Welcome back to your weekly Pittsburgh Steelers mailbag. As always, we’re here for the next hour to answer whatever is on your mind.

To your questions!

Danatural08: Alex, how’s the nose? I might’ve missed it in an article, but what’s Steeler’s Depot’s plan for the draft – will you guys be on site?

Alex Thanks for asking, man. Nose is…not ideal. Probably going to need another surgery at some point. Just called and scheduled a second opinion appointment today for next month, actually. Kinda sucks but oh well.

I don’t think we’ll be on-site for the draft event. We’ll see what pre-draft events are held. We might have something planned but largely, I think it will be pretty much the same for us.

commenter: man, reading all this steeler drama really makes me hate sports any more. It seems like now that everyone has their own podcast they try and stay relevant by going scorched earth on everyone and everyone. Isnt anyone humble anymore?

Alex: I hear you. I feel the same. Not my favorite topic to write/talk about but it is news and the top story. I was surprised by how aggressive Porter’s comments were responding to what I viewed as pretty mild critiques from him on Mike Tomlin.

Brian Tollini: 

Hey, Alex-

What do think is the biggest challenge for a head coach (specifically Coach McCarthy) after taking a year off?

Alex: I’m not sure if there’s a true challenge, especially for a veteran coach and someone like McCarthy who already took a year off. So he knows what that break and getting back into it is like.

Really, it’s just getting acclimated to a new environment, even for a Pittsburgh kid. The AFC, the AFC North, how the division acts and functions. I know Cleveland and Baltimore have new head coaches but Todd Monken and Jesse Minter have deep division ties. So just adjusting to this “side” of the NFL might be an adjustment.

PaeperCup: 

Hey Alex,

With Stranger Things concluded, is there any real reason to keep my netflix subscription?

Alex: How was the ending? Heard it was pretty disappointing.

I don’t even have Netflix myself. Just got Hulu a few days ago to watch the Free Solo documentary of Alex Honnold from several years ago. Diving into his story/life lately and it’s really cool.

Zach Shriver: Hey Alex! It seems you’re high on Omar Cooper Jr. as I am. Are there any other prospects who have caught your eye thus far? I’m especially intrigued by this year’s safety class. There might be a starter to be found on day two.

Alex: Hey Zach! Right now, it’s just Cooper as the apple of my eye. But I’m sure the list will grow the more I dive in. I like McCoy from Tennessee a lot but he’s widely viewed as a first round pick so I’m not alone. Stock would be even higher if he didn’t miss all of last season.

Brian Ontherhein: Thanks for the site and the videos. I have a hot topic for you 😉
I think Watt and Queen are underperforming their contracts. Do you agree, and do you believe the Steelers could get anything from them in a trade? Would another team even offer anything for those players? Thanks

Alex: Thanks for reading and watching!

I think both would have a limited trade market. Watt due to his age, contract, and last year’s drop in production. Queen, for being on an expiring contract at a pretty decent salary. Probably not worth dealing either of them based on likely returns. More value in just keeping them, even if there were offers. I’m sure a team would look to trade for Watt but if they offer say, only a third round pick, is that really worth it? I’d contend no. Same with Queen if he fetched, say, a fourth.