Steelers' Zach Frazier Gets Horribly Disrespected By ESPN

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has been relentless when it comes to investing in his offensive line. Since he took over as GM in 2022, he has used three of his first-round picks on offensive linemen. Broderick Jones has so far been a bust and could potentially never suit up in the Black and Gold again. Troy Fautanu looks like a home run, appearing to be the next ascending superstar, and Max Iheanachor hasn't played an NFL snap yet. Khan also snagged a day two gem in the 2024 NFL Draft, who has been rock solid since he took over the starting job as a rookie. 

West Virginia product Zach Frazier was selected 51st overall by the Steelers in the 2024 NFL Draft. After a season-ending injury to Nate Herbig, Frazier took over as the starter and never looked back, becoming the anchor of the offensive line. Frazier was even better in his second season, allowing just one sack and 10 pressures through 634 pass-blocking snaps, already making him one of the game's best centers. 

Despite his stats, and lack thereof, Frazier has yet to earn his first Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors. Because he plays in a stacked AFC group of elite centers such as Tyler Linderbaum, Creed Humphrey, and Aaron Brewer, it's much harder for Frazier to receive the recognition he deserves. After perhaps not taking as big a leap as he wanted, Frazier is looking to establish himself in the elite status of an interior offensive lineman. However, one ESPN executive believes he may still have a way to go.

Jeremy Fowler and ESPN coordinated a survey with executives, NFL scouts, and coaches to vote on the top 10 interior offensive linemen in the NFL. The list featured four AFC centers, with Linderbaum, Humphrey, Brewer, and new Cleveland Browns center Elgton Jenkins listed as honorable mentions, but no Frazier. Frazier did receive some votes, but not enough to make the list of the elite players.