For the second straight night, the Pittsburgh Steelers allowed the 2024 NFL Draft boards to fall their way. After standing firm in the first round to select a tackle to work opposite last year's first round pick, Broderick Jones, the organization doubled down on the offensive line by selecting local product Zach Frazier out of West Virginia in the second round.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Brian Batko, in his opening video calls with Steelers media, Frazier was quick to discuss his excitement to be a part of the tradition that the Steelers foundation was built on.
"I just know how much offensive line means to the Pittsburgh Steelers, their long tradition there of having great O-linemen. It's special, too."
The Steelers have been retooling the offensive line for the past few seasons under General Manager Omar Khan, who has been committed to building the team in the trenches. Pittsburgh already added Troy Fautanu in the first round to secure the edges, and now utilize Frazier to secure the middle of the line.
The tradition that Frazier speaks to is the smashmouth approach that guided the Steelers to being the powerhouse team of the late 1970s. That's when the team collected four Super Bowls between 1975 to 1980. The additions of Fautanu and Frazier speaks to the re-commitment that the franchise has had to running the ball, and playing championship football in the Steel City.
What Will Be Frazier's Impact in 2023?
The offensive line was able to stay relatively healthy in 2023, with the starting five barely missing any time. Former center Mason Cole was the highlight of the team last season in that regard, playing 100% of the team's starts from a season ago, but took a step back last season which led to his eventual release in the offseason. Despite Cole's durability, the Steelers themselves admit that his season could have been a bit better.
"While Cole played every snap and also was responsible for many of the line adjustment calls, he had an up-and-down year in his second season with the team, especially when it came to his shotgun snaps -- especially against opponents who put a nose tackle right over him."
In Frazier, the Steelers are receiving a two-time All-American and three-time All Big-12 selection after allowing just one sack over the past two seasons (and only four total in his collegiate career). This strength likely comes from a wrestling background where he went 159-2, which helped him in only allowing a 2.27% pressure rate since 2021 with the Mountaineers according to Pro Football Focus. Frazier will likely be remembered most at West Virginia for his final snap where he broke his leg, but hopped his way off the field to prevent a :10 second run-off and allow his team to win the game.
Earlier this offseason, Khan said that he "owed it" to Pittsburgh to find their next great center, and as they sit in late April, it appears he delivered.
Did the Steelers make the right pick in drafting Zach Frazier?
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