Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Explained How 2 Young Offensive Linemen Absolutely Need To Develop In 2025 (Steelers News)
Steelers News

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Explained How 2 Young Offensive Linemen Absolutely Need To Develop In 2025

Not Just Football with Cam Heyward
author image

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expecting a lot of growth from the offensive tackle spot in 2025. Troy Fautanu is finally healthy and ready to take over at right tackle for Broderick Joneswho is moving to his natural position on the left side. With the draft capital spent on both players, they need to step up quickly and prove that they can be the high-ceiling players that they were selected to be. However, the need for growth goes beyond the offensive tackle position. The whole unit could use a little boost. 

Steelers Troy Fautanu

Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)

Steelers offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (76) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.

While making an appearance on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke about how two other young offensive linemen need to step up in a big way and what they need to do. 

"We got a lot of younger players playing, and I'd like to see those guys step up on their leadership because leadership goes hand-in-hand with production in this league, and the more production you have, the more leadership opportunities you have," Rodgers explained. "It doesn't have to be all rah-rah loud / ripping guys' a**. Sometimes, it can be your playstyle. I'd love to see two of our studs inside, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick, keep stepping up their leadership because they have the opportunity because their production last year warrants a voice."

Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick bay just be second-year players, but they looked like season veterans during their rookie seasons in 2024. The former second-round pick at center has even been praised by analysts for already being a top three player at his position. Meanwhile, the former fourth-year guard stepped up for James Daniels after he got injured, and he made it seem like there was no injury in the first place with the lack of drop-off in production.

Steelers Zach Frazier

Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)

Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.

Rodgers is not the first person who publicly named Frazier as a potential leader that needs to take that role. Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer said the same thing early in July. He specifically said that his center needs to be more vocal. With the position that he plays, having a strong vocal presence is essential for keeping the offensive line and the quarterback on the same page together. It will be interesting to see how he matures in that department in 2025.

McCormick may be a second-year, fourth-round pick, but he is still the second-oldest projected starter on the offensive line at 25 years old. Isaac Seumalo, who is the only one older than him, is projected to be a free agent at the end of the season. Everyone looks up to the veteran guard, but he won't be around forever. Someone is going to have to step up and take over his leadership role -- that could very well be McCormick.

For both Frazier and McCormick, now is a good time to learn how to embrace that leadership role while Seumalo is still around to help guide them. When 2026 rolls around, he will most likely be gone, and everyone in the position group will be looking around to see who can step up and be proverbial captain of the offensive line. There are two young studs in the interior offensive line that should be ready for that role. That's Frazier and McCormick.


Steelers' Young Offensive Line Could Be The Difference Between A Solid Season And A Disappointing One

Rodgers may be a four-time MVP, but he is now 41 and more reliant on the players around him than he's ever been. In 2024, he was statistically one of the worst quarterbacks against the blitz and when under pressure. That means the whole line needs to gel together to make sure its new passer can stay upright in the pocket and make throws that flash back to his younger self. 

Steelers Aaron Rodgers

Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.

Seumalo can't be the only one keeping everyone together. Frazier and McCormick need to help him out. 2025 will be a telling season for them both.


What do you think about Rodgers expecting more leadership from Frazier and McCormick? Let us know in the comments or on at @Steelers_ChrisB.

#SteelerNation



Loading...
Steeler Nation Fans
Privacy Policy

ยฉ Copyright 2025 Steeler Nation: Pittsburgh Steelers News, Rumors, & More