Steelers' Potential Draftee Zach Frazier Is A Sure Fire Future Star: “He’s Our Starting Center”

The Pittsburgh Steelers made an early move in the offseason by releasing Mason Cole, who struggled during the 2023 season. With no reliable options currently on their roster to start at center, speculation is mounting that the Steelers will target one of the talented centers in the upcoming NFL Draft. While the exact pick remains uncertain, it's widely believed they'll select a center within the first two rounds.

One name repeatedly linked to the Steelers in mock drafts is Zach Frazier, the standout center from West Virginia University. Frazier's impressive career in Morgantown was instrumental in revitalizing the Mountaineers' football program, with his stellar play anchoring the offensive line.

During a recent appearance on The Krueg Show, NFL analyst Brian Baldinger shared insights into Frazier's potential impact on an NFL team. Interrupting the discussion, Baldinger recounted a compelling story from his own analysis of Frazier's game tape.

"I texted a personnel director the first day I watched him, and I just said, 'Can Zach Frazier start at center for you?' And he goes, 'Right now. Yeah, he's our starting center.' Literally texting me back in real-time. 'He could be our starting center.'"

Baldinger was so deeply impressed by Frazier's performance that he sought validation from someone whose judgment he trusted implicitly regarding Frazier's potential to start from day one. The personnel director, unwavering in his confidence, expressed no doubts about Frazier's ability to step in and immediately take on the role of starting center. He even went as far as affirming that if Frazier were on his team, he would unquestionably be the starting center without hesitation.

In Baldinger's assessment, the current draft class boasts an abundance of talented centers, much to the benefit of teams like the Steelers. Among the notable prospects, Frazier stands out alongside Jackson Powers-Johnson and Graham Barton from Duke. Baldinger holds firm in his belief that all three possess the skill set to step onto the field from day one and significantly elevate the performance of an offensive line. He emphasizes the indispensable role of a stellar center, asserting that a truly formidable offensive line cannot be achieved without one.

The struggles of Cole during the 2023 season served as a stark reminder for the Steelers of the pivotal role a center plays in the overall effectiveness of the offensive line. Cole's difficulties appeared to drag down the unit, prompting Pittsburgh to part ways with him. Now, the team is in search of a center who not only brings immediate productivity but also serves as a cornerstone around which they can build their franchise and offensive line for years to come. Frazier emerges as the prime candidate to fulfill this crucial role.

Barton and Powers-Johnson are two additional prospects who have been prominently linked to the Steelers. The consensus suggests that Pittsburgh is poised to select a center early in the draft, although the exact round remains uncertain. Among these prospects, Frazier has garnered particularly high praise, with analysts struggling to identify any significant flaws in his game.

Steelers' Potential Draftee Zach Frazier Would Fit In Well In Pittsburgh

During the Mountaineers' last regular season game against Baylor, a defining moment showcasing Frazier's character and his essence as a football player emerged. Despite WVU's struggles and underperformance throughout the game, they found themselves with a chance to secure victory on the final drive, despite the odds stacked against them.

In a display of sheer determination, Frazier exerted every ounce of effort to propel his team to victory. It was on this critical drive that he endured a fractured fibula. However, rather than succumbing to the pain and staying on the field, risking valuable time that could have severely impacted WVU's chances of winning, Frazier made a split-second decision. Without hesitation, he leaped off the field and hobbled to the sideline, foregoing any potential runoff.

This selfless act stands as a testament to Frazier's unwavering commitment to his team. His actions epitomize the true essence of a team player. Undoubtedly, Frazier's grit and dedication are qualities that would endear him to Steeler Nation in Pittsburgh.

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