West Virginia center Zach Frazier, Steelers were destined for each other

Zach Frazier and the Pittsburgh Steelers are a match made in heaven. 

After drafting the WVU product with the 51st overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Steelers are banking on Frazier living up his "bust proof" billing. 

"The team never expected the West Virginia center to last that long, and when he did, it was a no-brainer," Sportskeeda NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline said. 

Fortunately for Tomlin and the Steelers, everything points to Pittsburgh enjoying many years of stability at one of the most important positions in football.

Frazier will be expected to step in right away, likely assuming the starter role. When the Steelers released Mason Cole in February, many thought that tipped their hand as far as looking to draft their next great center. It turns out that way of thinking was accurate, and with the other top centers off the board, the Steelers knew they had to pull the trigger on Frazier.

While it's nice for Frazier and his family that his NFL home is only 70 miles north from Morgantown on Interstate 79, the Steelers and the Fairmont, W.Va. native would be a perfect match no matter what.

Frazier provides the Steelers with an intelligent, mature and athletic leader to help guide a completely revamped quarterback room. Another benefit of Frazier is the fact he will fit regardless who he is snapping the ball too. Since there's no guarantee Russell Wilson or Justin Fields are on Pittsburgh's roster at this point next year, Frazier will now provide Tomlin a sense of comfort.

Frazier played with three completely different types of quarterbacks in college in Jarret Doege, JT Daniels and most recently Garrett Greene.

It's clear Frazier is well aware of the expectations on him, it's also clear he's ready for the challenge.

"I know how much O-line means to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their long tradition there of having great offensive linemen and great offensive lines, so it’s special," said Frazier when asked about being the second offensive lineman taken by the Steelers through the first two rounds of the draft.

Frazier also touched on the challenge of being part of a young offensive line in Pittsburgh that will be expected to perform to a high level right away.

"I think you just have to trust in the guy next to you. For me, making all the calls at center and making sure we all on the same page. I think that's just built through reps and I'm ready to get started working on it."

“It’s a rarity you find a guy with this kind of pedigree in second round, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said. "He’s been a high achiever his whole life."

The Steelers showed consistent interest in Frazier through the pre-draft process, interviewing him at the 2024 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and also bringing him to UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for a visit. The Steelers sent assistant offensive line coach Isaac Williams to Frisco, Texas to watch Frazier work out at the Big 12 pro day.

Despite not even testing, he helped himself at the 2024 NFL Combine, checking in at 6-foot-2 1/2 and 313 pounds with 32 1/4-inch arms and 10 7/8-inch hands. He has a 7.66 Relative Athletic Score out of 10. Frazier was limited in the predraft process by a broken leg suffered late in the West Virginia season.

The stout and physical Frazier is perfect for the Steelers’ diverse run scheme, and his leadership and smarts will fit well on the offensive line. One of the best centers in the country that should help the Steelers solidify their offensive line for whoever plays quarterback in the years to come.