The Pittsburgh Steelers have an established tradition of having a foundational center in the middle of their offensive line. Mike Webster built a Hall of Fame career at the heart of Pittsburgh's dynasty in the 1970s and handed the baton off to Dermontti Dawson, who excelled and also has a bust in Canton. Maurkice Pouncey arrived in 2010 and provided the team with Pro Bowl-level play for his full 10-year career. Pittsburgh needs to find their next guy to fill that role after years of futility from players at the position since Pouncey's retirement, and that player might be from just down the road.
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Former West Virginia center Zach Frazier in his stance as he readies to snap the ball.
Offensive line guru Duke Manyweather joined Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers beat writer Brian Batko on his weekly podcast to discuss all things offensive line related. Manyweather played Division II football at Humboldt State and is now a go-to trainer for top offensive linemen through OL Masterminds. Manyweather said if there's any prospect that screams Steelers, it's West Virginia center, Zach Frazier.
"Zach Frazier's kinda got Steelers written all over him, doesn't he? Kind of reminds you of a Mike Webster type."
Frazier is a prospect who the organization has already been heavily linked to. He grew up in Fairmont, West Virginia, just an hour and a half drive from Pittsburgh. He made 37 consecutive starts for the Mountaineers at center, while playing a total of 47 career games. His final season in Morgantown was cut short when he suffered a broken tibia in the team's game against Baylor. During his last season of college football, he didn't give up any sacks and achieved 58 knockdowns. His contributions helped West Virginia to establish a running game that led all Power Five schools in rushing yards in 2023. Additionally, West Virginia was the only Big 12 school to finish with more than 2,000 rushing yards in conference games.
National Football League
Steelers' Hall of Fame center Mike Webster pass blocks during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on December 16, 1984.
Webster, like Frazier, played his collegiate football close to home. The Tomahawk, Wisconsin native was a three-year starter at Wisconsin before the Steelers selected him in the fifth round of the 1974 NFL Draft. Webster split time initially at center with veteran Ray Mansfield and played guard and special teams. He became the team's full-time starter at center in 1976. He didn't miss a game until the 1986 season when he suffered a dislocated elbow that forced him to miss the first four games.
Webster was renowned for his strength in the middle which helped him to push defensive linemen around. This helped Franco Harris to become the dominant force he was. Frazier was a former four-time heavyweight wrestling state champion in high school and is also well known for his ability to push the opposition around. Current running back, Najee Harris is at his best when he runs hard up the middle, and getting a push from a center like Frazier would help that immensely.
Steelers Need To Continue To Upgrade The Offensive Line
In the offseason, Pittsburgh brought in Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith to replace the unpopular Matt Canada. Smith's resume's hallmark is his work establishing top rushing offenses. To do that, Pittsburgh needs to fill out the offensive line.
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Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (#73) runs a practice during the team's 2023 minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
In the 2022 offseason, Pittsburgh tried to upgrade the offensive line by bringing in guard James Daniels and center Mason Cole. Cole's failure has been well-documented, as the team released him after two seasons. Daniels has stuck around and been a nice addition at right guard. In the 2023 offseason, the team added Isaac Seumalo from the Philadelphia Eagles. He took some time to adjust to the team in the season, but emerged as an important player manning the left guard position.
Broderick Jones was added with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He didn't start initially, but arose as a starter at the right tackle position. His promising end to the season should cement him as a tackle of the future.
To allow Harris and Jaylen Warren the space to run, Pittsburgh must fill out the offensive line. Another tackle and a center are needed, and it seems like that's where the team will go in the draft.
Do you like the comparison of Frazier to Webster? Comment below!
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