The Pittsburgh Steelers are approaching the 2024 NFL Draft and are still in need of a new starting center. After whiffing on the majority of big name free agents earlier this offseason, the team will likely be forced to select a center early on in the annual event. One of the more intriguing names and many hope the Steelers can land is West Virginia's Zach Frazier. Frazier is one of the best interior lineman in the country and has been linked to the Steel City. He recently released some of his favorite aspects of the game, those of which being something the Steelers should be quite fond of.
Jaron Summers / West Virginia University
Steelers could select Zach Frazier as their next franchise center in 2024 either in the first or second round.
The Steelers are going into a new season where they'd like to execute a run-heavy offense with new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Smith's previous offenses have flourished by running a lot and using the play-action passing game. With that being said, the franchise is going to need linemen who love to run block. Frazier recently shared that run blocking is his favorite part of his game.
"Run blocking is definitely my favorite. I like it when you can tee off on some people. Pass blocking is fun, but if it were up to me, I'd run the ball all day."
Frazier also acknowledged that the Steelers are in desperate need of a new generational center. The Steelers have not had a franchise center since Maurkice Pouncey retired after the 2020 season. It has been reported that Frazier is expected to meet with the Steelers sometime soon for a pre-draft visit.
Steelers predraft visitors for today: WVU C Zach Frazier, WVU CB Beanie Bishop and Iowa CB Cooper DeJean.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) April 12, 2024
Frazier is expected to be taken off of the draft board either late in the first round or early in the second round. He is coming off a rough injury from a broken fibula, but that hasn't affected his draft stock.
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Steelers may look to draft former West Virginia center Zach Frazier early in the draft as they search for their next Maurkice Pouncey to anchor their offensive line.
The Steelers have had a rough go at center for the last couple of seasons, as Mason Cole was unable to perform well in 2023. The Steelers cut Cole and others the first day of the offseason. Cole was inconsistent with his snaps and blocking. As the Steelers look to have one of the best rushing offenses in the league, just "inconsistent" isn't going to cut it.
Frazier's work ethic and physicality makes him a perfect fit for the Steelers' tough, smash-mouth style of football. Put him in front of guys like Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and you just might have the best rushing attack in the league.
What Will The Steelers Do If They Miss Frazier?
The Steelers have a few other options at center if they miss out on Frazier. One of the more dominant players entering the draft is Graham Barton out of Duke. Barton is an outside guy that is projected to move inside of the line. He dominated his Pro Day recently, boosting his draft stock. Barton has caught a lot of attention this offseason as we get closer to the draft and has tape from the field that speaks for itself.
Duke Athletics
Steelers could take a look at Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton ahead of the draft as they are still in need of a starting center.
Other notable centers that are worth looking at are Sedrick Van Pran (Georgia), Beaux Limmer (Arkansas), and Hunter Nourzad (Penn State). There aren't many other notable centers worth mentioning aside from the obvious, Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon). If the Steelers are somehow unable to land any of these guys, they may be forced to bring back Cole, which is less than the ideal situation.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Does Frazier's smash-mouth mentality make him a perfect fit for the Black and Gold? Are there any other suitors? Let us know in the comments below.
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