The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to rebuild the organization's offensive line over the last five seasons or so. It is has been a clear spot for the franchise to target throughout the draft process, as the franchise took a tackle in the first round in 2023 and then two more offensive linemen to start the 2024 NFL Draft. The Steelers have always been a team that wants to run the ball effectively, and it is hard to do that without a good offensive line. The organization took a step in the right direction in 2024, as Zach Frazier already looks like one of the best centers in the league.
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Steelers' Zach Frazier snaps the football during Week 4 against the Colts.
Frazier was named to the All-Rookie Team for his performance in 2024 as he was one of the most consistent parts of Pittsburgh's offense. He did miss some time in the middle of the season after suffering an ankle injury during a Week 6 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, and the ankle injury caused him to miss two full games. In the games he missed he was replaced by Ryan McCollum, who was praised for his work in Frazier's absence.
The rookie center returned in Week 10 after missing two games and recovering during the team's bye week in Week 9. He continued to play the remainder of the season, even though he was battling through injury to end the year according to his offensive line coach, Pat Meyer.
"These guys are getting banged up on every play." Meyer said. "I know down the end, like I think Zach [Frazier] had an ankle for the last four or five weeks. It's stuff that you're gonna deal with."
It is hard to tell if the ankle injury Meyer is referring to is the same injury from earlier in the year. It could have been the same ankle and the same injury got re-aggravated, or it could have been a completely separate issue. Either way, Frazier did not miss any additional time, despite the fact that Pittsburgh was playing some of the best teams in the league down the stretch.
KARL ROSER / STEELERS
Steelers' Zach Frazier working on drills during camp ahead of the 2024 season.
The center has a history of putting his body on the line when on the field. During his career at West Virginia, he had an iconic play where he broke his leg. Rather than laying on the field, he limped his way off the field on a broken leg because his team did not have any timeouts remaining. He didn't want to hurt the drive, which wound up being a game-winner.
Zach Frazier is workout out today despite breaking his leg on a game-winning drive on November 25...
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 3, 2024
AND crawling off the field because WVU was out of timeouts. Amazing.pic.twitter.com/mQddmBf6SI
This was some of the resilience that Pittsburgh saw which led to the franchise drafting him, and that decision continues to prove to be the right one. He is on track to becoming the best center in the NFL, and he should be the centerpiece of Pittsburgh offensive line for quite some time.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers during his first practice with the team during the 2025 offseason.
Steelers' Frazier Already Snapping To His Third Quarterback
Being the center in Pittsburgh has not been easy. The franchise started the 2024 season with Justin Fields as the starting quarterback, but that changed to Russell Wilson in Week 7. Now, both of those quarterbacks are playing elsewhere, and Frazier is having to adjust to having a different quarterback behind him once again.
Aaron Rodgers is experienced enough and the two should be able to gel together, but it will certainly take a bit of an adjustment on both sides. Frazier should continue on his trajectory of becoming the best center in the NFL, and he should be on track to make a Pro-Bowl or an All-Pro Team in 2025.
What do you think about Frazier playing through injury in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!
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