The Pittsburgh Steelers had the 51st general choice on this yr’s NFL draft, and so they possible thought-about themselves very fortunate to see middle Zach Frazier nonetheless out there when making that choice.
Frazier, a extremely touted prospect out of West Virginia, was thought-about a attainable first-round expertise. A leg harm suffered throughout his ultimate collegiate season was a big a part of the rationale he fell into the second spherical, the place the Steelers rapidly took him off the board.
He has a ton of potential, and he’s turning heads this summer season already. He’s earned numerous recognition, particularly ESPN’s Matt Miller, who listed Frazier as an ‘under-the-radar rookie to observe’.
“He has the look of a future All-Professional,” Miller mentioned. “Frazier’s motion abilities and power on the level of assault had been standout traits in faculty, and so they’re already popping off the sector within the professionals.”
That’s some awfully excessive reward from Miller, nevertheless it’s not as if Frazier doesn’t deserve it. Miller mentions Frazier’s power and motion as two of his finest traits, and people are a big a part of what made him such a dominant lineman in faculty.
He’s sturdy, however that’s not the one factor being a lineman is about. What separates him from his friends is his potential to make contact with a defender and maintain them in entrance of him. Some linemen are sturdy, however wrestle to keep up their grip on defenders, which might result in holding penalties and missed blocks. That’s not one thing Frazier has to fret about.
He additionally understands the sport effectively and is a mastermind with regards to opening holes. He can set his physique up on the proper angles to wall-off defenders, whereas leaving sufficient room for the ball-carrier to squeeze previous him. His mobility can also be a plus, making him a difference-maker on the second degree and permits him to be efficient when pulling.
There are numerous optimistic features to Frazier’s sport, however he’ll must be taught on the fly. Middle Nate Herbig entered the season anticipated to start out on the place, however a season-ending rotator cuff harm put an finish to these hopes.
Now, Zach Frazier goes to be thrown into the hearth as Pittsburgh’s beginning middle. Thankfully for Steelers’ followers, head coach Mike Tomlin is proud of what he’s seen from the rookie.
Miller’s excessive reward for Frazier may be very encouraging. A great yr for the Steelers’ offense begins with good performances from the offensive line, and there’s no extra vital spot on that unit than the middle place.
If Frazier can present a few of the All-Professional potential Miller is speaking about, it can go a good distance in the direction of serving to the Steelers win in 2024.
