Former Steeler Edmund Nelson joined the show. Edmund talked about hating minicamp and why it was so much worse for players than it is today, so bad he used the term “miserable.” The guys asked Edmund how the team can replace Stephon Tuitt and he said they can’t replace him. He said how DeMarvin Leal can be a factor once they figure out what size they want him at. Edmund said talent always wins out over coaching. Edmund commented on Devin Bush, after Merril Hoge crushed him Friday afternoon. Edmund said he’s staying optimistic about Bush, holding out hope that he bounces back in a big way. He said Bush should have responsibilities, like play calling, thrown on him to show he can still be the man in the middle of the Steelers defense. By the way, he said his love for ribs is completely genuine.

The Pirates have won 7 of 10 and 8 of 12, including a three-game sweep in Los Angeles against the Dodgers. Is there any Bucco Fever running wild in Pittsburgh? 

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo joined the show. Ray said George Pickens will be the rookie wide receiver that makes the biggest impact on this team. He said Pickens or Chase Claypool will be the Steelers deep threat. He doesn’t expect Diontae Johnson and his contract will be a big issue as it gets later into the off-season, but wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t suit up for training camp due to the risk of injury. Chris asked about the role of Brian Flores evolving over the course of the off-season.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo joined the show. Ray said George Pickens will be the rookie wide receiver that makes the biggest impact on this team. He said Pickens or Chase Claypool will be the Steelers deep threat. He doesn’t expect Diontae Johnson and his contract will be a big issue as it gets later into the off-season, but wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t suit up for training camp due to the risk of injury. Chris asked about the role of Brian Flores evolving over the course of the off-season.

Happy Birthday Kenny Pickett. Mandatory minicamp starts tomorrow. What will it take for Pickett to start week one? The guys think it’s a battle between Pickett and himself as the summer goes on. Mitch Trubisky is there, but with Pickett being labeled as “pro ready” during the draft process, he should be ready to roll as the season starts. The big deal made of his age, he’s 24, will be exploited because he’s considered “old” for a rookie QB. 

Former Pirates reliever Matt Capps joined the show. Matt talked about showering 4 times per day before he jumped into the baseball talk. Matt said Poni is “out of his mind” for suggesting the Pirates trade David Bednar. He said the team is listening and entertaining calls because that’s what front offices do, but he doesn’t believe the team will trade Bednar. He said if Bednar gets traded it would have to be for multiple pieces that can help this team right now, since they are not completely out of the race. Matt said Bednar has better stuff than he did, along with others like Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek. He talked about the bulldog mentality that Bednar brings to the table.

Former Pirates reliever Matt Capps joined the show. Matt talked about showering 4 times per day before he jumped into the baseball talk. Matt said Poni is “out of his mind” for suggesting the Pirates trade David Bednar. He said the team is listening and entertaining calls because that’s what front offices do, but he doesn’t believe the team will trade Bednar. He said if Bednar gets traded it would have to be for multiple pieces that can help this team right now, since they are not completely out of the race. Matt said Bednar has better stuff than he did, along with others like Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek. He talked about the bulldog mentality that Bednar brings to the table.

Reset.

Former Steeler Merril Hoge joined the show. Poni asked Merril how the Steelers will replace Stephon Tuitt. Merril isn’t confident at all that Devin Bush will bounce back or become a better player. He has a lot of confidence in Mark Robinson, the late round pick, becoming a decent NFL playoff, citing his instincts as a player. He likes what he sees from DeMarvin Leal.

Former Steeler Merril Hoge joined the show. Poni asked Merril how the Steelers will replace Stephon Tuitt. Merril isn’t confident at all that Devin Bush will bounce back or become a better player. He has a lot of confidence in Mark Robinson, the late round pick, becoming a decent NFL playoff, citing his instincts as a player. He likes what he sees from DeMarvin Leal.

We leave Jason with a happy ending. 

We are 100 days away from Steelers regular season football. How are we feeling about the team right now? 

Bengals insider James Rapien joined the show. Poni asked James about free agent DL Larry Ogunjobi and if he’s still an impact player in the league. Ogunjobi had a contract with the Bears, but it was ripped up after a failed physical. That is his concern – the injury. It was surgery on the foot. James said the Bears backing out of the deal also impacts other free agents.

Bengals insider James Rapien joined the show. Poni asked James about free agent DL Larry Ogunjobi and if he’s still an impact player in the league. Ogunjobi had a contract with the Bears, but it was ripped up after a failed physical. That is his concern – the injury. It was surgery on the foot. James said the Bears backing out of the deal also impacts other free agents.

More Stephon Tuitt retirement fallout. His, now permanent, absence leaves a huge void in the Steelers defense. Poni isn’t happy with the new narrative out there that the Steelers made a mistake drafting Kenny Pickett instead of a defensive tackle. Jason said the Steelers would have had to consider Jordan Davis if he was still available at 20 along with Pickett. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers insider Jon Ledyard joined the show. With the Steelers needing help on the defensive front, Jon said Ndamukong Suh would be a great addition. He said he’s very scheme diverse and has stayed healthy his entire career. He said he has limitations with his age, but in a rotation setting, he can definitely add to a defense. Jon said Suh in unemployed because he was holding out hope to remain in Tampa Bay, but with the Bucs making a move at that position, he won’t be returning there. Jon said Suh knows what he’s worth and will probably be in the market for 7-8 million dollars per year.