The Steel City is abuzz with the rise of Zach Frazier. Hailing from Fairmont, this West Virginia standout has swiftly made his mark in the NFL, taking the reins as the starting center for the Steelers after Nate Herbig’s unfortunate injury sidelined him for the season. Frazier seized the opportunity and ran with it, establishing himself as a key component of Pittsburgh’s offensive line.
Frazier didn’t just fill a gap; he thrived in it. As he gears up for the 2025 season, he’s already turning heads, ranked as the third-best center in the NFL by Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus. He only trails behind big names like Creed Humphrey of the Chiefs and Tyler Linderbaum of the Ravens. Not bad company to keep for a player entering just his second year.
Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Frazier is proving to be a gem for Pittsburgh. At 24, his rookie year was anything but ordinary. He earned the fourth-best overall grade among qualifying centers with a solid 77.9, demonstrating his prowess in both the passing game and on the ground. His performance put him in the top echelons, ranking above the 75th percentile as both a pass protector and a run blocker—a rare feat for any player, let alone a rookie.
His pass protection skills earned him the 21st spot among 64 centers, with a respectable grade of 66.6. But where Frazier truly shone was in his road-grading abilities—his run blocking was stellar, landing him sixth with a standout grade of 79.7. Across 975 offensive snaps, he only allowed one sack and committed just five penalties, showcasing not only his talent but his discipline and consistency.
Zach Frazier’s rapid ascent in the league is a testament to his skill and hard work. As he continues to grow and develop, the Steelers seem to have hit the jackpot with their young center, and if his rookie year is any indication, Pittsburgh’s offensive line has a bright future ahead. Keep an eye on Frazier as he looks to build on an already impressive foundation and help propel the Steelers to new heights.
