April 9, 2025 • 15 mins
As we get closer to the NFL Draft, MIchael is joined by former Steeler and current SNR announcer Max Starks to look ahead to the NFL Draft - and look ahead to the big news that has been announced this week - the Steelers NFL Draft Party in Croke Park at the end of the month!
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Irish airline air Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
This brings the number.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Of transatlantic routes operated by the airline from Dublin, Shannon
and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers fans traveling to Ireland
for the big Game can enjoy a relaxing journey when
they fly.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
With air Lingus. Air Lingus, You're very welcome, everybody.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Welcome into the Irish Steelers Podcast. Michael mccaid here as
we get set for a novel week of Steelers football talk,
a little bit closer to the NFL drafts. Some really
cool news to come on that very shortly. First off,
Steelers Nation, It's time to take flight with Aerlingus as
the official airline partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the
founding partner of Steelers Ireland. There's never been a better
(01:03):
time to book your trip to Dublin with nineteen North
American getaways, including flights from nearby Cleveland. Get ready for
warm Irish hospitality and plenty of room on board for
your Tarble toll whether it's game day or a getaway.
Erlingus looks forward to saying you're very welcome to the
players and fans at the Pittsburgh Steelers. You can book
now at erlingus dot com. That's right, presented by Erlingus
(01:27):
and folks, we are getting closer and closer to this
legendary first home game for the Pittsburgh Staeters on the
Island of Ireland as the designated team this year for
the NFL Dublin Game, and to celebrate that, the Steelers
are teaming up with Crow Park for something very very special.
It was announced today at the time of recording on Tuesday,
(01:49):
that the official Steelers Draft Party presented by Erlingis at
Crow Park is happening. Folks, you can join the Steelers
for the first official draft party presented by erling as
a Crow Park, the home of the twenty twenty five
NFL Doubling game this autumn, kicking off at four o'clock
in the Cusick Suite on Saturday, the twenty sixth vehicle.
This is amazing news, not just for Stalelers fans, but
(02:11):
for NFL fans across island as well. You can be
part of Croke Park and Staelers history and join everybody
for an unforgettable Draft night. Fans will enjoy large screens
to watch the draft, live music and entertainment on the night,
draft party, food and drink, a chance to win Steelers
prizes and giveaways on the night, and much much more.
Tickets are only eleven euro including fees. There's not too
(02:33):
many left. If you're interested in it, go to Crookpark
dot I slash Steelters and I will see you there.
We're delighted this week to welcome to a guy that's
been in the podcast a number of times now, a
great friend of this podcast, former Steeler and currently with
steels Nation Radio among many other outlets. We are delighted
to welcome Max Starks into the Irish Titers podcast this week.
(02:54):
Absolutely delighted that we joined here. Bye we all know
now Max Starks. Max, thank you very much going on
the podcast. You're a busy mom in this off season
that has the off season been treating you almi.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Mon, but the off season has been great.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
I mean, you know, the NFL, the great thing about
it is they don't really have off seasons, so when
I can carve out my.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
Pockets, I'm very excited.
Speaker 5 (03:15):
But you know, Combine, I went to Combine, just left
owners meetings a week ago, and of course the draft
coming up in two weeks. So I mean a lot
of excitement in the NFL surrounding. You know this time
of year.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
We had a chance to briefly shots. It was great
to see you in New Orleans for the Super Bowl.
But then also on the day at South it was released.
I think you guys were back over at home at
that point and just to talk about it, Nile on
the podcast one to one, how excited there you on?
How I could is at to see the theaters, you know,
finally play this regular season game and Harden this year.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
I mean, it's a long time coming.
Speaker 5 (03:50):
I mean one of the things I think that I
think more important is DMR right. I mean, Dan Rooney
pushed for this, wanted this for so long, his tireless
efforts to get this game back to back to back
to the homeland for the Rooney family. You know, it
was instilled in all of us as players like we
(04:10):
took that pride that the Rooneys had for Ireland, for
Irish culture and for the deep connection of Ireland with
the Steelers and plays on their traditions and how they
are as an organization. So it's a very it's a
very happy moment, very you know, momentous occasion. Cannot wait
for it. It can't come fast enough. Man, you just
(04:30):
you just got butterflies.
Speaker 4 (04:32):
I know.
Speaker 3 (04:32):
We're hoping to hear that hopefully a few weeks after
the draft, according to NFL UK and Ireland GM Henry
Hodgson looking forward to hearing not and if you want
to hear his podcast, you can go back, folks a
few weeks on.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Listen to that.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
Max just just on this day and if we look
ahead to the draft very quickly. The Steelers actually came
out on Tuesday for the Irish market on announce for
the first time ever, they're going to have a draft
party there on the Saturday of Draft weekend in Crow
Park where the game is going to be. I believe
for people this that is the first ever official NFL
draft party on the island of Ireland, which is really cool.
(05:05):
And I was talking a little bit to Mat Williamson
last week. But you guys have a real party in
Pittsburgh as well. I know the draft is going to
be in Pittsburgh next year, but it's really going up
on option now in this say new season prep with
with the draft coming up.
Speaker 5 (05:18):
Yeah, no, I think that this is that kind of
you're trying to premeditate, right of what to expect. Would
you actually get the draft in your city and people
invade Pittsburgh, so to speak, for three days to cheer
for their teams, which will be a little bit different,
right because we're used to dominating, you know, on game
days when the when an opponent comes, but you got
(05:38):
thirty one other opponents, you can't you can't hold the line,
you know, against thirty one other teams coming there to celebrate.
So I think it's kind of a warm up for
the city to get ready for, you know, the chaos
that is draft. I'll be in Green Bay calling the draft,
so I'll get a little warm up taste of how
it is in a smaller city being able to call
that draft.
Speaker 4 (05:57):
But I can't wait for the city of Pittsburgh. It's
gonna it's gonna be a lot of fun.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
It's gonna be special. It was walking along there Christmas.
Just imagine what the streets are going to be like
on the wed AKERA. Sure, I'll see you in Green
Band in a couple of weeks potentially as well to
say hello, big few weeks. You know, if we go
back to the combine, just just for a second, because
you were there and I was there as well. You
guys are a pretty good location in media room there
and you can see the players coming in, players coming out.
(06:21):
Was there anybody Macks even during the week that you
were there, and it's still out to you, even for
the team or any player that you fall to yourself,
like God, I'd love to have them on our roster
going forward the season.
Speaker 4 (06:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (06:31):
No, there's about six defensive linemen. There's a four running back.
I have a shopping list, Mike. I mean we could,
we should be here for a while. But I mean,
you know, looking at a Kenneth Grant, looking at him,
you know, a Mason Graham, which I think will be
a little bit tough for Walter Nolan. You know, I'm
thinking heavy defensive lineman is priority number one for Since
we don't have a second round pick, we can't really
(06:52):
play with who's number one, who's number two. It's we
got to hit this right in day one because we're
not gonna be picking again until the of day two
in the third round, so you want to make sure
that that guy's an immediate contributor to the team. I
think all signs point to it being defensive line, just
because of what the decisions have been made during the
off season as far as free agency, the acquisitions we've made.
(07:14):
We've picked up a running back, We've picked up you know, linebackers,
we've picked up corners, and we've picked up all these
other positions. We went and got a blockbuster deal for
a wide receiver. So the one piece that's missing is
that start defensive lineman to sit behind and learn behind
Cam Hayward and also give some more rotation in the
interior so it's not such a significant drop off when
(07:34):
he gets out of the game. So a dynamic D
line is what I expect first, and then I think
third round will be whoever falls to you, whether it's
a second D lineman, whether it's a running back, think
Kim Scataboo, maybe Trevion Henderson or somebody in that third round,
or you know, if there's an if there's a quarterback
that we like to come in and fill out that
quarterback room, that could be another one. So I'm looking
(07:56):
at that kind of being the first two days, and
then day three is going to be you know, who's
the best who's the best guy once once it falls
to us, because there's always gonna be guys that fall
that we had great at hire that don't necessarily get picked,
they didn't get great to hire by the other teams,
and they fall in your lap like a Darnell Washington
a couple of years ago at the tight end position.
Speaker 4 (08:14):
Nobody expects them to be in the nineties.
Speaker 5 (08:16):
So I think that's what you're kind of looking at
for those first two days.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
For especially for Irish funds, for international funds, list the MUCKs.
What was it like getting drafted? But was it like
getting drafted in the third round on knowing that you're
going to Pittsburgh as well? What's that feeling?
Speaker 4 (08:30):
One?
Speaker 5 (08:32):
Well, you know, the best part is is that you know,
I get the distinct honor and pleasure of saying I
was drafted.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
I was a Day one draft pick.
Speaker 5 (08:38):
Because the young kids don't know that they're they don't
understand that back when I got drafted, like the first
three rounds were the first day and then the second
round was everybody else, uh expanded.
Speaker 4 (08:47):
To three days, So I mean, it was, it was.
It was really special because I had no clue.
Speaker 5 (08:52):
You know, I didn't do interviews in a lot of
meetings with with Pittsburgh. I met with a bunch of
other teams. I did not because it was not even
on my radar. So it was really cool to kind
of see that and get that experience and be on
the phone with it. Funny then contract negotiator Omar Khan,
not general manager Omar Khan, that had me hold wait
(09:13):
for coach Kauer and then I talked to coach Kawer.
So it was a really special moment back in two
thousand and four, and you know, I'm just happy for
these young men and getting that opportunity coming up in
a couple of weeks.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
You missed the London game by a season. I was
talking to Rod Woodson, who missed the ninety seven preseason
game in Crok Park there a few weeks ago, by
I think six months. You must be interesting to see
this team playing at an Ashley game because as well
Marks it's been so long, it hasn't They haven't played
at Ashley since twenty thirteen as well.
Speaker 5 (09:41):
Yeah, no, it was one of the things that was
probably one of my biggest like like NFL regrets, is
that I never got to play on Thanksgiving and I
never got to play internationally.
Speaker 4 (09:50):
They did both of those.
Speaker 5 (09:50):
Things in the follow up season after after nine years
in Pittsburgh. It happened on the tenth year and I
was at Saint Louis ram at that time, and I was,
I was mad, I was I was a bit perturbed,
I think, is the best way of putting it. But
I'm so excited that my first international exposure with the
NFL is going to be with the Steelers, and of
(10:11):
course in Ireland.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
I mean, it's where it was worth the wait to
have this opportunity.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
It's gonna be in me as the mind. I don't
want to get emotional, so I'll move away spiffing from
the topic. You sort of talk there, and especially for
people listening nice side of the US. Yes, we haven't
had a game in a couple of months now, three
months now, but this season is just going to the
point now where there's something every over week. You mentioned
about the league meetings. We've seen coach Tomlin talk at
the league meetings there dined in Florida last week. What
(10:36):
sort of vibe that you get from the league it south,
and you know, more so from coach Tomlin as we
get into that such an important few weeks.
Speaker 5 (10:42):
Now, well, I think I think you see the focus, right,
I mean, it's it's not as happy, go lucky, it's
not as retrospective, right that everything is pointing forward, you know,
looking to next season. How do I build this roster
to go be competitive next year? And you know, I
think the intent of everybody there, everybody is now looking like, okay,
you know who the champion is, right, the new King
(11:04):
of the Hill is Philadelphia. So how do you prepare
and situate your team for that type of success and
to combat that champion? So, I mean, you know, a
lot of the rules that came out and got changed. Obviously,
the Tush push got tabled because there's just there's too
many variables and not enough time and at the owner's
meeting it's just a vote, so they cabled that one.
(11:25):
I think you know, the Steelers, you know, wanting to
change some of the time out rulings and uh, and
some of the replay assist stuff that went through, which
was nice to hear and kind of mister Rooney kind
of talked about on Steelers dot Com. He went he
went through the process on the voting. We caught him
right after the voting was over with. And then for
coach Tomlin, you know, it's it's a focus on getting
back to it, you know, not looking backwards. Made progress,
(11:48):
but you got to retool once again. Right A brand
new quarterback room is going to come in there. Obviously
it was one of you know, one normal name, but uh,
but it's going to be a tough one.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
It's going to be interesting to see what happens. A
big movement obviously, and this off season's being dk Matcoff
coming in. Are you on the bond wagon if you'd
like to see a third wide receiver come in in
the draft or even in free agency or in free pickups,
off to that or you very much? You know, let's
just wait and see what happened.
Speaker 5 (12:15):
I'm a wait and see guy, because I think you know,
we wanted to find that number one slash too right
to go opposite George Pickens.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
And then we still don't know what we have with
Roman Wilson and Calvin.
Speaker 5 (12:24):
Austin has been a welcome, pleasant addition, and I'm looking
forward to seeing his role expanded as well.
Speaker 4 (12:29):
So wide receivers not as.
Speaker 5 (12:30):
Big of a priority because of the fact that I
consider we drafted a second round wide receiver, you know,
in DK Metcalf, so I would say I'd rather turn
those attentions towards the defensive line, bolstering the offensive line depth,
or you know, quality running back.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
Those are really the three big things because you think.
Speaker 5 (12:47):
About the losses that we had in the off season,
we're two not only the quarterback room will obviously hear
what that is, but the offensive and defensive line. Like
reinforcing the trends. I think that's what Philadelphia really taught
a lot of teams is you need to pay attention
to your lines and the depth there so you have
quality guys that are able to play.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
We've seen Coreil Patterson stay on the books a two
year deal. Obviously going to be interesting to see what
hopps opposition. Are you hoppy that we've kept him in
the building, or would you like to see us make
different moves as well?
Speaker 5 (13:15):
No, I'm happy we kept him because I think we
really didn't figure out what he was capable of, and
Arthur Smith obviously knows what he's capable of. I think
year two in this offense, you'll see an expanded role
for him. I think you were trying to appease too
many things with existing guys, and it was year one
for Arthur Smith. So I think this year you'll see
a different deployment. I think we'll see him line up
more wide receiver and shift into the backfield. He won't
(13:36):
just be a running back on special situations, so I
expect to expand it role for him, and I think
that also creates another opportunity where we don't need to
go to wide receiver.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
It's a big weekend or a big week for this
theaters in Green Band a couple of weeks time. It's
going to be special. It's a real one off, the
first ever time the drops is being in Green Bay
run Lumbolefield. How excited that you, Fred genleymun.
Speaker 5 (13:58):
Yeah, I'm excited to see it. I mean, you know,
it's it's one of those things. You know, you hear
the history. You know, you think of Vince Lombardi, you
think of Curly Lambeau and the history of the Green
Bay Pack, especially early on in the NFL's history. So
you know, getting to go to that hallowed ground, so
to speak. You know, I've been there a number of
times calling games, but it's gonna be interesting to see
how they do it, how they manage it, because I
think it'll be a blueprint for Pittsburgh, who has a
(14:20):
similar smaller town feel to it, and how they manage
the flow of people, because you know, Green Bay.
Speaker 4 (14:28):
I don't know if you've been there, Michael, it was
one way in, one way out. You know, it's kind
of one of those type of places.
Speaker 5 (14:32):
There's not a lot of hotels there and it's a
very open, farmland type of area.
Speaker 3 (14:38):
It's gonna ben exciting for you days, Mike's We're you
looking forward to seeing what the Seers can do in
Green Bay, looking forward to seeing you there as well.
Just finally, do you get any rest at all in
this offseason before we get back into it in August time?
Speaker 5 (14:48):
No? Now, no rest for the weary man. Do you
know how it goes? Twenty four to seven on the go.
As you see, I'm in an airport now about to
go catch a flight. So That's just how life is,
you know, covering the Steelers and covering football.
Speaker 3 (15:01):
You're a man of the people, Max, Thank you very
much on Debt, Well, Chatty and green Bay over the next
few weeks. Thank you very much for coming on. Appreciate it.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
Hey my pleasure.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
As always, Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as
the presenting partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's
growth in North America continues in twenty twenty five as
the airline prepares to fly to two new US destinations,
Nashville and Indianapolis, using its new Airbus eight three twenty
one xl or aircraft.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
This brings the number.
Speaker 1 (15:30):
Of transatlantic routes operated by the airline from Dublin, Shannon
and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers fans traveling to Ireland
for the big Game can enjoy a relaxing journey when
they fly with air Lingus.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
Air Lingus, You're very welcome.
Irish airline air Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
This brings the number.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Of transatlantic routes operated by the airline from Dublin, Shannon
and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers fans traveling to Ireland
for the big Game can enjoy a relaxing journey when
they fly.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
With air Lingus. Air Lingus, You're very welcome, everybody.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Welcome into the Irish Steelers Podcast. Michael mccaid here as
we get set for a novel week of Steelers football talk,
a little bit closer to the NFL drafts. Some really
cool news to come on that very shortly. First off,
Steelers Nation, It's time to take flight with Aerlingus as
the official airline partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the
founding partner of Steelers Ireland. There's never been a better
(01:03):
time to book your trip to Dublin with nineteen North
American getaways, including flights from nearby Cleveland. Get ready for
warm Irish hospitality and plenty of room on board for
your Tarble toll whether it's game day or a getaway.
Erlingus looks forward to saying you're very welcome to the
players and fans at the Pittsburgh Steelers. You can book
now at erlingus dot com. That's right, presented by Erlingus
(01:27):
and folks, we are getting closer and closer to this
legendary first home game for the Pittsburgh Staeters on the
Island of Ireland as the designated team this year for
the NFL Dublin Game, and to celebrate that, the Steelers
are teaming up with Crow Park for something very very special.
It was announced today at the time of recording on Tuesday,
(01:49):
that the official Steelers Draft Party presented by Erlingis at
Crow Park is happening. Folks, you can join the Steelers
for the first official draft party presented by erling as
a Crow Park, the home of the twenty twenty five
NFL Doubling game this autumn, kicking off at four o'clock
in the Cusick Suite on Saturday, the twenty sixth vehicle.
This is amazing news, not just for Stalelers fans, but
(02:11):
for NFL fans across island as well. You can be
part of Croke Park and Staelers history and join everybody
for an unforgettable Draft night. Fans will enjoy large screens
to watch the draft, live music and entertainment on the night,
draft party, food and drink, a chance to win Steelers
prizes and giveaways on the night, and much much more.
Tickets are only eleven euro including fees. There's not too
(02:33):
many left. If you're interested in it, go to Crookpark
dot I slash Steelters and I will see you there.
We're delighted this week to welcome to a guy that's
been in the podcast a number of times now, a
great friend of this podcast, former Steeler and currently with
steels Nation Radio among many other outlets. We are delighted
to welcome Max Starks into the Irish Titers podcast this week.
(02:54):
Absolutely delighted that we joined here. Bye we all know
now Max Starks. Max, thank you very much going on
the podcast. You're a busy mom in this off season
that has the off season been treating you almi.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Mon, but the off season has been great.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
I mean, you know, the NFL, the great thing about
it is they don't really have off seasons, so when
I can carve out my.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
Pockets, I'm very excited.
Speaker 5 (03:15):
But you know, Combine, I went to Combine, just left
owners meetings a week ago, and of course the draft
coming up in two weeks. So I mean a lot
of excitement in the NFL surrounding. You know this time
of year.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
We had a chance to briefly shots. It was great
to see you in New Orleans for the Super Bowl.
But then also on the day at South it was released.
I think you guys were back over at home at
that point and just to talk about it, Nile on
the podcast one to one, how excited there you on?
How I could is at to see the theaters, you know,
finally play this regular season game and Harden this year.
Speaker 4 (03:48):
I mean, it's a long time coming.
Speaker 5 (03:50):
I mean one of the things I think that I
think more important is DMR right. I mean, Dan Rooney
pushed for this, wanted this for so long, his tireless
efforts to get this game back to back to back
to the homeland for the Rooney family. You know, it
was instilled in all of us as players like we
(04:10):
took that pride that the Rooneys had for Ireland, for
Irish culture and for the deep connection of Ireland with
the Steelers and plays on their traditions and how they
are as an organization. So it's a very it's a
very happy moment, very you know, momentous occasion. Cannot wait
for it. It can't come fast enough. Man, you just
(04:30):
you just got butterflies.
Speaker 4 (04:32):
I know.
Speaker 3 (04:32):
We're hoping to hear that hopefully a few weeks after
the draft, according to NFL UK and Ireland GM Henry
Hodgson looking forward to hearing not and if you want
to hear his podcast, you can go back, folks a
few weeks on.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Listen to that.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
Max just just on this day and if we look
ahead to the draft very quickly. The Steelers actually came
out on Tuesday for the Irish market on announce for
the first time ever, they're going to have a draft
party there on the Saturday of Draft weekend in Crow
Park where the game is going to be. I believe
for people this that is the first ever official NFL
draft party on the island of Ireland, which is really cool.
(05:05):
And I was talking a little bit to Mat Williamson
last week. But you guys have a real party in
Pittsburgh as well. I know the draft is going to
be in Pittsburgh next year, but it's really going up
on option now in this say new season prep with
with the draft coming up.
Speaker 5 (05:18):
Yeah, no, I think that this is that kind of
you're trying to premeditate, right of what to expect. Would
you actually get the draft in your city and people
invade Pittsburgh, so to speak, for three days to cheer
for their teams, which will be a little bit different,
right because we're used to dominating, you know, on game
days when the when an opponent comes, but you got
(05:38):
thirty one other opponents, you can't you can't hold the line,
you know, against thirty one other teams coming there to celebrate.
So I think it's kind of a warm up for
the city to get ready for, you know, the chaos
that is draft. I'll be in Green Bay calling the draft,
so I'll get a little warm up taste of how
it is in a smaller city being able to call
that draft.
Speaker 4 (05:57):
But I can't wait for the city of Pittsburgh. It's
gonna it's gonna be a lot of fun.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
It's gonna be special. It was walking along there Christmas.
Just imagine what the streets are going to be like
on the wed AKERA. Sure, I'll see you in Green
Band in a couple of weeks potentially as well to
say hello, big few weeks. You know, if we go
back to the combine, just just for a second, because
you were there and I was there as well. You
guys are a pretty good location in media room there
and you can see the players coming in, players coming out.
(06:21):
Was there anybody Macks even during the week that you
were there, and it's still out to you, even for
the team or any player that you fall to yourself,
like God, I'd love to have them on our roster
going forward the season.
Speaker 4 (06:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (06:31):
No, there's about six defensive linemen. There's a four running back.
I have a shopping list, Mike. I mean we could,
we should be here for a while. But I mean,
you know, looking at a Kenneth Grant, looking at him,
you know, a Mason Graham, which I think will be
a little bit tough for Walter Nolan. You know, I'm
thinking heavy defensive lineman is priority number one for Since
we don't have a second round pick, we can't really
(06:52):
play with who's number one, who's number two. It's we
got to hit this right in day one because we're
not gonna be picking again until the of day two
in the third round, so you want to make sure
that that guy's an immediate contributor to the team. I
think all signs point to it being defensive line, just
because of what the decisions have been made during the
off season as far as free agency, the acquisitions we've made.
(07:14):
We've picked up a running back, We've picked up you know, linebackers,
we've picked up corners, and we've picked up all these
other positions. We went and got a blockbuster deal for
a wide receiver. So the one piece that's missing is
that start defensive lineman to sit behind and learn behind
Cam Hayward and also give some more rotation in the
interior so it's not such a significant drop off when
(07:34):
he gets out of the game. So a dynamic D
line is what I expect first, and then I think
third round will be whoever falls to you, whether it's
a second D lineman, whether it's a running back, think
Kim Scataboo, maybe Trevion Henderson or somebody in that third round,
or you know, if there's an if there's a quarterback
that we like to come in and fill out that
quarterback room, that could be another one. So I'm looking
(07:56):
at that kind of being the first two days, and
then day three is going to be you know, who's
the best who's the best guy once once it falls
to us, because there's always gonna be guys that fall
that we had great at hire that don't necessarily get picked,
they didn't get great to hire by the other teams,
and they fall in your lap like a Darnell Washington
a couple of years ago at the tight end position.
Speaker 4 (08:14):
Nobody expects them to be in the nineties.
Speaker 5 (08:16):
So I think that's what you're kind of looking at
for those first two days.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
For especially for Irish funds, for international funds, list the MUCKs.
What was it like getting drafted? But was it like
getting drafted in the third round on knowing that you're
going to Pittsburgh as well? What's that feeling?
Speaker 4 (08:30):
One?
Speaker 5 (08:32):
Well, you know, the best part is is that you know,
I get the distinct honor and pleasure of saying I
was drafted.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
I was a Day one draft pick.
Speaker 5 (08:38):
Because the young kids don't know that they're they don't
understand that back when I got drafted, like the first
three rounds were the first day and then the second
round was everybody else, uh expanded.
Speaker 4 (08:47):
To three days, So I mean, it was, it was.
It was really special because I had no clue.
Speaker 5 (08:52):
You know, I didn't do interviews in a lot of
meetings with with Pittsburgh. I met with a bunch of
other teams. I did not because it was not even
on my radar. So it was really cool to kind
of see that and get that experience and be on
the phone with it. Funny then contract negotiator Omar Khan,
not general manager Omar Khan, that had me hold wait
(09:13):
for coach Kauer and then I talked to coach Kawer.
So it was a really special moment back in two
thousand and four, and you know, I'm just happy for
these young men and getting that opportunity coming up in
a couple of weeks.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
You missed the London game by a season. I was
talking to Rod Woodson, who missed the ninety seven preseason
game in Crok Park there a few weeks ago, by
I think six months. You must be interesting to see
this team playing at an Ashley game because as well
Marks it's been so long, it hasn't They haven't played
at Ashley since twenty thirteen as well.
Speaker 5 (09:41):
Yeah, no, it was one of the things that was
probably one of my biggest like like NFL regrets, is
that I never got to play on Thanksgiving and I
never got to play internationally.
Speaker 4 (09:50):
They did both of those.
Speaker 5 (09:50):
Things in the follow up season after after nine years
in Pittsburgh. It happened on the tenth year and I
was at Saint Louis ram at that time, and I was,
I was mad, I was I was a bit perturbed,
I think, is the best way of putting it. But
I'm so excited that my first international exposure with the
NFL is going to be with the Steelers, and of
(10:11):
course in Ireland.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
I mean, it's where it was worth the wait to
have this opportunity.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
It's gonna be in me as the mind. I don't
want to get emotional, so I'll move away spiffing from
the topic. You sort of talk there, and especially for
people listening nice side of the US. Yes, we haven't
had a game in a couple of months now, three
months now, but this season is just going to the
point now where there's something every over week. You mentioned
about the league meetings. We've seen coach Tomlin talk at
the league meetings there dined in Florida last week. What
(10:36):
sort of vibe that you get from the league it south,
and you know, more so from coach Tomlin as we
get into that such an important few weeks.
Speaker 5 (10:42):
Now, well, I think I think you see the focus, right,
I mean, it's it's not as happy, go lucky, it's
not as retrospective, right that everything is pointing forward, you know,
looking to next season. How do I build this roster
to go be competitive next year? And you know, I
think the intent of everybody there, everybody is now looking like, okay,
you know who the champion is, right, the new King
(11:04):
of the Hill is Philadelphia. So how do you prepare
and situate your team for that type of success and
to combat that champion? So, I mean, you know, a
lot of the rules that came out and got changed. Obviously,
the Tush push got tabled because there's just there's too
many variables and not enough time and at the owner's
meeting it's just a vote, so they cabled that one.
(11:25):
I think you know, the Steelers, you know, wanting to
change some of the time out rulings and uh, and
some of the replay assist stuff that went through, which
was nice to hear and kind of mister Rooney kind
of talked about on Steelers dot Com. He went he
went through the process on the voting. We caught him
right after the voting was over with. And then for
coach Tomlin, you know, it's it's a focus on getting
back to it, you know, not looking backwards. Made progress,
(11:48):
but you got to retool once again. Right A brand
new quarterback room is going to come in there. Obviously
it was one of you know, one normal name, but uh,
but it's going to be a tough one.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
It's going to be interesting to see what happens. A
big movement obviously, and this off season's being dk Matcoff
coming in. Are you on the bond wagon if you'd
like to see a third wide receiver come in in
the draft or even in free agency or in free pickups,
off to that or you very much? You know, let's
just wait and see what happened.
Speaker 5 (12:15):
I'm a wait and see guy, because I think you know,
we wanted to find that number one slash too right
to go opposite George Pickens.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
And then we still don't know what we have with
Roman Wilson and Calvin.
Speaker 5 (12:24):
Austin has been a welcome, pleasant addition, and I'm looking
forward to seeing his role expanded as well.
Speaker 4 (12:29):
So wide receivers not as.
Speaker 5 (12:30):
Big of a priority because of the fact that I
consider we drafted a second round wide receiver, you know,
in DK Metcalf, so I would say I'd rather turn
those attentions towards the defensive line, bolstering the offensive line depth,
or you know, quality running back.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
Those are really the three big things because you think.
Speaker 5 (12:47):
About the losses that we had in the off season,
we're two not only the quarterback room will obviously hear
what that is, but the offensive and defensive line. Like
reinforcing the trends. I think that's what Philadelphia really taught
a lot of teams is you need to pay attention
to your lines and the depth there so you have
quality guys that are able to play.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
We've seen Coreil Patterson stay on the books a two
year deal. Obviously going to be interesting to see what
hopps opposition. Are you hoppy that we've kept him in
the building, or would you like to see us make
different moves as well?
Speaker 5 (13:15):
No, I'm happy we kept him because I think we
really didn't figure out what he was capable of, and
Arthur Smith obviously knows what he's capable of. I think
year two in this offense, you'll see an expanded role
for him. I think you were trying to appease too
many things with existing guys, and it was year one
for Arthur Smith. So I think this year you'll see
a different deployment. I think we'll see him line up
more wide receiver and shift into the backfield. He won't
(13:36):
just be a running back on special situations, so I
expect to expand it role for him, and I think
that also creates another opportunity where we don't need to
go to wide receiver.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
It's a big weekend or a big week for this
theaters in Green Band a couple of weeks time. It's
going to be special. It's a real one off, the
first ever time the drops is being in Green Bay
run Lumbolefield. How excited that you, Fred genleymun.
Speaker 5 (13:58):
Yeah, I'm excited to see it. I mean, you know,
it's it's one of those things. You know, you hear
the history. You know, you think of Vince Lombardi, you
think of Curly Lambeau and the history of the Green
Bay Pack, especially early on in the NFL's history. So
you know, getting to go to that hallowed ground, so
to speak. You know, I've been there a number of
times calling games, but it's gonna be interesting to see
how they do it, how they manage it, because I
think it'll be a blueprint for Pittsburgh, who has a
(14:20):
similar smaller town feel to it, and how they manage
the flow of people, because you know, Green Bay.
Speaker 4 (14:28):
I don't know if you've been there, Michael, it was
one way in, one way out. You know, it's kind
of one of those type of places.
Speaker 5 (14:32):
There's not a lot of hotels there and it's a
very open, farmland type of area.
Speaker 3 (14:38):
It's gonna ben exciting for you days, Mike's We're you
looking forward to seeing what the Seers can do in
Green Bay, looking forward to seeing you there as well.
Just finally, do you get any rest at all in
this offseason before we get back into it in August time?
Speaker 5 (14:48):
No? Now, no rest for the weary man. Do you
know how it goes? Twenty four to seven on the go.
As you see, I'm in an airport now about to
go catch a flight. So That's just how life is,
you know, covering the Steelers and covering football.
Speaker 3 (15:01):
You're a man of the people, Max, Thank you very
much on Debt, Well, Chatty and green Bay over the next
few weeks. Thank you very much for coming on. Appreciate it.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
Hey my pleasure.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
As always, Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as
the presenting partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's
growth in North America continues in twenty twenty five as
the airline prepares to fly to two new US destinations,
Nashville and Indianapolis, using its new Airbus eight three twenty
one xl or aircraft.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
This brings the number.
Speaker 1 (15:30):
Of transatlantic routes operated by the airline from Dublin, Shannon
and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers fans traveling to Ireland
for the big Game can enjoy a relaxing journey when
they fly with air Lingus.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
Air Lingus, You're very welcome.
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