights a, lot uh and two big
guys a. Lot now what happens if one of your

(05:31):
big guys gets, nicked, Right so that does that change
what you have to do? Radically it'll be. Interesting and
you know what the good thing, is who's going to
be your? Quarterback how does that change?

Speaker 3 (05:44):
Things?

Speaker 5 (05:46):
Yeah, yeah and if he's that veteran guy maybe with
a lot of. Influence are you guys tossing me?

Speaker 2 (05:50):
Out The king has to get out of the castle
for at least just a couple of minutes here as
as we are going to be joined By logan defensive
lineman for The Pittsburgh. Steelers, listen you don't introduce yourself to,
him all, right let him sit down and do.

Speaker 4 (06:07):
His segment and get out of. HERE i, mean, Geez
louise Matt.

Speaker 2 (06:11):
As we will get another defensive lineman, here another one
of these ten guys that we've talked, About Logan lee
sitting down with us here in just a, second as
soon as as soon As Rob king stops talking his
ear off and giving him those big paws on the, Handshake,
logan thanks for taking the time and sitting down with.
Us we'll get you all squared away here and. Everything,

(06:33):
obviously last year your rookie season not getting to be
the participation that you that you. Wanted feeling, good feeling
ready to attack this year.

Speaker 6 (06:42):
Too, yeah, Absolutely i've been been very blessed having a
whole year to be able to prepare for the. Next
So i'm feeling, good feeling, healthy and really good, shape
And i'm just looking forward to the opportunity this.

Speaker 3 (06:52):
YEAR i assume you don't feel like a rookie, anymore
and you, know three hundred and sixty five days ago
this was all. New i'm sure it's, different even though
you haven't been on the field as much as.

Speaker 6 (06:59):
Exactly rookie in the bed size BECAUSE i played those
three games. Myself but just seeing the way things, work
being around the stuff for the whole season last, year
it's night and day. Different being able, to uh get
used to all that, STUFF.

Speaker 3 (07:13):
I gotta, ASK i, mean what's going on with this
infusion Of Iowah hawk? Gyes is it just the? Colors
is It Kirk farns Being Upper Saint claire guy WHERE i?
LOVE i, mean what's going? On And? Coach what are
we getting in the new? Ones?

Speaker 6 (07:27):
Man i'm telling, you it's, uh it's pretty cool being
able To, yeah, YEAH i was five years With castro
was three years With, caleb four years with. Wife, really
it's just really need being able to renite with those guys.

Speaker 3 (07:40):
Or any of them in your recruiting.

Speaker 6 (07:41):
Class, okay so we were on the.

Speaker 3 (07:46):
Bond yeah, yeah, yeah, right but uh, yeah.

Speaker 7 (07:48):
It's, uh it's just a culture.

Speaker 3 (07:50):
THING i.

Speaker 6 (07:51):
Believe it's the Way iowha guys do stuff is very
professional and everything we do there is working towards preparing
guys for the, future whether it's football or whether it's.
Not SO i think a lot of that has to
do with culture and just just the ability those guys
have to. Develop so the strength STAPs incredible AT, iowa

(08:12):
it's been it's been pretty.

Speaker 3 (08:13):
COOL i would say this if you weren't sitting, here
AND i have said it on the air a, lot
that it seems like a very tough, minded professional. Program
not a lot of guys transferring in and, out you,
know like, loyal, tough you. Know, yeah and a lot
of those guys, have like like like you mentioned, here
done well worth in THEIR nfl. Career, yeah there's very.

Speaker 7 (08:33):
Few guys that if they make it through their career AT, iowa.

Speaker 3 (08:37):
They're gonna go on to be uh pretty good.

Speaker 7 (08:40):
A pretty productive person and.

Speaker 3 (08:42):
If you play tight, end you're gonna be the best In.

Speaker 6 (08:44):
YEAH i was recruited as a and, uh right BEFORE
i got on the, campus they're, like, hey there's this
guy Named Sam.

Speaker 3 (08:52):
Laporta he's pretty. Good he's all, right, yeah you, tackle,
okay and we that for.

Speaker 2 (08:59):
It it certainly. Did and obviously a lot of opportunity
in your room. NOW i mean some veterans certainly that
have established himselves, there BUT i think a lot of
opportunity to use that word, again not to be. REDUNDANT
i think that's got to be exciting for, you, right
knowing that you have the chance to really attack this
off season and carve out a role heading into the fall.

Speaker 6 (09:19):
Here, yeah, absolutely it's Been you got so many good
guys in the in the, room we have a lot of.
Depth it's pretty cool being able to see those guys
work and be able to see how they approached their
their work each. Day and every guy has a different.
Routine every guy is going into the day. Different but,
Yeah i'm really. Fortunate i'm. Blessed i'm excited for the
opportunity to be able to compete and carve out my.

Speaker 3 (09:41):
Role there really are a lot of new faces in
the Big man room on, defense and the most, notable
of course is this year's first round. Pick and How's
derek acclimating very?

Speaker 7 (09:52):
Well, well, yeah he's fitting in well with the. Room
he's working.

Speaker 6 (09:56):
Hard he's he's learning the plays well, too and that's
so important as a young guy being able to get
comfortable with the. Defense and he's he's been doing very
well with. That so it's, uh, yeah both him AND
wayi And, jack all three of them are great guys
and it's it's cool to it's very nice to have
good culture in the.

Speaker 3 (10:11):
Room so, YEAH i bet ninety seven helps that a little.

Speaker 7 (10:13):
Bit oh, yeah he's uh what.

Speaker 3 (10:16):
Have you learned from that? Guy?

Speaker 7 (10:18):
Oh, man he's a he's a MAJOR.

Speaker 6 (10:19):
Vet he's been around, forever and it's JUST i can
imagine being in his, position seeing how many guys have
rotated through that have gotten drafted after him and to
have retired yeah before.

Speaker 3 (10:29):
Him but he might have his best year ever last. Year.
Unbelievable the way.

Speaker 7 (10:34):
He's able to continue to perform at thirty, SIX.

Speaker 4 (10:37):
I, think, yeah that's.

Speaker 2 (10:38):
Wild, obviously you talk about the culture in that, room
it not only starts with guys like.

Speaker 4 (10:44):
Cam it also starts with your, Coach Carl.

Speaker 2 (10:45):
Dunbar what's it been like in in the time that
you got to work with him last year and now
head into year.

Speaker 7 (10:50):
Two Coach nimbar is the.

Speaker 6 (10:52):
Man it's super nice being able to have a coach
that has played in the, past understands the way guys
tick and he really is able to reach us pretty
well and even on the, Field like there's little things
we do in between That i've. Had there's been coaches
in the past that have had there's just like.

Speaker 7 (11:08):
Go go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go go.

Speaker 6 (11:10):
Go because they've never played and it's like the three
minute breaks sometimes over yeah, right, Yeah but Coach limbars
just does a great job emphasizing.

Speaker 7 (11:22):
Technique he's does an.

Speaker 6 (11:24):
Amazing job of just trying to push into develop these
guys to like, myself to be able to have the same.

Speaker 7 (11:31):
Fundamentals, uh you can look at the.

Speaker 6 (11:34):
Entire room and everybody's doing the same thing and just
trying to be able to transition the drills he does
to the field is how he sees you.

Speaker 3 (11:41):
Progress so a lot of our listeners operate under the
misnomer that this is just a three four, defense and
there's a two gapping, nose and there's these two long
defensive Ends Aaron smith's And bret keesels of the, World
and really isn't true? ANYMORE i, mean so much more
is asked of your room than static roles of the.
Past where do you expect the to line? Up will
you do some five techniques and? FOUR? I will you

(12:03):
do any one? SHADE i, mean where do you think
you'll be most?

Speaker 6 (12:06):
Used, YEAH i will do whatever is necessary in order
to help us perform well and wherever that may. Be
I'm i'm definitely more of that four eye TECHNIQUES i. Assume, so,
yeah But i've been getting some reps in, notes And I'M.

Speaker 3 (12:18):
I thought last preseason you played a little bit of note. Late,
OKAY i was taking a. CAMP i was, like, WOW
i was shocked to see them lineup of the.

Speaker 6 (12:25):
Center yeah, RIGHT i don't know IF i did any
reps during, camp and THEN i had hit a couple in.
Preseasons so but Now i'm getting comfortable, within getting reacclimated
to a beating on the field against that's.

Speaker 2 (12:36):
Right, absolutely a mini camp next week and then a
little bit of a break before you, know we really
pedal to the metal with training. Camp, uh what are
the next six seven weeks look like for you after?

Speaker 3 (12:47):
After, yeah you, know vacationing or what are you?

Speaker 7 (12:50):
Doing we are staying around weddings and weddings and.

Speaker 6 (12:53):
Weddings wife AND i had gotten invited to eighteen weddings this.

Speaker 4 (12:57):
Year, WOW.

Speaker 3 (13:00):
I remember those, years.

Speaker 6 (13:01):
Right, unfortunately we're not able to make an in several
so we have the bachelor, party bachelrette, party so it's.
Fun and then we just had our, son so he's
six months. Congratulation that's, awesome, Right so we're gonna be
uh chasing, him trying to have some family time during
the week because we're gonna be.

Speaker 3 (13:16):
Traveling my son graduates high school, tonight So i'm it's grad,
party after grad, party after grad, party Say claire Where
kirk parents. Went, actually, yeah, yeah, Yeah.

Speaker 2 (13:26):
And i've got a three year old and two year,
old SO i know, THAT i know that that that.

Speaker 3 (13:29):
Young your probably past wedding, season but now you're in
the little.

Speaker 2 (13:32):
Past, yeah but plenty in diaper. Season, certainly certainly that's. Awesome,
dude loganly kind enough to take some time with us here.

Speaker 3 (13:38):
After the weddings all OVER i mean, yeah Mostly.

Speaker 4 (13:41):
Midwest, okay we're pretty little, traveling a little.

Speaker 2 (13:44):
Traveling, hey thanks for taking the time and all the
best going for. Sure g gotta go to a break,
here we will. Continue got another forty minutes or so
of the program as we roll along, Here Well Shuler Matt,
Williamson day number six OF o T a's On Steelers
Nation radio on The Steelers Audio.

Speaker 1 (13:59):
Network list is The drive With Dale lolly And Matt
williamson on your twenty four to seven home of The
black And Gold Steelers Nation.

Speaker 8 (14:11):
Radio coming on down the home stretch here of OUR ota,
Coverage day number six On Steelers Nation radio on The
Steelers Audio.

Speaker 4 (14:25):
Network practice is in the.

Speaker 2 (14:27):
Books few guys still out on the field here at
the upmc Rooney Sports complex working on their. Craft another
thank you To Logan lee and all the good people
on The steelers AND pr.

Speaker 4 (14:38):
Staff we've had some very good.

Speaker 2 (14:40):
Guests, yeah so To, bert To Michael, deane to everybody
involved with That, makaiah big thanks to all of them
for helping us procure a guest every single. Day like you,
said they have been good. Ones fun talking With Logan lee,
there AND i tell you What Matt he's in an
intriguing position OF i, think And i'm not blaming people for,
this it's, natural but with him missing almost the entirety

(15:02):
of his rookie, season and it's not like he was
a first or second round.

Speaker 3 (15:04):
Draft pick at the, sight out of, mind you, know the.

Speaker 2 (15:07):
Out side out of mind thing has happened a little
bit with. HIM i think, again just to the casual,
fan WHEREAS i think down, here there's some expectation that watch,
out we think we've got a player in this.

Speaker 3 (15:18):
Guy, yeah and first, OFF i think the d line
room is really intriguing because, yes they used the first
round pick there and you hope that he turns Into Cam,
hayward which would be. Unbelievable but then you also Added,
black his teammate From, iowa who is a massive human.
BEING i think he's the biggest dude on the, team
and you pretty much know what they want out of.

(15:38):
HIM i, mean he's going to be a, big middle
of the, field run stopping power. Player but they've also
added some names that aren't common to everybody. Else you,
know the smaller free agent, deals you know that are
all of a, sudden there's a lot of names in
that room where they usually keep six or, seven, right
there might be nine or ten that ARE nfl players

(15:59):
all all of a, sudden Including Logan lee in my my,
Opinion but we haven't seen.

Speaker 4 (16:03):
That that's a nice that's a nice luxury to, have, Right,
SO i.

Speaker 3 (16:05):
Mean he's gonna have to battle for a spot after
a year. Removed BUT i will, say and Again i'm
not divulging any. Secrets AND i get the hunch that
the folks that work inside this building are higher Than Logan.
Lee then maybe our listeners.

Speaker 4 (16:21):
Realize, yes, yes that's the right way to put.

Speaker 3 (16:23):
It, YEAH i think they're very optimistic about what he
could do as a. Contributor he's not the Next Cam.
Heyward you, know he's not the Stef on two at.
Replacement BUT i think he could be a very, valuable useful.
Player and that's a. Compliment, yeah, Right.

Speaker 2 (16:40):
And you need those, Guys you need those, trenches, Right
you don't just need your couple top.

Speaker 4 (16:44):
Dogs you need those.

Speaker 3 (16:46):
Take ten snaps away From cama game or you, know
AND i know.

Speaker 4 (16:49):
You're going to get at least A b level performance from.

Speaker 2 (16:51):
Them there's the trust, factor there's the you, know the
just the nature of having confidence and depth Is, listen
you need it all over your, roster but particularly in the,
trenches particularly on your defensive, front where you're going to
be rotating guys to keep them. Fresh and you know
you mentioned that room like they've got A i think
a nice plethora of different skill, sets body, types career.

(17:14):
EXPERIENCE i, mean obviously Cam, is we all know what
Cam is is far above everybody.

Speaker 4 (17:20):
Else he's a future gold jacket.

Speaker 2 (17:22):
Guy he is is a legend of the, organization all those,
things And ogunjobi is gone. NOW i, think you, Know
Keanu benton heading into year, three there's still some, unknown
but he is also a guy that we have seen
play at a high, level very, promising very, promising AND i
think and you're confident that he is going to uh
be a real.

Speaker 4 (17:41):
Producer this. Year you Had Derek harmon in the first.

Speaker 2 (17:44):
Round Uh you've still got guys Like Isaiah loudermilk at
De Marvin leao that are around two and le how
is an interesting.

Speaker 4 (17:50):
One to.

Speaker 3 (17:50):
ME i think HE'S i say this every year that
there's always four or five drafted players recently that kind
of come to a career crossroads pretty. Quick in this,
league AND i Think Lee owl's at that. POINT i,
MEAN i get the hunch he probably won't be doing
much stand up outside linebacker.

Speaker 4 (18:05):
Stuff if you look at his body transformation here, AGAIN.

Speaker 3 (18:09):
I think that's the thing in the, past WHICH i
think is probably for the, best and especially after The sawyer,
edition they have a big bodied edge, guy you, Know
AND i Think leel is more of an attacking inside.
Player but there's only so many. Spots AND i did
think he did good things before his injury last, year
AND i thought he had a really good camp and
the sime of the year it was. Impressive so we'll.

(18:29):
See but big, picture we Know cam's not going to
last year, forever but he's still a phenomenal. Player if
the one or ideally Both benton And harmon can, hit
can hit.

Speaker 2 (18:43):
And be second contract, easy no, doubt second contract.

Speaker 3 (18:48):
A high end starters Slash Pro bowl type. GUYS i
don't think you're asking too much between the two of
them to get a lot of production in the next
five to ten. Years but a stat THAT i don't
have handy but is really frightening is their yards per carry.
Aloud When cam was on the field was like number
first it was like best in the league and worst

(19:10):
than the league when he was.

Speaker 4 (19:11):
Off it was a stark.

Speaker 3 (19:12):
Juxtaposition, yeah and he you don't want him to be
on the field all the, time you. Know so a
lot of these new, bodies you, KNOW I butcher's name
the dude they signed from The, patriots and you, know
some of these, guys if they can just limit that
massive drop off where and everyone in the league knew,
it especially as the league goes. On and it's not

(19:34):
Like Cam heyward sneaking up on the raven run in the.
League it's Like cam's out, There, well we should probably throw.
It he's not out, There let's run the ball.

Speaker 4 (19:42):
And let's go to some hurry up here and try
and keep him on the side.

Speaker 3 (19:46):
Exactly and you don't want. It you want to snaps
the count to go, down correct and, yeah and so
there is and someday he won't be here exactly.

Speaker 2 (19:55):
Right and so to, me it's you, know we had
the conversation about how this time last year maybe you
didn't feel as confident in the starting five offensive, lineman
but you really liked the.

Speaker 3 (20:04):
Depth yeah, yeah, yeah whereas now it's her legs and
right right.

Speaker 2 (20:08):
Now it's, flipped and now it's flipped a little, bit,
right whereas you feel good about the starting, five but
you're you're looking for some more to dem. RIGHT i
think now maybe it's a it's a similar it's a
similar conversation with the defensive line in the sense of
there is the, proof the guys that you feel confident
about at the, top but a lot of questions about
what is the what's the, delegation what's the pecking order

(20:29):
behind The Cam heyward And Keanu, benton, yeah And Derek harmon.

Speaker 3 (20:32):
AND i thought a year, ago and this has happened
In omar's first camp, too whenever they traded Like green
the center and they traded dots in and some of
those guys THAT i thought they went in a year,
ago that they had one too MANY o, linemen which is,
wonderful that's exactly what's a Good NOW i wonder if
they're one too, short and maybe you even trade one

(20:54):
off for a six round pick In august or whatever
when because teams always.

Speaker 4 (20:58):
Looking for the trade one for a depth, piece tight
end or something exactly.

Speaker 3 (21:01):
Exactly and Now i'm looking at the d line saying
they might have to too MANY i mean THERE'S i
think there's probably nine names that are gonna BE nfl
players this, year you, Know and, unfortunately with last YEAR'S
oh line, SITUATION i thought they had one too, many
which is always WHAT i. Want but you lost her,
big you LOST i mean you.

Speaker 4 (21:18):
Needed those lost two of those guys very.

Speaker 2 (21:20):
Early, yeah you couldn't be chased what In game three
or four as well, too.

Speaker 3 (21:24):
Exactly so a good thing you, did but you didn't
get to benefit him by tournamental later round, pick you,
know and you hope that's not the case with THE d.
Line but THERE'S i think camp's gonna be fun with
this defensive.

Speaker 2 (21:34):
Line you're, right BECAUSE i mean you see. That so
you said about nine, Names so, Yeah, Heyward, Benton.

Speaker 3 (21:39):
Harmon they're all making the.

Speaker 4 (21:40):
Team Louder Milk Ya, BLACK i.

Speaker 3 (21:43):
Think black makes. It, YEAH i crushed his. Name i'm
sorry you.

Speaker 4 (21:46):
COULD i might have to demartin Le al Loganly Dean. Lowry.

Speaker 3 (21:50):
Right lowry is AN nfl, players, right and if he's
your ninth, GUY i, mean if he's somewhere fifth and ninth, guy,
right seven at most make the, team maybe a stat
someone on the practice squad or. Whatever but those guys
are all gonna make money this. Year they're gonna BE nfl.

Speaker 2 (22:04):
Players, yeah Louder milk feels like another one of. Those
and a big thank you To Rob king for joining
us for a few segments earlier as he takes off here.

Speaker 3 (22:14):
Last, year one of those Career, okay you're.

Speaker 4 (22:16):
Still on that list again this?

Speaker 3 (22:18):
Year, yeah because the contract he signed doesn't guarantee him.
Anything he just he's gonna get the, camp he, said
get a fair. Look they know who he. IS i
might say he's a bad, player but he might be
ninth on that list someone's gonna Be.

Speaker 4 (22:29):
Is it like some like the conversations we used to
have About Big dan.

Speaker 3 (22:31):
Mccullors, Right, yeah it's like we've seen a lot of we've.

Speaker 2 (22:34):
Seen a lot of, you and we know that you could,
play but, like are you are you going to ever
take that next step right.

Speaker 3 (22:39):
Right that we're looking for because we're always looking to
go past those guys you, Know, yeah you don't want
roster cloggers.

Speaker 4 (22:44):
EITHER i tell you what.

Speaker 2 (22:45):
It's it's it's it's intriguing in that regard for a
lot of. Reasons and then again, TOO i think just
the as much as you would have loved to have
had him last. Year just the added benefit of Getting
Troy faltanu And Logan lee along with what you, added you,
know to your offense and your defense in the draft
and free.

Speaker 3 (23:02):
Agency been a lot of new big people in the
last year or.

Speaker 2 (23:05):
Two they like they they go into camp every, year
one in competition. Everywhere, right of, course unless you've Got
Ben roethlisberger at, quarterback then you don't need competition a,
quarterback but you want competition. Everywhere but every year it
feels like there's a group that we highlight a little bit.
More is like you, said the offensive line was that
position group last.

Speaker 3 (23:23):
Year there are some really, McCormick there was a fourth round, pack.

Speaker 2 (23:27):
Right but they felt like even with you, Know Okay
fraser's waiting in the, wings what's going to happen with
the three tackles that we all think are capable.

Speaker 3 (23:34):
Of starting in THE?

Speaker 2 (23:35):
Nfl now it feels, like you, know kind of maybe same,
church different pew to use a mic pursuit a line
and that now on the d.

Speaker 3 (23:42):
Line, yeah AND i talk about this all the, time
and it boggles my mind that there are some fans
listeners that don't quite understand this. Is this is a
long term slash short term plan to get back to
being hopefully the best team in the. League that's every team's,
goal of, course But i'm not saying you couldn't have

(24:02):
done it in the reverse. Order but they are creating
the nest for next year's, quarterback and it's started with offensive,
tackle offensive tackle. Center then you go to d, line
and if the line's in, place you can find receivers
and linebackers and safeties and running backs and things like.
THAT i don't want to trade up for a first
round quarterback and throw him in a situation where we

(24:24):
don't be, alignment no. Doubt you know WHAT i, mean no.
Doubt so you get that out of the way first
in drafts where you're not really in striking distance for the,
quarterback and then you think of this team rogers are
Not let's say it's exact same year as last year
and you win double digit. Games you get beat bad
in the first, round but then you're in striking distance

(24:44):
to get to the eighth.

Speaker 4 (24:45):
Pick overall get hopefully You're Josh allen or your, passion and.

Speaker 3 (24:51):
Right right DOWN i Get all or whoever it.

Speaker 2 (24:53):
Is or you know you AND i were having this
conversation With kinger during one of our. Breaks there's a
lot of different. Scenarios but a lot of TIMES i
think that, fans the best way for us to improve
is to trade our best, players be, bad get more draft,
capital better draft, capital.

Speaker 4 (25:09):
And you can lose the.

Speaker 2 (25:10):
Lot sometimes it works out that you Draft Lebron james
or your Draft Sidney crosby and you're. Fine those sports are, different,
Though but a lot of, time even with, us as
much as we, know and and and The kinger's been
telling us all week how Great Paul skeins is across
the across the. Pond how much does that change it
on a baseball team where you need twenty some guys.

Speaker 3 (25:29):
To every fifth, day you get. It you're really good.

Speaker 4 (25:33):
More more more often than.

Speaker 2 (25:34):
NOT i think it's the maintaining the having, success not
the ultimate, success and then striking when the time is
right to really get yourself over the, top as opposed
to let's bottom out completely and.

Speaker 3 (25:45):
Restart and this wasn't the year to do it at.
Quarterback next year very well could. Be the most Research
i've done is really, promising and even people have told
me the year away from that is even. Better who,
KNOWS i? Mean and you can't wait forever, though Because
Cam hayward's not gonna be and the nobody to be
a part where he's not here, anymore you, know, Foefeated
but the goal is to find your, ben you, KNOW i,

(26:05):
mean and how's our best path to do? That and in,
frankly in the meantime they've coupled it. Together they missed unpick.
It we know, that you. Know but you Put russ
And fields in, there and maybe one of those two
turns into, whoa you, know we got something here or,
Man rogers is a side. NOTE i did Some rogers'
homework in the last twenty four. Hours. Okay it was

(26:28):
more encouraging THAN i. Thought, OKAY I i really want
him to get. HERE i really want to be A.
STEELERS i don't don't care what he. Is but there
was some, glimpses especially after he got The Vante, adams
where it's, like, OH i remember.

Speaker 4 (26:42):
Him oh there's the fourth TIME i remember that.

Speaker 3 (26:44):
Guy, YEAH i, mean he's not that guy. Anymore but,
man it's like they could be dangerous with a receiver In.
Rogers and in the, meantime you're still in that quarterback
market for the big, term you know WHAT i. Mean
i'm not saying they win The Super bowls, here BUT
i think their offense with a legit number two, receiver
whoever that, is AND i do think that will be
one of your draft picks will turn into that player

(27:05):
some Level Rob adobs whatever And. ROGERS i will promise
you the offense is better than last.

Speaker 2 (27:10):
Year The chiefs went twelve and, four won the division
the year before they traded it moved up TO ta For.

Speaker 3 (27:16):
Patrick everyone thinks you have to get to. One you
can't get the one.

Speaker 2 (27:19):
Now mills were nine and, seven but they were a
wild card team and went to the playoffs and still
trade up twice To that's.

Speaker 3 (27:25):
The environment you want to drop a quarterback.

Speaker 2 (27:26):
Into that's the environment you, want not The Chicago bears,
Environment North Carolina panthers.

Speaker 3 (27:30):
And The saviors walking in the. DOOR i don't care
if You're Trevor, Lawrence Joe.

Speaker 4 (27:34):
Burrow every once in a, while more often than, not
you're going to get The Trevor, lawrence.

Speaker 3 (27:37):
RIGHT i, Mean Baker mayfield is gonna be our. Savior,
well he's turned into a really good, quarterback but he
can't turn The browns from you, know take the worst, organization.

Speaker 4 (27:45):
Go and win organization and make him a playoff.

Speaker 3 (27:47):
Team all, Right. Kayleb william's gonna do it last, year
and you're not going to get the one unless you're you,
know if there's a If Archer manning comes out and
he's the next great, one they're not trading that. Pick you,
Know tennessee.

Speaker 4 (27:57):
Was it's a great point.

Speaker 3 (27:59):
TOO i mean every went the giants Of. Browns they
wanted to get the Km ward at number, one but they.
Weren't they're not getting rid of number. One so it
needs to be a big draft like the last year
one where you can get to nine and get McCarthy
Or pennix and that's Where alan And mahomes and those guys.
Went lamar went thirty, ONE i, think.

Speaker 4 (28:16):
Yes yes he. Did mahomes was what ten or? Eleven
alan was? SEVEN i, believe, yeah, yeah, yeah so, higher,
yeah but. Not you don't have to get a top
two or three.

Speaker 3 (28:25):
Pick if you end up with the twentieth. Pick, again
you trade twenty the next year's first and something, else
and you get to eight and you take the second
quarterback or third quarterback off the, board you, know and
you dump them what it should be in a good. Environment,
yes that, won, right that won ten games a year, before,
right and you, know with some, Stability.

Speaker 4 (28:43):
And he doesn't kind of sound like what happened when
they Had Ben.

Speaker 2 (28:46):
Roethlisberger, yeah, right, right, Right AND i realized The steelers
went six and ten that, year but that was an
anomaly year in the middle of what they had been, doing,
right final break that we've got to get to when
we get to the other. Side we've had some tweets
rolling in throughout the. Show we will get to those
before we get out of here for a Little Twitter
thursday on The Drive Wes, Shuler Matt williamson At Wes
leeeler At WILLIAMSON. Nfl if you want your last chance

(29:07):
to get, involved we'll close this thing down when we
return live from the upmc Rooney Sports. COMPLEX Ota practice
number six in the books At Steelers Nation radio on
The Steelers Audio.

Speaker 1 (29:17):
Network this is The drive With Dale lolly And Matt
Williams sishon on your twenty four to Seven home of
The black And GOLD. Casnr Steelers Nation Radio.

Speaker 2 (29:38):
FINAL ota segment of twenty twenty five SIX ota practices
on the, schedule six ota practices in the, books and
we are wrapping up this week before we get to
mandatory mini camp next. Week for those of you who
might have missed, It i've said it a few, times
BUT i think it bears. Repeating same schedule for us
down here at the upmc Rooney Sports complex next Week, Tuesday,

(30:00):
Wednesday thursday from ten until one o'clock with this special
edition of The. DRIVE i, Know, MATT i can't Do,
tuesday BUT i THINK i might be down here with you.

Speaker 4 (30:08):
Guys On wednesday And thursday as.

Speaker 2 (30:10):
Well but it'll be a fun couple days here next
week with kind of closing down this phase of the off,
season and obviously as well too the anticipation of the
eyes of the golf world rolling into town here next.

Speaker 4 (30:22):
WEEK i think the energy will be high next.

Speaker 3 (30:24):
WEEK i. AGREE i got myself a birthday, Tomorrow we
got graduation From saturday. NIGHT i got nine thousand graduation
parties over the weekend for his buddies and people we.
Know and then back at it here for a little
more intense version of what we saw these last two.

Speaker 4 (30:37):
Weeks so a couple more hands on deck as.

Speaker 3 (30:39):
Well, yeah, right, well right to. SEE i can't wait
to Dk. Metcals but times are, good no. Complaints times
are very.

Speaker 2 (30:45):
Good and speaking of your birthday being, tomorrow we'll get
to the tweets here because this one From michael is pretty.

Speaker 3 (30:51):
GOOD i ever tell you. This we've done these the
last couple of, years AND i didn't know until we
were here At OTA's The Kenny pickett AND i were
both On june. Sixth SO i go in and there's
this huge birthday. Cake. WOW i, mean, guys you know
that is.

Speaker 7 (31:10):
Fantastic it's for the.

Speaker 3 (31:12):
Quarterback come, on.

Speaker 4 (31:15):
Yeah But i'm the media, AGAIN i, mean what are
we talking about?

Speaker 7 (31:17):
Here that is.

Speaker 2 (31:18):
Funny michael tweets us and, says Is Zach frasier already
the best center in the? Division and where would you
rank him amongst centers in the. League michael's speaking of
my heart with this. Question he, Says, ALSO i got
to give an early birthday shout out To williamson for
his birthday coming up. TOMORROW i know this because he
reminds us on all his. Podcasts COULD i just, say,
uh it is kind of funny how your, birthday my,

(31:39):
Birthday dale's, birthday all. HAPPENED i think at like key
moments in THE nfl.

Speaker 3 (31:44):
Calendar, okay like combine.

Speaker 4 (31:47):
Birthday combine every single, year.

Speaker 3 (31:49):
So we always.

Speaker 2 (31:50):
Events we always mentioned it on the broadcast because one
day we're, there it's my. Birthday yours is always during
OTAs for the most, Part dale's is like in the
holiday time. Period, right If i'm like Late, NOVEMBER i
Think i'm remembering. Correctly so he's always during the. Season you,
KNOW i.

Speaker 3 (32:04):
Think his birthdays on the Air.

Speaker 2 (32:06):
Fort we're always on the Air fort or we're traveling
to a game or. Something so, yeah you, know people.
Listen people could deal with us talking about our, birthdays no.

Speaker 3 (32:13):
Doubt WHEN i was a, kid, THOUGH i, mean getting
out of school last day of school on your birthday
was like the biggest double whammie of all. TIME Uh
center talk.

Speaker 4 (32:20):
One where does Zech fraser ranking the? Division where does
he rank in the?

Speaker 3 (32:23):
League that's a him Versus linderbaum's a really good. Conversation
linderbaum is a little more money in the. BANK i
Think linderbaum is a great, player rare, quickness also a
phenomenal wrestling. Background iowa. Guy, coincidentally we would talk About
iowa guys here. LATELY i would IF i were to
do his center, RANKINGS i would Have linderbaum ahead of him.

(32:44):
Today but he's one of the only. FEW i, Mean
humphrey with The. Chiefs linderbaum retiring moves him up one
more spot.

Speaker 2 (32:58):
To make it so you could make a very, easy
good faith argument that he's top five in the, league
and you what you would be doing The homer.

Speaker 3 (33:04):
Thing, no to, me that's pretty, easy and maybe even
top three him Versus, barton the first round pick from
the same, class is an interesting. Conversation i've obviously seen
more Of, zach BUT i mean he's right at the top,
already which after one year is a heck of an.

Speaker 2 (33:19):
Accomplishment, yeah AND i remember telling you guys, this you,
know leading up to that, draft we obviously had a
lot of conversation around him BECAUSE i knew The steelers
needed a center Views, yeah and you, know obviously with
my ties THE wu and enjoyed all of that and
a lot of conversation around. Him AND i remember telling
you guys at the combine before he was, DRAFTED i

(33:39):
don't know how great he can ultimately, be but his bust,
potential in my mind is next to, nothing like he's
going to be a, eight, nine, ten, eleven twelve year
pro who is going to play good football for SOME nfl.

Speaker 4 (33:52):
Organization can he be an all? Pro? Absolutely.

Speaker 2 (33:55):
Yeah BUT i didn't see any scenario where he would
wash out of the, league not be, good only have
a three four year career something like. That but even
for someone like, me who is A wu season ticket
holder and you, know absolute geek and watched him play
forty some times in, COLLEGE i didn't think he would
be this good this.

Speaker 3 (34:11):
QUICK i. AGREE i, MEAN i loved the. PICK i
didn't see a big difference when they were coming out Between, Powers, Johnson,
barton And. Frasier they have different, styles BUT i mean
in terms of who's the best, Prospect Powers johnson was my,
three but we were splitting. Hairs they were all really
good center. Prospects WHEN i thought all were obviously going
to be, starters and all.

Speaker 2 (34:32):
Would have been the first center taken in this. Year yeah,
yeah most recent.

Speaker 3 (34:36):
Drafts. Yeah so, YEAH i think they really worked that.
Perfectly and not having the trade up for him in
the second round, too just to, wait, wait, Wait AND
i have talked To omar and a couple of these
guys that they were white knuckling at the team doesn't
sneak ahead of, them, right because.

Speaker 2 (34:50):
It was looking real good for a while, then, right
and then because he Had Graham barton go in the first,
round and then it was kind of, like, okay well
only one of these, guys and Then jackson Powers johnson
goes pretty early there in this second, round and, yeah
you are kind of white knuckling, it but all is,
well that ends, Well and, Yeah i'm certainly excited to
Watch Zach fraser do his thing here for at least
the next decade or. So and love it WHEN i
hear the confirmation from someone Like Matt williamson THAT i

(35:13):
know is neutral in his evaluations and not just a
big w honk like.

Speaker 3 (35:16):
Me that's some pretty good centers around.

Speaker 2 (35:19):
Here we've had had some pretty good centers around. Here
AND i am not even cautiously. OPTIMISTIC i am optimistic
he you, know will be talking about him as one
of those Great steelers.

Speaker 4 (35:29):
Centers, yeah you, know a, decade a decade from. Now
i'm not saying he's gonna be.

Speaker 2 (35:32):
Dirt i'm not saying he's gonna be, webby but you,
know we will add him to that list when we
are talking about The.

Speaker 3 (35:37):
Steelings. Great he was a really really good player. Too
he was An All pro for one or two.

Speaker 4 (35:41):
YEARS i Think Super bowl Champion marky's.

Speaker 2 (35:44):
Pouncy obviously we all know outstanding Has hall Of fame type.

Speaker 4 (35:47):
Credentials, yeah anything anything in that.

Speaker 2 (35:50):
Realm will work just fine for For Zach fraser and uh,
Yeah michael obviously off to a to a very good.
Start tyler wants to know what would be your record
predictions if The steelers end up With mason as the starting?

Speaker 3 (36:04):
Quarterback uh win lost total.

Speaker 4 (36:07):
PREDICTIONS i think that's what he.

Speaker 3 (36:08):
Means, yeah lower than you want to. HEAR i, MEAN
i think he's a really valuable. Addition i'm extremely happy he's.
HERE i think their. STABILITY i loved how he ended
His steelers. CAREER i understand why he's so, popular and
he has gotten, very very. POPULAR i just think that

(36:29):
there's such a ceiling because you got to Beat burrow,
twice you got to Beat lamar, twice AND i know
they never do, this BUT i would say six or seven. Wins,
YEAH i mean it's a tough.

Speaker 2 (36:38):
SCHEDULE i would say that the twenty, two twenty three
twenty five consecutive years without a losing season would be a. Lot,
yeah pre dates Even mike tom Like i'm talking Before
tomlin's time as, well, too would be in a lot of.
JEOPARDY i wouldn't see them botting him out and winning
four or five.

Speaker 3 (36:54):
Games, NOAH i don't think you get first fix the.
DRAFT i think they.

Speaker 2 (36:57):
Went seven to ten or eight to. Nine it wouldn't
like eight to nine might be about my.

Speaker 3 (37:00):
Prediction, yeah and then the thing that worries you too
is of, course and this goes from many. Positions but
If rogers is your starter and he misses a three
game stretch And mason comes, in, fine, okay. Great but
If rudolph's your starters three or thirteen game stretch and
you're asking a rookie six round pick to win games

(37:21):
in the Ac, north, WELL i don't feel good about.

Speaker 4 (37:23):
It C r tweets.

Speaker 2 (37:26):
Us of, Course Steeler nash Of chicago wondering how he
can get a pass For friday night lights at Latrob
Memorial stadium in twenty twenty.

Speaker 3 (37:35):
Five gone. One, yeah you just gotta. Go there's no
like you know that's on a beforehand.

Speaker 2 (37:41):
Thing, NO i think it IS i mean in the
vein of like first, come first. SERVE i don't think
they really turn people. Away SO i don't think it's.

Speaker 3 (37:48):
Like a you, know do you just go up the
gate give.

Speaker 4 (37:50):
Me it's like going to a high school football. GAME
i think that's the beauty of.

Speaker 2 (37:53):
It, yeah there's, seven, eight, nine ten thousand people. THERE
i could be wrong in, that BUT i don't think
they've ever turned anybody. Away training camp, now the regular
training camp, practices you have to get tickets ahead of.

Speaker 3 (38:04):
TIME i don't think they cost.

Speaker 4 (38:05):
Anything they do not cost.

Speaker 2 (38:06):
Anything and you know, what it might be the same
for the true memorial now in this. POST i know
for a long time it, was you, know just just
at the just just show up type. Thing but, regardless
there there's not a, cost and it's you don't have
to know anybody special or exactly exactly, right you just
you just gotta go to the right place. Here one

(38:29):
or two more as we close this thing, Down annie
tweets us and, SAYS i loved hearing you guys discussing
the insanity quote Because i've always wondered that same. Thing
and then.

Speaker 4 (38:39):
The literal, Definition i'm, going that's pretty.

Speaker 3 (38:42):
Good it is pretty.

Speaker 2 (38:43):
Good, yeah and and he also Tweets wes bringing up
the quote about the worst things for.

Speaker 4 (38:50):
Business.

Speaker 2 (38:51):
Uh the other side of that is people that are
always clamoring for. Change it can be equally dangerous to
change the way we've always done things without any why
as we did it that.

Speaker 3 (39:00):
Way.

Speaker 2 (39:00):
Yeah, Absolutely and THAT i think maybe gets back to
some of the the shiny silver object decisions that some
of the what we perceive is lesser organizations around.

Speaker 3 (39:10):
The, Yeah, alan, OH i want that where where.

Speaker 2 (39:13):
You will see The steelers do change things with a.
WIT i mean they made just two years ago an
in season coordinator change for the first time in.

Speaker 4 (39:21):
Decades.

Speaker 3 (39:21):
Yeah, yeah well know it was a couple of years,
ago but they didn't trade a first round pick for
a player the twit. R.

Speaker 2 (39:29):
Yeah and so there are some organizations that don't move at.
All there are some organizations that, move but maybe they
kind of move like The, titanic it's a little slow and.
Turn and then there's some organizations that you, know were
like those three sixty lawnmowers that could just spin on a.
DIME i think ideally you're trying to strike a balance
sticking with what, works but also not just, saying.

Speaker 4 (39:51):
Hey this is always the way we've done. Things we
can never, change we can never.

Speaker 3 (39:54):
Adapt, yeah and really having a pulse of the league
is really really important. Too i'm no doubt there see
The Super bowl, Champs BUT i think one of the
Things philadelphia is best at is understanding the trends and
tendencies In paulso the league. Too you, know all of a,
sudden running backs are really, cheap so we'll pay Sakuon
barkley basically the exact same Contract Gabe davis got with The. Jags,

(40:16):
right who might be in town? Today who's?

Speaker 2 (40:18):
GOOD i believe he, Was, yeah uh, yeah who's gonna
bring you more?

Speaker 3 (40:21):
Value right right? Right and running back for that cheap
but they didn't pay running back. Forever but, YEAH i
think that's a big thing, too no.

Speaker 2 (40:28):
Doubt last one here a nice tweet From david who
tweets us and says thanks for all the great coverage
these last two.

Speaker 3 (40:34):
Weeks.

Speaker 2 (40:34):
Fellas it might be football in, shorts but it still
scratches the itch.

Speaker 3 (40:37):
Good good it, does it, does and it's great seeing
him out.

Speaker 2 (40:41):
Here but and you mentioned this, too it's kind of
the same with the combine it's kind of the same
with the. Draft it's kind of the same with training.
Camp it's kind of the same with preseason. Games when
they first get, there it, is it scratches the. Itch it's,
exciting but then it's just kind of the ongoing bye.
By you, know by day three or four of the,
combine we're, like, okay that's. It by the sixth round
to THE Nfl, draft you're, like, okay that's. Enough by

(41:02):
the third preseason, game you're, like all, right let's just
get to the.

Speaker 3 (41:04):
REGULAR a second acclamation practice At latrobe is.

Speaker 2 (41:11):
It's Not Cam heyward and stuff on to, it you,
know coming downhill At Naji, Harrison James connor and things.

Speaker 3 (41:16):
Like, that and none of its game day you, know.

Speaker 2 (41:19):
And, absolutely but we are happy to help scratch that
itch and we will be back next week to continue
our off season this phase.

Speaker 4 (41:28):
Coverage that does it for the OTA's.

Speaker 2 (41:30):
Practices but Next, Tuesday, Wednesday thursday three more mandatory for
many camp get our first look at guys LIKE Dk
metcalf and another ramp up moment in this off season.
Process but that will do it for. TODAY a big
thanks To justin back at The. RANCH cj here on.
Site Logan lee for joining us And Rob king for

(41:52):
joining us as well. Too For Matt. Williamson i'm West.
Yuler take, care, everybody enjoy the. Weekend we'll be right
back here next Week, Tuesday, Wednesday thursday to bring you
many camp coverage on your twenty four to seven home
of The black And. Gold It's Steelers Nation radio on
The Steelers Audio.

Speaker 4 (42:06):
Network