Steelers' Zach Frazier Endorsed By Maurkice Pouncey, Who Added "I'm Tired Of Talking About Me"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have hit the center jackpot with their 2024 second-round draft pick, Zach Frazier. A standout at the University of West Virginia, the former wrestler caught the Steelers' attention thanks to his strength and grit. 

This is good news for the Steelers, who have struggled with uncertainty at the center position ever since former Pro Bowler Maurkice Pouncey retired. The Steel City brought in a few players to fill the hole left after Pouncey's departure, but none of them even came close to the consistency that the former All-Pro displayed. The Steelers knew they had to do something different, and so far, Frazier has been living up to and exceeding expectations. 

This is no small feat in Pittsburgh, a town that understands and values the center position more than most. Players such as Pouncey, Mike Webster, and Dermontti Dawson, have paved the way for their six Lombardi Trophies. That is why Pouncey is one of the people best suited to assess what he has seen from Frazier so far. A recent guest on his former quarterback and teammate Ben Roethlisberger's podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the two discussed what they have seen. Pouncey is optimistic the future is bright for the rookie.

"I will say, I know I said a lot of good things about the other linemen in the past, but I think I had to say that stuff," said Pouncey. "I met this kid, and I've been watching him play football in West Virginia. I think he's going to be a solid kid. Man, he's going to be great. I've seen a couple of pancakes."

Roethlisberger agreed and said he hates judging players too early in their careers, especially on the offensive line. However, he said that from what he has seen so far, Frazier seems to have a "bit of nasty" and brings something extra to the table. 

He also said that he noticed that Frazier has begun to call plays, which he thinks is excellent for a rookie player. Roethlisberger added that the thing he loved most about playing with Pouncey was that he had the ability to pull and most centers don't pull. Pouncey said that he believes that Frazier has that in him as well. 

"I think, looking at him, he could be a staple here at the Steelers," added Pouncey. "Honestly, talking to him today in the field, I like seeing his motivation, too; he's a super smart kid and obviously had a great career at the University of West Virginia. Honestly, the Steelers need that. I'm tired of talking about me. The game will slow down for him as he grows, but he has all the physical and mental abilities to be a great football player. Omar [Khan] came and had me personally go talk to him, so obviously, the Steelers think highly of him. I'm on board with him, 100%."

Roethlisberger said he believes the West Virginia connection makes for a good fit. Like Pittsburgh, it is a tough, blue-collar place that values hard work. So far, Frazier has shown a lot of mental toughness for a rookie. There have been just a few minor hiccups between him and quarterback Justin Fields, and he doesn't appear to have allowed that to derail his concentration. 

Steelers' Offensive Line Has Been Playing Musical Chairs

When Pittsburgh selected Troy Fautanu with their first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, nearly everyone assumed that he and Broderick Jones, last year's first-round selection, would be the two starting tackles. However, Dan Moore Jr. has remained in the game, with Fautanu in on the right side and Jones as the swing tackle.

Now Fautanu is out for the season with ligament damage in his knee, and there are questions about his replacement. Will Jones get another shot in spite of the mistakes he's been making, or will Head Coach Mike Tomlin call on someone like Spencer Anderson, who's been reliable filling in for Isaac Seumalo?

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