Steelers' Young Star Predicted To Become The "Best Player" At His Position

The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed a clear focus on building up the trenches over the last several years. This is true for both sides of the ball, and it has been evident just from the way that the organization has drafted. The franchise's last four first-round picks were spent on big men up front. Three of those four picks were offensive tackles, with defensive tackle Derrick Harmon being the exception. The Steelers have also used other high selections to build up the offensive line, which was seen with Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick in 2024.

Frazier has seemed to be Pittsburgh's best draft pick in recent years. He was drafted in the second round in 2024 with the 51st overall selection. It is safe to say, if the event was redone he would probably be a top-15 pick. He hasn't racked up any individual accolades quite yet, but they are coming as he has proven to be one of the best centers in the NFL. He is due for an extension during the 2027 offseason, and his play should only improve.

Ben Solak of ESPN recently listed out breakout candidates from every team in the league in an article, and Frazier was the player he mentioned for Pittsburgh. It would be fair to say that Frazier has already broken out, but he had even higher praise for the center.

"Film heads love Frazier, who might simply be the best offensive lineman still on a rookie contract," Solak wrote. "His experience snapping the ball to Aaron Rodgers is certainly helping the mental side of his game as well. Of all the players on this list, Frazier would be my bet to eventually become the best player at his position in the NFL."

Solak believes out of all the names on the list, Frazier is the one who could become the best player in the league at his position. The list includes some impressive names too, with Ashton Jeanty, Luther Burden III, and DeMarvion Overshown being some of the headliners. That is impressive praise, and it gives Steelers fans some things to look forward to.

There is no denying how good Frazier has been since entering the NFL two seasons ago. However, it seems as though there is room to grow for Frazier. He continues to get better physically, and his mind will only get sharper with the more experience that he gets, especially with Aaron Rodgers behind him.

His Wikipedia page lacks some individual honors, but those will come. He is unfortunately in a conference with three of the best centers in the league in Tyler Linderbaum, Creed Humphrey, and Aaron Brewer, so a Pro Bowl nod is hard to come by. Hopefully Frazier finally earns some respect in 2026.

Steelers Will Have To Pay Up Soon

The Steelers drafted extremely well back in 2024. Frazier, Troy Fautanu, and McCormick all seem to be at least above-average starters on the offensive line. Some say Fautanu is the best offensive lineman on the team, which says a lot about just how good he is. All three players are going to be vying for extensions during the 2027 offseason, and as of right now they all would deserve them. Frazier could become the highest-paid center in the league with a career year, and Fautanu should land somewhere near the top of the lineman market now that he is playing on the left side. McCormick should also be paid handsomely with how he has performed so far in his career.

Pittsburgh is going to have to open up the checkbook to keep this offensive line core together, but it should absolutely be worth it.

What do you think about these remarks from Solak? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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