The Pittsburgh Steelers seem poised to prioritize drafting a center in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. With the release of their 2023 starting center, Mason Cole, speculation arose about the team's strategy, whether they'd explore the free agent market for a replacement, or turn to the draft. Currently lacking a trusted center on their roster capable of stepping into the starting role, it appears increasingly probable that they'll look to the draft to fill this crucial position.
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Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson roaming the sidelines during a game.
Initially, Oregon center, Jackson Powers-Johnson, garnered significant attention as the top center prospect, according to many pundits' draft boards. However, as the draft process unfolded, including interviews, combine results, pro days, and team visits, Powers-Johnson's stock has waned, while that of West Virginia's Zach Frazier has surged.
ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller's updated power rankings of 474 prospects revealed a notable development: Frazier's remarkable ascent to the 29th overall best prospect, marking a significant leap in his draft stock.
“Frazier was a four-time West Virginia state champion wrestler in high school, and that level of agility, toughness and strength is exactly what you want in a center prospect. Coming from a wide-zone scheme, he's ideal for the modern NFL -- and if teams are comfortable with his recovery from a leg injury that ended his 2023 season early, expect late-Round 1 talk.”
Frazier has garnered some of the most effusive praise ever seen from those closely following his journey leading up to the draft. His impressive performances in testing and interviews are noteworthy, but what truly sets him apart is his on-field prowess.
He played a pivotal role in revitalizing the WVU football program, transforming them from a struggling team into a respected force during his 37 consecutive starts. Leading an offensive line that underwent a remarkable turnaround and improvement speaks volumes about his leadership and impact.
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Former West Virginia center Zach Frazier in stance as he readies to snap the ball.
Remarkably, Frazier surrendered just four sacks throughout his entire college career, with only one sack conceded over his last two seasons at WVU. Accumulating over 170 career knockdowns in the past three years underscores his dominance on the field. With 46 starts and 47 appearances in his college career, Frazier's list of accolades is extensive, reflecting his outstanding contributions at the collegiate level. Now, the pivotal question arises: can he replicate his collegiate success at the professional level?
Steelers Draft Options At Center Have Flipped
Many draft analysts are optimistic, even considering him a certified day one starter at center—an ideal fit for the Steelers' current needs, as evidenced by his soaring draft stock. His background in wrestling has undoubtedly contributed to his prowess as a center.
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Former WVU center Zach Frazier during his high school wrestling career.
However, the challenge now lies in the fact that Frazier is no longer flying under the radar; teams in need of a center will undoubtedly turn their attention to him, potentially elevating him to a top priority. Meanwhile, Powers-Johnson, once touted as a first-round prospect, now finds himself in discussions for the second round. For the Steelers, passing on a center in the first round poses a considerable risk of missing out on Frazier, though he may still be available in the second round if they opt to wait.
Previously, Powers-Johnson was widely regarded as the top prospect, but recent developments suggest otherwise. Should the Steelers remain committed to either option, they might take the chance in the first round at another position, banking on the availability of a preferred center when their second-round pick rolls around. Some analysts speculate that the Steelers might engage in trades during later rounds to maneuver and secure their desired center if they fear missing out.
While the likelihood of a center being drafted in the first round seems slim, Miller suggests that Frazier could potentially be selected earlier than anticipated, introducing some uncertainty into the Steelers' draft strategy.
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