Steelers Are Falling In Love With West Virginia Center Zach Frazier According To One League Source

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 season brought some unexpected challenges to the roster, particularly at the center position. Mason Cole, a 27-year-old center, faced difficulties that raised concerns among fans and coaching staff alike. 

Shaky snaps and struggles in both pass protection and run blocking situations left the team searching for answers. It became evident that Cole may not be the future of the center position for the franchise. For any team that wants to dominate the trenches, having a star center is needed. The Steelers don't currently have that with Cole.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Putting In Work At The Senior Bowl

With an eye on the future, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin embarked on a scouting mission at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He was seen engaging in conversations and handshakes with various prospects, including Oregon's talented center, Jackson Powers-Johnson. 

Powers-Johnson, highly regarded as one of the top centers entering the 2024 NFL Draft, drew Tomlin's attention. However, there's another name making waves in pre-draft discussions: West Virginia's center, Zach Frazier.

Mike DeFabo, a renowned Steelers reporter for The Athletic, recently revealed an intriguing development. An anonymous league source disclosed that the Steelers are showing a significant interest in Frazier, the standout center from WVU.

“The Athletic’s draft analyst Dane Brugler has already mocked Frazier to the Steelers, doing so in the second round in his latest projection. And in Mobile, one league source said the Steelers 'absolutely love' the center.”

DeFabo mentioned his colleague Dane Brugler, a respected draft analyst, who shared his incredible scouting report on Frazier.

"Sturdy frame with a stout trunk and powerful base … displays the initial quickness to immediately achieve proper leverage … creates movement in the run game with his vise-grip hands and upper-body strength to latch, torque and turn defenders … above-average core strength to strain and extend ride … uses independent hands to re-leverage and absorb a charge in pass pro … impeccable work ethic."

While Frazier rises on the NFL Draft radar, it's essential to acknowledge his instrumental role in transforming the Mountaineers' football program. He played a pivotal part in altering the culture within the team, propelling WVU to newfound success in the competitive Big 12 Conference. Frazier's impact extended to the ground game, where he helped establish a dominant presence. 

During his tenure, he started in an impressive 46 out of 47 games as a Mountaineer, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and dedicated player.

One particular moment in Frazier's college career stands as a testament to his character and commitment to his team. In a crucial game, where the Mountaineers were looking to secure their eighth win of the season against the odds, disaster struck as Frazier suffered a serious leg injury on a drive where time was running out and WVU was trailing. 

Facing the possibility that this might be his last college game, Frazier displayed an extraordinary act of selflessness. Rather than succumbing to the injury and accepting a 10-second run-off that would hurt his team, he summoned the strength to hobble off the field. This selfless act endeared him to fans and showcased his unwavering team spirit—a quality that would undoubtedly resonate in Pittsburgh.

As speculation continues to swirl, the Steelers find themselves at a pivotal juncture. They are in search of their next Maurkice Pouncey, a legendary center who brought stability and excellence to the Steelers' offensive line for over a decade.

Frazier's rising profile and the Steelers' growing interest in him suggest that he could be the answer to their center conundrum. The concern is obviously how Frazier will recover from his injury, but according to reports, he's well on pace for a full recovery. In a league where every snap counts, securing a dependable center is of paramount importance. 

The Steelers' pursuit of Frazier is a testament to their commitment to maintaining their legacy of excellence. As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on whether Frazier will don the black and gold and continue the tradition of exceptional center play in Pittsburgh. The future of the Steelers' offensive line may indeed rest in the capable hands of Frazier, a rising star from Morgantown who has the ability to capture the hearts of Pittsburgh.

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