Post-Gazette Sports Network: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to recap the week in mock draft picks for coach Mike McCarthy's team. Is Chris Brazzell a legitimate option at receiver? Or is his game too similar to that of Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf? Would safety A.J. Haulcy be a steal in the third round? Are Drew Allar and Garrett Nussmeier proper third-round values at quarterback? Does Darrell Jackson Jr. have the polish to help Derrick Harmon and Cam Heyward on the defensive line? Should we still be discussing tackles including Kadyn Proctor and Monroe Freeling? And are De'Shaun Stribling and Bryce Lance depth receivers to watch? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable recap a disastrous week for the Panthers in the transfer portal and preview Abby's one-on-one sitdown with Pitt basketball GM Jay Kuntz. This show is presented by FanDuel. Why should fans remain calm surrounding the Pitt basketball program? How is Kuntz planning on turning things around alongside returning coach Jeff Capel? How big of a loss to the transfer portal is Brandin Cummings? What about Roman Siulepa? Did his departure come as a surprise? And how will the Panthers fill in the roster now with those two players gone? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison takes a look at the team's current standing in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs hunt. This show is presented by FanDuel. What went wrong in the Penguins' 6-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night? Any cause for concern? Or just a blip at the tail end of a really challenging month? Should we be worried about Sidney Crosby's performance level since returning from injury? Should the Penguins call up goalie prospect Sergei Murashov amid inconsistencies from Stuart Skinner and Arturs Silovs? And where do they stand in the playoff picture? Are they safe with six games to go? King tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel & Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko ponder comments made by owner Art Rooney II, GM Omar Khan and new coach Mike McCarthy this week at the NFL owners meetings. Is the team putting up smokescreens about its remaining personnel decisions in free agency and the NFL draft? Particularly at the QB position as Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned? Should we take comments about Will Howard and Alabama prospect Ty Simpson at face value? Then later, the guys ponder trade options that could have implications for the draft both this year and next year. Could veterans including T.J. Watt and Pat Freiermuth be moved in some type of blockbuster with an eye toward grabbing a QB like Arch Manning, Dante Moore or Jayden Maiava in 2027? Or could Khan even be looking to move up in this year's draft? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Colin Beazley and Noah Hiles react to the news that Konnor Griffin is being promoted for his MLB debut and the Pirates' home opener. What are Colin and Noah's expectations for the 19-year-old? Will it take some time for him to adjust? Is a Rookie of the Year campaign likely? Where does he fit into the Pirates lineup? What does this mean for guys like Jared Triolo and Nick Gonzales? Why didn't Griffin just start the year in MLB? And does this signal GM Ben Cherington's desire to win now? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes colleague Gerry Dulac for a recap of the NFL owners meetings from the team's perspective. Gerry explains how the team expects to get a decision from QB Aaron Rodgers about returning for 2026 before the NFL draft. And that if Rodgers retires or heads elsewhere, the team plans to sign a veteran QB. But not necessarily one that would be poised to start, a la Kirk Cousins, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday. Would this be good news for Mason Rudolph and especially Will Howard as a show of faith in their abilities to lead the team? How does the Cousins signing change the math for both Rodgers and the Steelers? And is money really an issue as former QB Charlie Batch hinted this week? Our duo tackles those questions, reacts to comments from GM Omar Khan, coach Mike McCarthy and owner Art Rooney II and potential issues with NFL officiating amid a dispute with the referees. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to react to colleague Gerry Dulac's hints that GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy could be looking closely at Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq on Day 1 of the NFL draft. Is tight end a big enough need to justify a first round pick with Pat Feiermuth and Darnell Washington already in the fold? Could the team have lingering doubts about Freiermuth after he was largely sidelined by departed OC Arthur Smith last year? Might there be concern about Darnell Washington re-signing past 2026? And how might later round options like Oscar Delp fit into their plans? Our duo tackles those questions, then reacts to McCarthy's latest growing comments about Will Howard. Are they purely authentic? Or is the front office using praise for Howard as a smokescreen? Could it have anything to do with Aaron Rodgers' future? Or is there a different motivation? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to news Steelers coach Mike McCarthy telling reporters at the NFL owners meetings that he valued QB Will Howard more highlight than the sixth-round pick he was chosen with in 2025. Is McCarthy right in making that statement? Or is he potentially too high on a player 32 teams -- including the Steelers -- who passed over Howard several times in that draft? What are the implications of McCarthy's confidence in Howard for 2026? Could he really be the starting QB if Aaron Rodgers retires? Might the Steelers even prefer that outcome? And how might Mason Rudolph feel about that? Paul tackles those questions and gives his thoughts on other highlights from the owners meetings, including McCarthy's comments about T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Colin Beazley and Noah Hiles react to the club's 1-3 start to the MLB season, which has included frustrating losses to the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds. This show is presented by FanDuel. Can players including Oneil Cruz, Jared Triolo, Henry Davis, Bryan Reynolds and Marcell Ozuna get on track at the plate with the home opener looming Friday back at PNC Park? Can we be encouraged by the early bullpen results from names including Yohan Ramirez, Denis Santana and Gregory Soto? And what needs to happen for manager Don Kelly's squad to build momentum heading into the home opener, with Paul Skenes on the mound in the Wednesday finale against the Reds? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to comments from new coach Mike McCarty and GM Omar Khan at the NFL owners meetings. What should we make of the duo's emphasis on finding both an offensive identity and quarterback to match the rugged nature of the AFC North in November and December? How should we analyze the additions of Michael Pittman Jr., Rico Dowdle, Jamel Dean to join a roster led by T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey in that context? And what could it mean for the NFL draft? Our duo tackles those questions, plus the QB situation. Are the Steelers OK with proceeding without Aaron Rodgers if he decides to retire? Turning to either Will Howard, Mason Rudolph or some other external option? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison breaks down the team's 8-3 win over the New York Islanders on Monday night, which puts the Penguins in the driver's seat for the Eastern Conference playoffs. This show is presented by FanDuel. How did the Penguins manage to earn their biggest win of the season without Evgeni Malkin? How did they turn a 3-1 deficit into an 8-3 win? How good has Anthony Mantha been this season after a two-goal performance Monday in New York? Has Elmer Soderblom stepped into his role with the Penguins? How was Sidney Crosby in his return, and is he here to stay? King tackles those topics and more, plus breaks down where this victory puts the Penguins in the race for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to former Steelers linebacker James Harrison saying on his podcast that he's had conversations with Bengals QB Joe Burrow about changing teams and heading to Pittsburgh. Is Harrison serious? Is there any world where the Bengals would give up their franchise QB to their division rival? Or is Harrison just manifesting a dream scenario with the Steelers' future at QB up in the air between Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard and Mason Rudolph? And in this hypothetical situation, should the Steelers even want to pursue the injury-riddled Burrow with a loaded 2027 NFL draft QB class looming that includes names like Dante Moore, Arch Manning and Jayden Maiava? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' offensive line situation heading into next season. This show is brought to you by FanDuel. Reports suggest an improved offensive line, but should we buy that after allowing the most sacks in the ACC last season? Why are Netinho Olivieri and Ryan Carretta names to watch? Will their additions as full-time starters make everyone better? Can Pat Narduzzi count on guys like Ryan Baer and BJ Williams to take steps forward? And how can QB Mason Heintschel help out with his decision making and mobility? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to grade the team's NFL free agency class in new coach Mike McCarthy's first year working with GM Omar Khan. Was Rico Dowdle replacing Kenneth Gainwell a good swap? Despite Gainwell's productive 2025 alongside Jaylen Warren? Is there risk with Jamel Dean being the long-term answer opposite Joey Porter Jr. because of his age? And how well does Michael Pittman Jr. balance DK Metcalf? The guys ponder those moves as well as more minor ones for Asante Samuel Jr., Jaquan Brisker, Darnell Savage, Sebastion Joseph-Day and Travis Homer. Then later, they take stock of the group as a whole. To what degree does it keep the current team relevant as it seeks an elusive playoff win while names like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey and -- potentially -- Aaron Rodgers? And how does it set them up for the longer term as they potentially look to repeat the success of drafting Ben Roethlisberger in 2004 come the loaded NFL draft QB class of 2027? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to analyze the week in NFL mock draft picks for the team. Is Texas A&M receiver KC Concepcion one of the best fits for a roster that already includes DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson? What dimension would he add to coach Mike McCarthys offense compared to other top prospects like Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston, Carnell Tate and others? Is he worthy of the No. 21 overall pick considering many mocks have him being selected considerably later at the moment? And what should we make of other mock selections this week of receivers including Omar Cooper Jr., Brenen Thompson and Zachariah Branch? Our duo tackles those questions, then pivots to offensive line talk. Should GM Omar Khan prefer guard Vega Ioane over any tackle in the draft if he's available at No. 21 overall? Why do so many national pundits seem set on a tackle pick that could disrupt both Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu? And how do Adam and Brian feel about other mock picks this week? Specifically tight end Oscar Delp as Khan searches for a backup to Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable check in on the men's basketball program after it was announced the Panthers were letting go of assistant coaches Jason Capel and Tim O'Toole. This show is presented by FanDuel. How much of an impact will these moves have? Is Pitt risking losing players and shaking up the program by letting go of two trusted assistants? Or is this a step in the right direction for a program that has lost its way? Will the lack of job security under Jeff Capel make it more difficult to backfill these positions? And were these moves simply made to appear like they weren't resting on their laurels? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to react to the latest rumors casting uncertainty about Aaron Rodgers returning as QB in 2026. Do Charie Batch, Mike Garafolo, Andrew Siciliano and others have good reason to be skeptical of Rodgers' future in Pittsburgh? Because of money, his own interest or the team's via GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy? Or is this just the latest round of noise associated with the QB and his protracted decision making process? Will we get a decision before the NFL draft next month? And if not, what impact will that have on Will Howard, Mason Rudolph and potential draft QB options including Drew Allar, Cole Payton, Garrett Nussmeier, Carson Beck and others? Our duo tackles those questions. The Brian dishes on his trip to Columbus for Ohio State pro day, where he got an up-close look at prospects including Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Kayden McDonald, Carnell Tate and Arvell Reese. And where he got to speak to former Steelers OC Arthur Smith about his tenure. What worked, and what didn't as he guided DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth and other key players to improvement offensively over the Matt Canada era. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison breaks down the team's 4-3 shootout win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night and what it means for the Eastern Conference playoff race. This show is presented by FanDuel. What do we know regarding Sidney Crosby's injury? Will he miss time? And if he does, how can the Penguins survive? How were they able to gut out Thursday's win in Ottawa? How good were Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson, who has been on a tear lately? How did they manage to win their second shootout in a row? Are there shootout woes behind them? And why was this such an important win for the Penguins' push to the Stanley Cup playoffs? King tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Colin Beazley and Noah Hiles react to the team's frustrating opening day loss against the New York Mets. What should we make of Paul Skenes' struggles on the mound? Is there reason for concern about the Cy Young winner? What's going on with Oneil Cruz in the outfield after back-to-back defensive gaffes cost the Pirates several runs? Did the bullpen prove to be weakness as Mason Montgomery, Justin Lawrence and Isaac Mattson yielded multiple runs each? And can fans be encouraged by early power from offseason acquisitions Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts live after the Pirates' opening day matchup against the New York Mets. How did starter Paul Skenes look in his first action of 2026? Could he be on his way to another Cy Young award? Was the new-look offense effective, with names like Marcell Ozuna, Ryan O'Hearn, Jake Mangum, Brandon Lowe and others joining Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds? And were Isaac Mattson, Denis Santana, Hunter Barco and the bullpen able to get their job done? Paul tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Sports Illustrated's Noah Strackbein to answer viewer questions. They ponder whether GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy have futures mapped out for Kaleb Johnson and Keeanu Benton in Steelers uniforms. How does Johnson fit in the backfield with Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle ahead of him on the depth chart? And has Benton shown enough to be a long term piece of the defensive line next to Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black? The guys tackles those questions; react to Mike Tomlin flirting with a possible TV gig; and field questions about Will Howard as he maps his own career amid the likely return of Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph around him in 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison takes a look at the team's struggles over the past two games against the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche but explains why they might still be in solid playoff position. This show is presented by FanDuel. What's gone wrong in two straight blowout losses? What are they doing (or not doing) now that is causing issues? What is causing the team's defensive struggles? Is any one defenseman struggling more than the others? Or does it fall on goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Arturs Silovs? King tackles those topics, then gets into why the Penguins are still in solid playoff position. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to ponder the team's options with its estimated $27 million in salary cap space. Will GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy use it to make any more significant moves before training camp? Beyond retaining Aaron Rodgers at QB? Could options including receivers Stefon Diggs and Deebo Samuel; guards Daniel Faalele and Joel Bitonio; tight end David Njoku and defensive tackle D.J. Reader make sense at positions of perceived need? Or could Khan use his 12 NFL draft picks to make a trade for a veteran on another team? Our duo tackles those questions, then reacts to news that Mike Tomlin has hired representation to explore possible TV work. Would it be surprising to see the likely Hall of Fame coach move into media following a rocky relationship with it through the years? Will he find success in a second act like Andy Reid? Or could he be done with the game like Bill Cowher was? The guys also discuss Ben Roethlisberger's calls for the team to sign Josh Dobbs to its QB room alongside Mason Rudolph and Will Howard if Rodgers retires. And the team's history of making trades in the first round of the NFL draft. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to preview the NFL owners meetings from the team's perspective. How much would a proposed rule change allowing teams to trade picks up to five NFL drafts out help or hurt GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy in their pursuit of a franchise QB? Would they have a better chance of landing a top name from the 2027 draft class that includes Arch Manning, Dante Moore and others? Or could it lower the overall value of picks in the trade market as the Steelers consider alternatives to Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard and Mason Rudolph? And what would the guys like to hear from Khan, McCarthy and owner Art Rooney II at the meetings? Our duo tackles those topics, then reacts to the signing of running back Travis Homer and the implications it may have for Kaleb Johnson as he searches for touches behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise weighs in on news that Steelers coach Mike McCarthy personally attended the pro day of LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier this week. Is this a signal of genuine interest in Nussmeier on the part of McCarthy and GM Omar Khan? Or just a courtesy to Nussmeier's father, Doug, who worked under McCarthy with the Dallas Cowboys? How does Nussmeier compare to other QBs in this draft including Drew Allar, Ty Simpson and Cade Klubnik? And how would he fit within a quarterback group that could once again include future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers as well as 2025 backups Mason Rudolph and Will Howard? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' first scrimmage of spring ball. This show is presented by FanDuel. After the offense won, is it safe to say the unit led by Mason Heintschel played well? Or are their defensive issues that played a bigger factor in the outcome? Is there any reason to be concerned at this point? Stephen and Abby tackle those topics, plus highlight strong performances from names such as Netinho Olivieri, Ryan Carretta, Bryce Yates and Tony Kinsler. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Colin Beazley and Noah Hiles react to GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly making roster cuts ahead of MLB opening day later this week. They give their thoughts on pitchers Carmen Mlodzinski, Hunter Barco and Jose Urquidy making the team while Mike Clevinger is demoted to the minors. They also ponder the state of the position player group with Billy Cook, Nick Yorke and others claiming spots while top prospect Konnor Griffin waits for his call the big leagues as one of the final cuts. Will they make the impact the Pirates need in the lineup next to names like Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, Brandon Lowe, Marcell Ozuna and Ryan O'Hearn? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison takes a look at the team's busy weekend and analyzes their place in the standings as the Eastern Conference playoff race heats up. This show is presented by FanDuel. How important was the team's exhausting 5-4 shootout win over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday? How did they lose ANOTHER controversial goaltender interference challenge? How were they able to get over the hump in the shootout? On the flip side, just how bad were they against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday? And why? What do the results against the Metropolitan Division's top team say about the Penguins? And where does it leave them in the race for an Eastern Conference playoff spot? King tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to the signing of offensive lineman Brock Hoffman. Is the veteran the answer for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy at the starting guard spot vacated by Isaac Seumalo? Or is he merely a candidate to compete with internal candidates like Spencer Anderson? And do both of them have to look out for competition coming out in the NFL draft that could include projected first rounder Vega Ioane out of Penn State? Our duo tackles those questions and more as the offensive line takes shape next to returning blockers including Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones and Mason McCormick. Then later, the guys recap Ray's second seven-round mock draft on the season, in which he highlights prospects including Dillon Thieneman, Germie Bernard, Keith Abney II, Cade Klubnik and others. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to sort through the week in NFL mock draft picks for the team. How closely should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy be looking at the middle linebacker spot with Patrick Queen's future uncertain? And is CJ Allen a prospect worth bringing in at that spot? How does the Michael Pittman Jr. trade impact the attractiveness of a prospect like Zachariah Branch? And could corners Keith Abney and Davison Igbinosun provide needed depth behind Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean at the outside corner spots? Our duo tackles those questions, then talks offensive line. Why has Blake Miller emerged as a favorite of multiple national analysts as a potential replacement for Broderick Jones? Should Kadyn Proctor and Monroe Freeling be considered better fits positionally? What factors might cause the Steelers to settle on Penn State's Vega Ioane as their first-round pick? And what do the guys think of colleague Ray Fittipaldo's most recent seven-round mock, highlighted by Dillon Thieneman and Germie Bernard? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to discuss the team's seemingly odd approach to its pre-draft visits so far. Why haven't GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy welcomes more top prospects, particularly at positions of need like safety, guard and receiver? Can we still expect names like Dillon Thieneman, Emmauel McNeil-Warren, Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon, Vega Ioane and others to make their way through the South Side facility? Or does McCarthy simply place less emphasis on the pre-draft visits than Mike Tomlin's staff tended to? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders the fate of the teams' 12 picks for the 2026 NFL draft. Will Khan keep all of them to surround his core of DK Metcalf, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Joey Porter Jr. and others? Could he use them to trade for outside veterans? Or will he look to move up in either the 20 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable give their impressions from the second week of the Panthers' spring practices. This show is presented by FanDuel. How much concern should there be in regards to the wide receiver room? Is Blue Hicks in Pat Narduzzi's doghouse after missing practice? Can Pitt rely on him, Malik Knight, Tony Kinsler and Bryce Yates to replace Kenny Johnson and Poppi Williams? On the flip side, why should we be confident in the linebacker corps? What does Jeremiah Marcelin bring to the unit as a whole? Our duo tackles those topics, plus gives their picks for the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m. Post-Gazette Steelers insider Paul Zeise ponders what the Steelers should do with linebacker Nick Herbig now that the dust has mostly settled on their NFL free agency moves. Should GM Omar Khan, coach Mike McCarthy and DC Patrick Graham look to give the four-year veteran a contract extension? Or are outside linebackers already taking up too big a piece of the salary cap with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith already making big money? Is Herbig a potential building block for the defensive alongside fellow young players like Joey Porter Jr., Payton Wilson, Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer and Keeanu Benton? Or could the Steelers find another solid depth rusher within this NFL draft class? Paul tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison breaks down Sidney Crosby's return to the lineup, Erik Karlsson's success as of late and the team's very real Kris Letang problem. This show is presented by FanDuel. How did Sidney Crosby look in his return to the lineup after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury? Did the Penguins show anything in their crazy 6-5 OT loss to the Carolina Hurricanes? Or just another example of how that team is better? How is Erik Karlsson meeting the moment with his play? And what can the Penguins do about Kris Letang? King tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes PennLive Penn State reporter Johnny McGonigal to discuss some Nittany Lion NFL Draft options. Will offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane still be available by the time the Steelers' pick comes around at No. 21? Or could they trade up to get him? Is Ioane the kind of player who would fit in Mike McCarthy and Brian Angelichio's new offense? Is Drew Allar still an option at quarterback despite a disappointing year? What are his pros and cons? Our duo tackles those topics, plus Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, who made a big play in overtime that turned the Nittany Lions' season on its head. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise explains why he feels the Steelers are in a no-win situation with regard to the 2026 NFL draft QB class. He compares his doubts about names like Ty Simpson, Drew Allar, Carson Beck and Garrett Nussmeier to feelings about 2022 QB class members including Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder and others who, failed to make their mark in the league. He advocates for sticking with internal candidates like Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. Or last year's starter Aaron Rodgers, should he choose to return to GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy's team for another run. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.