Steelers Zach Frazier Getting Early National Attention
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie center Zach Frazier received high praise in a recent ESPN poll of top NFL rookies in 2024.
In a recent ESPN poll, Steelers center Zach Frazier ranked sixth among all NFL rookies. The poll took the opinion of five NFL analysts, including ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid.
“Entering the 2024 draft, it was clear that the Steelers had a huge need at center after releasing Mason Cole in January,” Reid wrote in the poll.
“Pittsburgh found that immediate answer in the second round, as Frazier has arguably been the best rookie offensive lineman of this class. In five starts, Frazier has the 20th-best PBWR (pass block win-rate). The instincts, strength, and toughness he showcased at West Virginia have all carried over early in his pro career.”
Frazier has been a revelation at the position, but he wasn’t the starting center out of training camp. The prohibitive starter, Nate Herbig, suffered a shoulder injury in practice before Week 1. Frazier was the next man up.
The former All-American anchored a 2023 West Virginia offense that gained 2,976 rushing yards. His junior campaign saw the Mountaineers win an invite to the Duke Mayo Bowl, where they trounced North Carolina 30-10.
Frazier has the physical tools. He was a four-time West Virginia state wrestling champion, going 159-2 in his four years at Fairmont Senior High School. One of those two losses was on a technicality, as Frazier was called for an illegal move.
Will Frazier develop into the next great Steelers center? Only time will tell if he is the next Mike Webster or Alan Fanaca, but Frazier’s career is trending up.