The Pittsburgh Steelers used their second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Zach Frazier, a standout center from West Virginia University. Frazier, a key player during his entire career for the Mountaineers, has generated considerable excitement among Steeler Nation as he makes the transition from Morgantown to Pittsburgh. Though he's a mature rookie, the leap from college to the NFL is always challenging, even for top talents.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Zach Frazier (54) talks with Nate Herbig (71) during training camp in 2024.
To ease Frazier into the role, the Steelers planned to have Nate Herbig, the offseason starter, hold the position until Frazier was ready. At the very least, Herbig was seriously fighting for the starting job. However, just before the Steelers' second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, news broke that Herbig might be sidelined for the season with a torn rotator cuff.
With Herbig potentially out for the year, Frazier is now the presumed starter. The real concern lies in the depth behind him. The Steelers' 2024 unofficial depth chart lists Ryan McCollum and Anderson Hardy as the backups behind Frazier, neither of whom instills much confidence among fans. Should Frazier face any setbacks, the Steelers could find themselves in a tough spot.
One option Pittsburgh could explore is signing a free agent, especially given their current depth issues. While the pool of available players is limited as the season approaches, adding someone could provide valuable peace of mind and security if anything happens to Frazier.
Scott Quessenberry is a name that stands out. Despite recent injury troubles, Quessenberry secured a starting role with the Houston Texans in Week 2 of the 2022 season. He signed with the Texans on March 23, 2022, and went on to start 16 games that year. However, his 2023 season was stopped before it could start after he suffered a torn ACL and MCL during practice, leading to his placement on Injured Reserve.
David Zalubowski / Associated Press
Former Houston Texans center Scott Quessenberry looks on during an away game.
Now a free agent, Quessenberry has been recovering from his injuries and remains available. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he started just 10 games over that time. Adding Quessenberry could offer the Steelers a more trusted option to bolster their depth. He also can provide enhanced depth at guard since he can play that position as well.
While Quessenberry may not be the most reliable option, some argue that he could be a better choice than the current backups after Frazier. With Herbig seeking a second opinion on his injury, the situation could shift, potentially influencing Pittsburgh's strategy.
Despite being considered a questionable choice, Quessenberry offers solid depth due to his recent starting experience. Given that some time has passed since his injury, assuming he's healthy, Quessenberry could be a viable option for the Steelers.
Steelers' Mason McCormick Could Play Center If Needed
Additionally, the Steelers’ fourth-round draft pick, Mason McCormick, has been taking snaps at center. With his experience, McCormick could be a potential solution if Pittsburgh opts not to seek further help in free agency. McCormick was South Dakota State's backup center so he should be somewhat comfortable at the position if worst case scenario did present itself.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mason McCormick at the first day of 2024 rookie minicamp.
McCormick is an intriguing rookie who flew under the radar during the draft due to his smaller school background. Known for his hard work and positive attitude, he has impressed his teammates throughout the offseason. If he continues to progress as he has, McCormick could have a promising future in Pittsburgh.
For now, the Steelers must rely on Frazier. Pittsburgh drafted Frazier with some type of expectation that he would start as a rookie. Again, the issue isn't starting Frazier at center, but the depth behind the position. Frazier, highly praised by analysts, is seen as a promising rookie with the potential to become the next great starting center in Pittsburgh. This season presents a significant opportunity for him to prove his worth and live up to the hype in his rookie year.
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