The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback competition has been a major storyline since they signed Russell Wilson to a one-year deal and traded for Justin Fields. Wilson currently holds the edge for the starting role, but Fields is poised to challenge him for the spot. However, the quarterback position isn’t the only one with fierce competition.
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Steelers' Zach Frazier (54) talks with Nate Herbig (71) during training camp in 2024.
As training camp kicked off in Latrobe, fans were eager to see Wilson in action. Unfortunately, a calf injury kept him from showcasing his full potential. Meanwhile, another intense battle was unfolding at the center position. The Steelers drafted Zach Frazier in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, anticipating he would become a cornerstone of their offensive line.
Although Frazier is expected to become the starter eventually, he has been vying for the job with Nate Herbig throughout camp. Wilson, who has been closely observing Frazier’s development, shared his thoughts with the media after Wednesday’s practice, praising Frazier's progress and performance.
"Zach is a young rookie and just seeing his ability to communicate, his ability to be just so hyper focused, you can tell he’s played a lot of college football games at a high level, and that matters to us."
Frazier was a standout at West Virginia University, where he consistently anchored the offensive line and played a crucial role in the Mountaineers' turnaround season in 2023. Known for his hard work and positive attitude, Frazier quickly proved himself to be a remarkable teammate. His attributes make him a natural fit for the Steelers, and he’s poised to become a fan favorite as his career unfolds in Pittsburgh.
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Steelers' Zach Frazier gets ready to snap the ball.
Wilson has noticed the qualities that set Frazier apart early in camp. While he didn’t explicitly endorse Frazier as the starter, Wilson seems quite comfortable with the prospect of Frazier handling the snaps for him in 2024.
"The more good players and great players you have, the better. We want all those guys to be ready to rock and roll. I’m really excited about who Zach is as a player."
Wilson is not only enthusiastic about Frazier, but also optimistic about the potential of the young offensive line as a whole. He believes this group has the makings of a standout unit in the upcoming season.
However, Steelers fans experienced a moment of concern during the first preseason game against the Houston Texans. The team struggled to execute effectively, and early issues included two botched snap exchanges between Herbig and Fields.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Blamed Justin Fields And Nate Herbig For Failed Snaps
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has made it clear that both Herbig and Fields are to blame for the failed snaps. Despite this, fans are likely to place more of the blame on Herbig, using it as a reason to push for Frazier’s quicker ascent to the starting lineup. Also, Fields’ career has been marked by 38 fumbles over three seasons. These two botched snaps counted as two fumbles on Fields. It's no doubt that Tomlin has concern with both Herbig and Fields for the botched snaps.
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Steelers' Nate Herbig at a training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Regardless of who is truly at fault, the need for clean snaps is critical in the NFL. Mason Cole, the Steelers' starting center from 2023, struggled with snapping accuracy, which contributed to his release. When Frazier entered the game against the Texans, the offense appeared to operate more smoothly.
It will be interesting to see how Herbig responds to the recent issues and whether Frazier will see more action in the upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills. Frazier has already impressed many teammates and coaches, and Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting his potential move to the starting center role. When that will happen remains uncertain.
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