Gerry Dulac: Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 04.08.26

Gerry Dulac: OK kids, let's get our chat started....

Bill In LA: Gerry, you've been doing this a very long time. Are you tempted to just retire when PG closes down and call it a career?

Gerry Dulac: Bill, I'm always tempted, but what would I do if I didn't get to field questions from you?!?!

Fan in maryland: You cover 2 sports that couldn't be more different. 1 is individual and gentlemanly while the other is a team sport and couldn't be more violent. Did you ever notice that? What appeals to you in each?

Gerry Dulac: Haha....good observation. The appeal for the Steelers is the magnitude of the sport in generl but the franchise in particular. I grew up watching and attending the games of the 70s. Golf is different. I play the sport, and did competitively. It is my passion

574 Fan: Good morning, Gerry - have to start out with a Masters question. Who ya got?

Gerry Dulac: Well you might have to go on the PG website a little later today to find out. I don't want to give it away here too early. I will tell you it's a former Masters champ not named Scottie or Rory

Jeff M.: Best guess. Who has more receiving yards in 26, Roman Wilson or Ben Skowronek?

Gerry Dulac: Not sure I even need to guess

Bill In LA: If WIll Howard lights it up in pre-season, is it possibly he could start over Aaron Rogers and Rogers be the back up?

Gerry Dulac: No. If Rodgers comes in, he will be the starter.

Jeff M.: Hi Gerry, do you think it is safe to assume the Steelers would not draft Jordan Tyson if they don't have him in for a predraft visit? With his injury history I would think you'd want you medical team to sign off.

Gerry Dulac: Their medical team signs off on every pick - red flag or no red flag - they are considering. FYI, it's not so much their medical history, but their diagnosis of how it might impact their future

Jeremy: Hi Gerry do you think the Steelers will both draft a qb in round 2 or 3 AND trade some picks for higher picks next year? What I'm saying is - if Rodgers comes back, how are they going to get a read on Will Howard, let alone anyone they pick in this draft? And that being the case, would they try to draft a franchise qb high next year? Without knowing what they already have in the cupboard. One of these years they need to focus on identifying the next guy. Not just the record that season.

Gerry Dulac: I agree with the latter part of your statement. But, unless something has changed, I don't expect a QB any earlier than the third round, if then.

Bill In LA: The Steelers reportedly spent considerable time evaluating and visiting with Jaxson Dart. He looks like he is a rare franchise QB. Did the Steelers screw up in not selecting him?

Gerry Dulac: I wouldn't call him rare, especially after half a season

Josh: Could this be the first year in quite some time that the Steelers 1st round draft choice wasn't brought in for a top 30 visit? Granted we haven't heard of every scheduled visit yet, but as of now, it doesn't seem like they have brought in many guys who are considered to be a first round target.

Gerry Dulac: It is rare for them to use their top pick on a guy who hasn't visited the South Side first

Jim Bow Dean: Does it seem to you that McCarthy is trying to answer questions honestly during press conferences? It does to me. What a refreshing change from the meaningless word salads.

Gerry Dulac: Yes he is, but he is artfully craft and attempting to answer but not really answering. Like most coaches.

Josh: Charlie Batch has been pounding the drum that the issue with Rodgers coming back is contractually related, do you think that's true? And if so, what is the highest number, in your opinion, that you think the Steelers would be willing to pay Rodgers if he does expect a raise?

Gerry Dulac: I have been told by the people who matter that it is not about money

Matt from Davidson NC: Who do you think Steelers will draft in 1st 2 rounds?

Gerry Dulac: I don't know who, maybe what

Mr Rooney: Gerry. Hoping the PG builds a broader, sports-subscription based model with you guys at the center to create a richer sustainable model. Steelers, Pens, Pirates, PSU, Pitt & WVU..the combined potential is huge. Film study, historical context, scheme etc. there is so much more rich worthwhile analysis folks both in market and out of market would pay for. The Athletic is too thinly sliced to fill the void. And most other content is just AI drivel. I truly hope for your guys sake (and ours) that the powers that be are working on this. I love the overall publication and hope it will all remain. But it's the sports thats the big $$ opportunity IMO. Any chance this is in the works?

Gerry Dulac: Very good chance my friend

Ben: Hey Gerry, if I had a choice between a 3rd pick on allar or a 2nd round pick next year, I would take the 2nd rounder 1000 out of 1000 times. The idea of wasting a pick that should be spent on a starter/impact player on a qb lottery ticket because the ticket is the same size as other tickets that have won in the past is maddening (to me at least)! You are the expert though, what do you think?

Gerry Dulac: I tend to lean your way Ben, 999 times out of 1,000

Peter: What are the chances that the Steelers select Kenyon Sadiq in the first round?

Gerry Dulac: All I can tell you is, if he's there at 21there will be some really good discussion.

Andrew in ATL: Hi Gerry, with so much hope being poured into Will Howard by Steeler Nation what have you heard or seen as his area most in need of development to be a high level NFL QB? Are his weaknesses coachable like reading defenses, processing progressions or physical limitations like arm strength, or mechanics such as throwing motion or footwork?

Gerry Dulac: Well, he's not really going to learn his progressions until he faces an NFL defense ON THE FIELD! But, to your point, his footwork is something McCarthy talks a lot about - not specifically, but generically enough to let you know it is something he wants to develop.

Peter: What is something that the Steelers might do in the first 3 rounds that surprises a lot of fans?

Gerry Dulac: Draft a TE

Gerry Dulac: Andrew in ATL11:15With all the draft capital the Steelers have, what positions will they most likely be willing to sacrifice picks to move up in Rd. 1?

Gerry Dulac: Maybe FS

Tonk: Tony Pauline reported that Omar Cooper Jr. is in play at 21 for the Steelers. Any known interest in KC Concepcion at 21 as well?

Gerry Dulac: And he is....?

Matt from Davidson NC: Where did you play competitive golf?

Gerry Dulac: College and in local amateur/pro events

Tonk: Could the Steelers be a potential trade partner for Dexter Lawrence if the Giants honor his request?

Gerry Dulac: I think they're done with big-time trades

Joeco: sorry for the baseball question in the Steelers chat but it looks like no money Nutting paid the Man'. Do you think we will take a swing at keeping Skenes?

Gerry Dulac: Sorry for the baseball answer - he should!

Tonk: In your opinion, what position is currently flying under the radar that nobody is discussing for the Steelers that they may surprise and draft a lot higher than many wouldn't think?

Gerry Dulac: TE

Tonk: Any idea of which current/former players will be signing autographs at the draft ?

Gerry Dulac: Sorry, I do not

Greg: more observation than question... have you noticed how similar Aaron Rodgers and AR2 voices are?

Gerry Dulac: I know their initials are the same

Bernard: If Caleb Downs drops to 10-15 range, could you see them moving up like they did with Troy P? Is the position that much of need in your opinion that such a move would make sense?

Gerry Dulac: Nothing would surprise me. Safety isn't necessarily a need, not now, but it would be getting an elite player that could fit somewhere

Pittfan: Hi Gerry. What's the setup in the draft room? Do they have a board with the players names and ranking or is it mostly electronic these days?

Gerry Dulac: No more boards I'm told. All electronic

epiballo: Hi Gerry! Thanks for the chats. It seems to me that the Steelers have signed a lot of players that play in the secondary, and much talk of taking more in the early rounds. How many will make the roster?

Gerry Dulac: They might take one in the early rounds, maybe. But not more.

epiballo: Will this be a depth draft? Is there any position that cries for a starter draft pick?

Gerry Dulac: Not really, not even WR. Possibly LG

Ned Ryerson: I know you are down on Allar with the belief that he is a choke artist, but I watched all of his games at PSU too and would place that blame on two factors: terrible coaching and a lack of talented receivers. That said, IF Allar is still available in Round 3, what do you think the chances are that the Steelers will draft him? His size and arm strength are far superior to Will Howard's, and people forget that Howard choked and lost to Michigan that Nat'l Championship year - which may be the bigger game on their schedule considering that rivalry.

Gerry Dulac: You are correct on all fronts about Allar. But the difference is, Howard "choked" in one big game; Allar "choked" in all of 'em

Jack splat: Time for AR2 to either retire or cash out. An owner who clearly would prefer to have Tomlin back and win 9-10 games and be embarrassed in the playoffs consistently is the Steelers biggest problem. Family , problem, I see why fans call him Fredo. Until AR2 is gone, doesn't really matter who the Steelers draft.

Gerry Dulac: I'll let him know you think so

epiballo: Looking around the AFC North, how do you rate the four teams in improving over the offseason and who either stayed the same or regressed? Who will battle for the title?

Gerry Dulac: Steelers and Ravens improved the most. But, as long as Burrow is healthy, Bengals have a chance to battle

Yates: Hi Gerry- is the jury truly out on whether 20 was drafted way too high? How do you see Herbig's situation playing out?

Gerry Dulac: He was drafted on the third round. No, I don't think that's high. I see the Steelers WANTING to extend Herbig. But, as long as Watt and Highsmith are around, I see Herbig WANTING to test the FA market. And why wouldn't he? As an edge rusher, there's a lot of desperate cash out there for that.

Fan in maryland: Do you think the NFL will soon permit corporate sponsor patches on game jerseys? All of the other leagues are (unfortunately) doing it.

Gerry Dulac: No

epiballo: Please tell me that that hideous throwback uniform from 2025 will never see the light of day again. Worse than the bumblebee jersey!

Gerry Dulac: Those jerseys don't bother me. It's one game. Let em have their fun

LA PG Subscriber: When you are covering training camp, is it obvious who are winning the player position competitions?

Gerry Dulac: Yes, though usually I know who's "winning those competitions before camp even starts

Tim: Do you believe safety, especially Downs and Thieneman (both would look great in the black n gold), are worthy trade up candidates in two weeks?

Gerry Dulac: They might be worthy for sure. But don't know if they would do it.

epiballo: Does Rodgers make his decision before the draft? If he does, that will cut way down on chat questions!

Gerry Dulac: Haha...let's hope

epiballo: In your view, who was the greatest running back in Steeler history?

Gerry Dulac: There is only one, and it's unquestionable.

epiballo: Were you in Three Rivers for the Immaculate Reception? I was and that is my greatest Steeler memory.

Gerry Dulac: No. I listened on radio because of the blackout. I was there the following week for the loss to the Dolphins

Stairway to seventh seed: Gerry: if Broderick Jones had not been a recent 1st round pick, but the Steelers situation at left tackle was exactly the same as it is now, wouldn't everybody be saying that left tackle is the biggest need? I am sure everyone is as tired of taking 1st round tackles as I am, but Dylan Cook and an injured Jones? Yikes.

Gerry Dulac: Yes they would

epiballo: Would the only one be Franco Harris? I agree! Do you know what Rocky Bleier is doing these days? His is a great story that needs to live in Steeler lore

Gerry Dulac: Yes, Franco. Rocky is still around. I saw him at a Steelers event I emceed in the fall

Gerry Dulac: Looks good as ever

Ned Ryerson: I am not disparaging Howard as I think he definitely deserves a shot - no doubt a proven winner although I would credit that mostly to the cast around him at Ohio State. Assuming Rodgers returns and they do not draft a QB, Howard will likely hold the clipboard and not develop as the 3rd QB behind Rudolph. But, drafting Allar would push both Howard (and Allar) in a training camp competition and may even result in Rudolph being shown the door as Rudolph's ceiling IMO is that of a good backup. So, back to my original question, do you think they might take a chance on Allar in the 3rd if he is available?

Gerry Dulac: I'm not going to say no, and I get your point

Roberto in AZ: Gerry - do you know if "Bill from LA" lives in Los Angeles or Louisiana?

Gerry Dulac: I believe it's Los Angeles

Neal Shipley: I may need someone to start a Go Fund Me page soon

Gerry Dulac: Give it time

epiballo: I really hope they work out a platform to keep you all interacting with the fans. Really enjoyable and I appreciate your time in doing it.

Gerry Dulac: Stay patient. We'll know soon

Ron: What position do you think the Steelers are likely to draft in the first round?

Gerry Dulac: Any number to be honest. It could be WR, S, TE, G, DT

epiballo: Just an addendum for those who do not know: Rocky Bleier was wounded in Vietnam and told he might never walk again. The Steelers did not give up on him and gave him a chance. He teamed up in a great Steeler backfield with Franco and caught a TD in a Super Bowl!

Gerry Dulac: Thanx, though I believe his story is well documented

Chill Dave: As much as I like Herbig, I think the best way for the Steelers to get picks in next year's draft is to trade him. Any thoughts?

Gerry Dulac: I think the trade would involve someone ahead of him

Ned Ryerson: Thanks for the great coverage and I hope to see you beyond the whole PG debacle. Could your Masters pick be Aberg? He seems to be near the top of leaderboards lately.

Gerry Dulac: Aberg will be right there. Second and 7th in his first two Masters

Chill Dave: I know you're referring to Watt, but to trade out of that contract, what do you think they could get?

Gerry Dulac: Not what they could've had in return last year

Harry: Truly appreciate the chats you and your colleagues host. I see that some of even the highly rated tackles in this draft are viewed as perhaps benifitting from a move inside to guard. Do you think the Steelers would select such as prospect in the early rounds with an eye to making such a position switch?

Gerry Dulac: They had that in mind when they drafted Fautanu. Not that they were going to do that, but it was in the back of their minds. Actually, a lot of guards end up that way

epiballo: Do you see Mount Washington's role as a pass catcher regressing under McCarthy? He is know for his blocking, but it is so much fun to see that big man rumble down the field.

Gerry Dulac: Depends how much they want to utilize 88 and multiple WRs

Gerry Dulac: OK kids, that's all the time we have today. See you next week, eh?

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This story was originally published April 8, 2026 at 3:40 PM.