The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a pressing need to draft a starting-caliber center. With the departure of Mason Cole, who struggled throughout the 2023 season, the Steelers find themselves without a reliable option at the center position on their current roster. It's evident that they will likely prioritize selecting a center early in the 2024 NFL Draft, aiming for a rookie who can step in and start immediately.
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Steelers' former center, Mason Cole laughs during a practice.
Among the names frequently linked to the Steelers is Zach Frazier, the standout center from West Virginia University. Many mock drafts project him to be selected by the Steelers in the second round.
Recently, Tony Caridi, the longstanding play-by-play announcer for WVU sports, shared his insights on Frazier during an appearance on The PM Team w/ Poni & Mueller on 93.7 The Fan. When asked what he would tell Steelers' Omar Khan if he called for a scouting report on Frazier, Caridi provided his assessment.
“I would take 12 Zach Fraziers. I am so plus on Zach Frazier for so many different reasons. He would be an absolute perfect fit. He’s going to be a really good NFL player.”
Caridi's admiration for Frazier was effusive and continuous. He lauded Frazier as a hard-nosed individual with a lineage steeped in success and hard work. Caridi highlighted Frazier's transition from guard to center, emphasizing his versatility and adaptability, and even praised his wrestling background. According to Caridi, Frazier stands out as one of the all-time best players from WVU.
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The Steelers reportedly "love" West Virginia's Zach Frazier.
However, Caridi hesitated to definitively label Frazier as a day one starter, noting that it's outside his comfort zone to make such assertions. Nonetheless, he confidently predicted that Frazier will undoubtedly become a household name in the NFL.
“I love wrestling guys that play football because he’s always had that ability to be the lowest man. When I talk about brute strength and you guys saw what his numbers were at the [2024 NFL] Combine. He’s a super strong dude.”
Nearly everything you hear, read, and watch about Frazier paints a picture of near perfection. From his strength and positive attitude, to his unwavering effort and selfless team-first mentality, he excels in all aspects of the game, mastering even the smallest details. Caridi isn't alone in his belief that Frazier is an ideal fit for the Steel City either.
Steelers Would Get A Rare Player In Zach Frazier If They Drafted Him
Caridi was particularly impressed by Frazier's athleticism as a center, noting his capability to swiftly get ahead of a play and set the pace. He cited a memorable moment from the Mountaineers' final game of the regular season against Baylor, where Frazier sustained an injury while aggressively blocking for his wide receiver, showcasing his proactive approach and commitment to leading the way for his team.
“To me, that was one of the all-time great moments and that was my 40th season covering West Virginia, so I don’t say that lightly. There’s people who talk tough and there’s people who just by example are tough. The sequence was that West Virginia was out of timeouts and they were trailing against Baylor, and it was in Waco, and it was rainy and it was crappy, and it was late in the season, and they needed to score.”
While it's common for players to be labeled as tough, true toughness is demonstrated through actions rather than words. Caridi attested to this belief, citing the moment he witnessed from Frazier during that game-winning drive.
“Zach had the wherewithal to go out there and lead block to allow the receiver to get a key first down. When he does that, he gets clipped and he breaks his leg. Having the presence to know that if he’s laying on the field, the clock would stop and they’d get a run off. He literally pushed himself off and hopped to the sideline. West Virginia didn’t miss a play and down the field they went and scored the game-winning touchdown.”
That play epitomized a fitting conclusion to Frazier's career as a Mountaineer, showcasing his selfless dedication to giving his all for the team's success without a second thought for his personal well-being.
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WVU center Zach Frazier during a game against Baylor.
While many players would understandably dwell on the pain of a broken leg, Frazier's primary concern was swiftly exiting the field to maximize his team's chances of victory. That sure sounds like a player Steeler Nation would go to bat for. As the draft gets closer and closer, many fans are eager to see if the Steelers get lucky enough to draft Frazier.
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