Steelers’ 2024 Second-Round Pick Dubbed Potential Superstar

“Zach Frazier is already almost there,” Gagnon wrote. “He might not be a household name, but PFF graded the 2024 second-round pick fourth among qualifying centers in 2024, as he was responsible for just 12 total pressures in 15 starts while steadily improving in December and January. At the age of 23, he’s already emerged as a leader within the veteran Steelers offense, and he has the athleticism and skill set to reach an All-Pro level very soon. Centers might rarely be seen as superstars, but Frazier might have the right ingredients and be in the right place at the right time for it.”

Gagnon makes a fair point. Frazier was proficient in both run blocking (No. 5 PFF grade) and pass blocking (10th) among 44 centers with at least 200 snaps. His 98.8 efficiency grade also slotted in at fifth. In his final four contests, his worst composite grade was a healthy 65.2. The former West Virginia standout certainly took advantage of a year-one starting role.

PFF and Bleacher Report aren’t the only outlets to like Frazier. In ESPN’s pass block win rate rankings for last year, Frazier was 17th among interior linemen. The 23-year-old also notched honorable mention votes from league executives, coaches and scouts in Jeremy Fowler’s summer ranking survey results.

Frazier Tasked With Leading High-Stakes Steelers Offensive Line in 2025

In order to reach their ceiling in 2025, the Steelers will need Frazier to keep growing. One could argue that he’s the surest thing of all five starters, however. The tackle positions, specifically, have questions that need to be answered. With Dan Moore Jr. no longer in town (to some folks’ praise), Broderick Jones is moving back to left tackle. That’s made possible by the return of Troy Fautanu on the right side.

Those three players figure to be pillars of the Steelers’ current line. Given the age of their quarterback, that’s a necessity. Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers will turn 42 in December and while he’s still capable of extending plays, he simply isn’t the same athlete he once was. That’s compounded by his 2023 Achilles tendon rupture.

For years, Pittsburgh’s offensive attack has been rather bland. Contrary to players like T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and others on defense, the offense doesn’t possess tons of star power. Frazier ascending to new heights could change that for the better.

It’s a lot of pressure for such a young player, but Gagnon is right. The raw tools and early track record are there.