The Pittsburgh Steelers had the 51st total choice on this yr’s NFL draft, and so they seemingly 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 doable first-round expertise. A leg damage suffered throughout his last collegiate season was a big a part of the explanation 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 quite a lot of recognition, particularly ESPN’s Matt Miller, who listed Frazier as an ‘under-the-radar rookie to look at’.
“He has the look of a future All-Professional,” Miller stated. “Frazier’s motion abilities and energy on the level of assault have been standout traits in school, and so they’re already popping off the sector within the execs.”
That’s some awfully excessive reward from Miller, but it surely’s not as if Frazier doesn’t deserve it. Miller mentions Frazier’s energy and motion as two of his finest traits, and people are a big a part of what made him such a dominant lineman in school.
He’s robust, however that’s not the one factor being a lineman is about. What separates him from his friends is his capacity to make contact with a defender and hold them in entrance of him. Some linemen are robust, however battle to take care of their grip on defenders, which may 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 relating 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 quite a lot of constructive points to Frazier’s recreation, however he’ll must study on the fly. Heart Nate Herbig entered the season anticipated to start out on the place, however a season-ending rotator cuff damage 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 very good yr for the Steelers’ offense begins with good performances from the offensive line, and there’s no extra essential spot on that unit than the middle place.
If Frazier can present among the All-Professional potential Miller is speaking about, it can go a good distance in direction of serving to the Steelers win in 2024.
