Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier has quickly become one of the most important pieces of the team's offensive line, and veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts believes his potential could put him in some pretty impressive company.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Zach Frazier spikes the football after his offense scores a touchdown against the Commanders.
During an appearance on Terron Armstead's The Set podcast, Roberts was asked about his favorite Steelers offensive players. When the conversation turned to Frazier, the veteran linebacker didn't hesitate to offer some major praise.
“[Maurkice] Pouncey, I hated playing against him when I was in New England. Zach Frazier, keep doin' what he doin', he might be the greatest center to ever play for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Roberts said. “That man should go All-Pro and Pro Bowl, First Team.”
That is an enormous statement considering the history of the position in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have had several outstanding centers, including Maurkice Pouncey, Dermontti Dawson, and Mike Webster. All three helped establish a standard that is difficult for any player to reach and two of the three are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame already with Pouncey likely on his way. Pouncey is probably the most familiar comparison for today's Steelers fans. During his career in Pittsburgh, he earned nine Pro Bowl selections and three First Team All-Pro honors. He was a major part of the offensive line throughout the team's most successful stretch of the 2010s, and his impact was felt well beyond his individual statistics.
Frazier still has a long way to go before he can be discussed alongside those names, but Roberts' comments show just how highly people inside the organization view him. The former second-round pick has already earned a reputation for his toughness, consistency, and ability to handle the responsibilities that come with playing center in the NFL. One of the biggest challenges at the position is that a center's job goes beyond winning individual matchups. He must recognize defensive fronts, communicate adjustments, and help make sure the rest of the offensive line is prepared before the snap. Frazier's wrestling background has also helped shape the physical approach he brings to the position, giving him a strong foundation to build on.
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Maurkice Pouncey watches from the sidelines during a 2019 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
His development is especially important for a Steelers offense that needs stability up front. A dependable center can make a significant difference in how an entire offensive line functions, particularly when facing defenses that regularly change their looks and attempt to create confusion before the snap. Roberts' praise also carries some weight because he has spent years competing against some of the league's best offensive linemen. He knows what makes the position difficult, and he has experienced firsthand what it is like to face a center capable of controlling the middle of the field.
Another encouraging part of Frazier's outlook is his age and experience. He is still early in his NFL career, meaning he has plenty of time to refine his technique and become an even more complete player. If he maintains his consistency, the Steelers could have a cornerstone on their offensive line for years.
Steelers Could Have Another Franchise Center For Years To Come
The Steelers have been fortunate to have a strong history at center, but finding a player who can eventually join that conversation is never guaranteed. Frazier has the opportunity to establish himself as the next great player at the position if he continues developing at his current pace. Roberts' prediction that Frazier could become the greatest center in franchise history is certainly ambitious. It is also a reminder of the expectations that come with playing for a franchise that has featured some of the best centers in NFL history.
For now, Frazier's focus will be on continuing to improve and helping Pittsburgh's offense perform consistently. He does not need to match Pouncey's résumé overnight, and there is no reason to rush those comparisons. Still, having a veteran teammate make that kind of statement speaks volumes about the impression Frazier has already made. The Steelers may have found a long-term answer in the middle of their offensive line, and if Roberts' prediction eventually comes true, Pittsburgh could have another legendary center on its hands.
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