SPORTS CHAT

Highlights from Paul Zeise’s weekly chat, which you can join at post-gazette.com. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity:

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Artie Bridge: Let’s talk tight ends. 1) What’s the consensus on Eric Ebron’s blocking? 2) Do you see his role as Vance McDonald’s challenger? back-up? partner in 2 TE formations? 3) What’s your take on McDonald as a blocker?

Zeise: Enron is not a good blocker. I think he and McDonald will play different roles and I see a lot of two tight end sets. I think McDonald becomes more of a blocking tight end that catches passes while Enron is the main pass catcher

Hondo: With the recent free-agent signings and trade, do you see the chances of the Steelers drafting a running back increase? If so, which back would you draft?

Zeise: I always thought they would take a running back but not until the later rounds. I still don’t see them taking one at pick [No.] 49 and I think they will basically do what they always do — take a flyer on a guy who has raw ability but maybe didn’t get drafted high because of his size or foot speed or not enough production, etc.

Georgia Steeler: I never thought I would say this but I miss getting up and going to work in the morning. And that’s a bold statement for a 72 years youngster. Anyway when will hopefully, camp start for the Steelers ? And any new news on how [No.] 7 is progressing.

Zeise: I don’t know. I don’t know that anyone knows when anything will start getting back to normal. I would hope that by late July we are back to our normal lives and training camps start on time but it wouldn’t shock me if training camps take place with no fans and very few media. That’s the world we live in right now. As for Big Ben, all reports seem to be very good although they are all from him so who knows

TjP: Paul, Tomlin is 1 [for] 26 drafting defensive backs, with the one being William Gay; how does this happen, given his experience coaching DBs? Its as bad as his replay challenges.

Zeise: Probably because he likes the same kind of player at that position, and so he picks a bunch of guys with the same profile. That needs to change because Joe Haden can’t play forever.

Guest: I haven’t heard anything from Mr. Art Rooney or Mr. Bob Nutting expressing any concern for the virus or did I miss it. We need sports back ASAP but, healthy people first.

Zeise: I don’t know that either has spoken about it specifically, but I do think both organizations have been involved in charity stuff to try and help out as much as they can. And there isn’t anyone who thinks this will end before it is safe to end so everyone is in a holding pattern.

kett: If a fast inside linebacker is available at the 49th pick to match up with Devin Bush, I think the Steelers should take him. Your thoughts.

Zeise: All those moves that were made last week really gives them an opportunity to do just that. They now have flexibility to go with a linebacker or a receiver if they choose. I would still go offensive lineman because they are going to need players at that position in the future.

Jimmy: Should the Steelers have done more to back up a 38-year-old quarterback with a bad arm?

Zeise: The thing people are missing is this — they seem to have faith in Mason Rudolph. So if that’s the case they don’t feel like they needed to do anything to address it. I understand why people are nervous based on last year but there is no reason to be if the coaching staff is confident Rudolph can get the job done

Weegie T: All the talk about a big wide receiver — I am available.

Zeise: Weegie Thompson, now that is the way back machine. I loved Weegie though his legendary status because of his size was far more than his actual production on the field ...

ALB: Do you know if the Steelers are working on a long-term deal for Bud Dupree now or are they more likely to wait to see how he performs this season?

Zeise: They say they are publicly, but I can’t believe they are. How are they going to pay both him and T.J. Watt? That’s like $40 million tied up in outside linebackers. That is a lot of money for that position

tommy boy: I thought the Ebron signing was unnecessary, but it’s not my money, so I don’t really care. Ebron will be a red-zone weapon, though, and that could pay off big. Will Isaiah Buggs get a shot to take Javon Hargrave’s place? He’s a big dude, if he is quick enough, can he fill that role?

Zeise: There is no downside to the Enron signing. If he works out it will be a huge boost for them for not a lot of money. If he doesn’t they cut him at the end of the season and move on. And yes, Buggs will be in the mix this year but I will be interested in seeing what the D-line looks like coming out of training camp

Stevie: If the Steelers take a running back, what style — big inside pounder, fast perimeter attacker, good receiver, jack of all trades?

Zeise: I think they have enough bigpounder-type running backs. I would love to see them get a really fast running back, a home run hitter that is a threat to break big plays every time he gets the ball in space.