The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to bolster their offensive line on Friday, taking West Virginia center Zach Frazier with the 51st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to fill a major need.
Frazier grew up in nearby Fairmont, W.V., where he was a four-time state champion wrestler, losing just two matches in his high school career. He went on to start 46 games for the Mountaineers over four seasons, eight at left guard and 38 at center.
Frazier broke his leg in November and did not participate at the combine but was healthy enough to test at his pro day at the end of March.
Spent some time today at OL Masterminds with the great @BigDuke50 (story coming later).
Zach Frazier was RUNNING on the treadmill while I was there. The same Zach Frazier who broke his leg on November 25! Crazy recovery. He is the top center in the draft for several teams.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 26, 2024
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‘The Beast’ breakdown
Frazier ranked No. 34 on Dane Brugler’s Top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“Frazier might not boast elite athleticism or length, but he is good enough in those areas and will win over NFL teams with his core strength, football IQ, competitive toughness and understanding of leverage. He projects as a quality NFL starting center the moment he is drafted.”
Why he’s a second-round pick
Frazier was an incredibly reliable presence for West Virginia, earning freshman All-American honors in 2020 as primarily a guard and second-team All-American honors in 2021 and 2023 at center. If not for his injury and a deep center class, there’s a chance he could have gone in Round 1.
Zach Frazier is so easy to like. All the ingredients (core/grip strength, football IQ, toughness, leverage) are there to be a long-time NFL center.
There’s a chance we could see 1st round centers this year (JPJ, Barton, Frazier), which has never happened before. https://t.co/90aAv0uEMC
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 22, 2024
Scott Dochterman grades the pick
If there was anyone built to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s West Virginia center Zach Frazier. This is a perfect match, and it could be one for a long time. One of the most consistent offensive linemen entering the draft, Frazier started 46 games, including 38 at center, for the Mountaineers. Frazier (6-2 1/2, 313) was a four-time high school heavyweight wrestling champion and a second-team All-American center last fall. Grade: A
Come back shortly for more analysis of the Frazier pick.
(Photo: Ben Queen / USA Today)
