Several Pittsburgh Steelers exceeded expectations in 2024. Quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both performed better than they had in 2023.
Edge rusher Nick Herbig took a big step forward, receiver Calvin Austin III solidified his standing as a role player, and the offensive line navigated plenty of injuries but kept the offense afloat.
Rookie center Zach Frazier’s season wasn’t shocking. It wasn’t house money afforded to Pittsburgh by outplaying his draft stock. He didn’t come out of left field or rise late in training camp.
Frazier was drafted to be a quality starter. He took on that role in Week 1 and didn’t look back. The second-round pick earned a major accolade in his effective rookie season.
On Tuesday, the Pro Football Writers of America revealed its 2024 All-Rookie team. Frazier took the starting spot at center.
He was also, unsurprisingly, Pittsburgh’s lone representative. Right tackle Troy Fautanu – the Steelers’ first-round pick – missed almost all of his rookie year with a knee injury. Third-round receiver Roman Wilson appeared in just a single game.
Elsewhere, linebacker Payton Wilson made a solid argument to make the team, but only one off-ball linebacker (Green Bay Packers’ Edgerrin Cooper) made the cut. Guard Mason McCormick also had some nice flashes but was inconsistent in his late-season stretch of playing time.
Frazier, meanwhile, established himself as one of the game’s best young centers.
By Pro Football Focus’ grading, Frazier was the fourth-best among 29 qualified centers, trailing only Creed Humphrey, Frank Ragnow, and Tyler Linderbaum – the first two of which are viewed as the league’s elite at the position. He allowed a single sack and the fifth-fewest pressures and was even better in the run game.
In 2024, he had to deal with a revolving door at both guard spots and a summer spent partially with the second-string unit. In 2025, he’ll be asked to do more of the same – carve out another year of quality play and make good on the second-round pick that was spent on him.
It wasn’t surprising, nor was it flashy, but Pittsburgh found itself another long-term piece of its core in Frazier.
