Zach Frazier, Steelers Are a Match Made in Heaven

West Virginia center Zach Frazier in a game against Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium on Sept. 23, 2022. — Kelsie LeRose / West Virginia Sports Now

It’s clear Frazier is well aware of the expectations on him and it’s also clear he’s ready for the challenge.

“I know how much O-line means to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their long tradition there of having great offensive linemen and great offensive lines, so it’s special,” said Frazier when asked being the second offensive lineman taken by the Steelers through the first two rounds of the draft.

Frazier also touched on the challenge of being part of a young offensive line in Pittsburgh that will be expected to perform to a high level right away.

“I think you just have to trust in the guy next to you. For me, making all the calls at center and making sure we all on the same page. I think that’s just built through reps and I’m ready to get started working on it.”

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith offered his thoughts about Frazier.

“It’s a rarity you find a guy with this kind of pedigree in second round. He’s been a high achiever his whole life,” said Smith to the media, including our partners at Steelers Now, immediately following the selection of Frazier.

Frazier appeared in 47 games for the Mountaineers over a four-year span. Frazier’s career at West Virginia came to an end when he suffered a leg injury during the Baylor game on Nov. 25. He managed to get himself off of the field, avoiding a loss of time on the clock late in the game and impressing NFL scouts in the process. He capped off his Mountaineer career as an All-American and finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.

WVU head coach Brown showered Frazier with praise once it was clear his college career was over, highlighting how much his final play shows his intelligence as a player.

“I can’t say enough about Zach Frazier. So appreciative of him and his family. I think one play sums up who he is for his entire career, and I just hope our fanbase, a young man from Fairmont, I think he’s the best center in college football,” said Brown.

The Steelers showed consistent interest in Frazier through the pre-draft process, interviewing him at the 2024 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and also bringing him to UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for a visit. The Steelers sent assistant offensive line coach Isaac Williams to Frisco, Texas to watch Frazier work out at the Big 12 pro day.

Despite not even testing, he helped himself at the 2024 NFL Combine, checking in at 6-foot-2 1/2 and 313 pounds with 32 1/4-inch arms and 10 7/8-inch hands. He has a 7.66 Relative Athletic Score out of 10. Frazier was limited in the pre-draft process by a broken leg suffered late in the West Virginia season.

Frazier was a West Virginia state champion wrestler before joining the Mountaineers. Despite being pegged as Pittsburgh’s center, Frazier’s versatility makes him even more valuable. He started nine games at guard as a freshman in 2020 before moving to center, where he was a three-year starter.

The stout and physical Frazier is perfect for the Steelers’ diverse run scheme, and his leadership and smarts will it well on the offensive line. One of the best centers in the country that should help the Steelers solidify their offensive line for whoever plays quarterback in the years to come.

Click here for more of WV Sports Now’s coverage of Zach Frazier and his selection by the Steelers.