The Pittsburgh Steelers have addressed both pressing needs along the offensive line so far in the 2024 NFL Draft. General Manager Omar Khan was able to get Troy Fautanu in the first round, while also picking up Zach Frazier in the second round. Both players were acquired without having to trade up, which was not thought to be likely going into the draft, as both players were ranked as one of the best at their respective positions.
Frazier is now the only true center on the Steelers roster, with players like Nate Herbig and James Daniels having some experience at center. Frazier should have a strong chance to be the starting center to begin the season, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin often likes to have rookies ride the pine to start their career. In 2023, Broderick Jones didn't start until late in the season after Chukwuma Okorafor was benched. Brian Batko reported Frazier's strong desire to start right away for Pittsburgh.
Frazier has a ton of experience at the college level, snapping the ball over 800 times in each of the last three seasons. He has a lot of experience for a rookie, and should be able to start immediately, due to the lack of depth Pittsburgh currently has at center.
Pittsburgh released Mason Cole after the 2023 season, who started both the 2022 and 2023 seasons as the Steelers center. Cole struggled over the last two seasons, particularly in pass protection and his snaps began to be unreliable during the 2023 season. He often had low snaps that caused plays to get blown up in the backfield. Pittsburgh is now upgrading at the position with Frazier.
Steelers' Zach Frazier Ready To Lead
Frazier will be joining another rookie in Fautanu on the offensive line. Along with Jones, who is entering his second season, the Steelers have some youth up front on the offensive side of the ball. Centers are typically relied upon to make sure everyone along the offensive line is on the same page, while making sure the set protection is correct and communicated to all five players. Frazier told Batko he is ready to be the player Pittsburgh can rely upon in this role.
Frazier is confident in his leadership abilities, and believes he will be able to start in Week 1 of the 2024 season. Do you think Tomlin and the coaching staff will allow that to happen?
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