Zach Frazier

Zach Frazier Player Profile

Summary

Zach Frazier was selected in the 2nd Round (#51 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of University of West Virginia. Frazier brings maturity, technique, leadership, and a strong collegiate track record to the NFL. His greatest strengths lie in his run‑blocking prowess, minimal sacks allowed in college, and ability to step into a starting role early. His main developmental tasks revolve around adjusting to the physicality and speed of the NFL interior line — namely, increasing his mass/power, sharpening lateral movement, enhancing his ability to hold up vs elite pass rush moves, and mastering the communication responsibilities of center. If he meets those challenges, he has the makings of a top‑tier center; if not, he still offers excellent value as a steady, reliable starter.

Strengths

  • Technique & consistency at the position: During his collegiate career, Frazier allowed only one sack in his final two seasons at West Virginia where he accumulated over 170 knock‑down blocks over his last three years of college play, showing strong finishing of blocks. West Virginia University Athletics

  • Strong football IQ & leadership: He was a three‑time team captain at West Virginia and earned multiple academic honors. Starting as a freshman and remaining a consistent starter shows mental preparation and reliability. West Virginia University Athletics

  • Run‑blocking effectiveness: Part of an offensive line that led the Power‑5 in rushing yards (2,976 yards) in 2023, with Frazier being a central blocker in that scheme. This has carried over into the NFL as demonstrated ability to finish blocks, control defenders, and stay engaged through contact. West Virginia University Athletics

  • Durability and early NFL readiness: As a rookie, he stepped in as starter early in 2024 and handled substantial snaps. Pittsburgh Steelers

Weaknesses

  • Frame / ideal size considerations for NFL interior line: At 6′3″/310 lbs, while solid, some analysts believe he might lack the elite mass or length of historic dominant NFL centers or guards, especially when facing bigger nose‑tackles or in heavy‑gap schemes. Could encounter matchups where pure power or sheer mass is required to control double teams or dominant run‑stopping interior defenders.

  • Athleticism / lateral movement vs elite opposition: While his technique is strong, there are fewer reports of exceptional athletic bursts or major twitch traits; in the NFL, he may need to sharpen his agility and lateral movement to deal with quicker, more disruptive interior rushers. Adapting to the speed of the NFL and maintaining consistency in angles and second‑level reach blocks could be challeng­ing.

  • Pass‑rush escape / clutch blocks under pressure: Though his pass‑blocking grades are strong for a rookie, the jump from college to NFL pass rushers means he may need to enhance his anchor versus pure power bull‑rush moves, and improve counter‑moves when initial contact is lost. Finishing blocks (especially in the third‑down long situations) and maintaining sustained blocks may be a developmental area.

  • Experience at center under NFL blitz/man schemes: Though he has a strong college resume, NFL offenses and defenses bring more complex schemes, more movement, more exotic front and blitz looks. He will need to continue building experience calling protections, handling line calls, and reacting to pre‑snap adjustments. As a relatively young NFL player, he may still be refining his communication and coordination with the rest of the front.

Fit & Outlook

Zach Frazier projects as a very reliable starting center for the Steelers, with the potential to become a long‑term anchor of their interior offensive line. Frazier’s game works best in schemes that emphasize zone run schemes or require centers who can move, get on second‑level defenders, and manage protections. He may be slightly less ideal in ultra‑heavy power‑run / gap‑control systems unless he continues to add strength and power.His strengths in technique, consistency, run‑blocking, and leadership give him a strong foundation. Expect him to start at center, handle the bulk of the snaps, and be relied upon for stability in both pass and run games. If he continues developing his athletic traits, refines his pass‑rush defense (from his perspective), handles double teams, and adjusts to NFL speed, he could become one of the better centers in the league.