Steelers' Rising Superstar Zach Frazier Is Quietly Becoming NFL's Best At His Position

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been starting to look more like a true threat in the AFC thanks to the run game on both sides of the ball. There are some other things that need to be cleaned up, but if they can keep it up with the high level of play in the trenches, they likely won't be an easy out in the playoffs like Pittsburgh has been in recent years. At the very least, this is a great foundation that has been built so the team can still be competitive in the future. 

A lot of credit needs to go to the offensive line for how it has stepped up, especially after a terrible two weeks to begin the season. This is still a very young unit that has to work on communication and getting the kinks out, but this looks like a group that can lead the Steelers into the new era. As long as it can keep it up in the run game while keeping the quarterback upright, this offense should be a problem for everyone else. 

Everything starts with the man in the middle, and he is doing more than what anyone could ask of him. In a latest article on ESPN, Bill Barnwell spoke glowingly about the rising superstar: Zach Frazier. 

"With Creed Humphrey's problems snapping the football becoming more conspicuous, Frazier has emerged for me as the best center in football," Barnwell said. "The Steelers have quietly fielded one of the league's most efficient run games this season, and so much of that is what Frazier is able to do as the pivot."

Frazier has been a great blocker in the NFL ever since he was first drafted. He is constantly in that top conversation with the likes of Creed Humphrey and Tyler Linderbaum, although he was typically seen as a step below them. He has done nothing but grow in the NFL, and as Barnwell said, he may have finally leapfrogged both of them. It's safe to say that Pittsburgh finally has its franchise center.

In his third year in the NFL, Frazier has become more than just a physical force in the trenches. He has grown into a strong vocal leader that everyone else looks up to. The growth of the offensive line is now partially on his shoulders while still clearing up the A gaps. When Aaron Rodgers retires, the younger quarterbacks will be relying on him to make sure they know the play and can play comfortably in the pocket. 

It's clear that Jaylen Warren appreciates the work being done up front. He has refused to take credit for his breakout season despite how well he played. So much of this offensive success overall is because of the elite center running the show. While he never shows up on the stat sheet, Frazier deserves all the praise and recognition he's been getting, and more. He may truly be the MVP of the Steelers in 2026. 

As Barnwell mentioned, Humphrey has struggled with snapping the ball, so he's not the top dog anymore. The conversation is now just between Frazier and Linderbaum, and the Baltimore Ravens have definitely missed him in 2026. Hopefully, the Steelers don't make the same mistake and lock up their franchise center in the 2027 offseason, no matter how much guaranteed money he demands.

Steelers' One Weakness Along O-Line Can Be Covered Up Quickly

The main concern with the Steelers moving forward is the uncertainty at right guard. Gennings Dunker has been injured a lot in his rookie season, and current starter Brock Hoffman is on a one-year deal. Luckily, having an elite center and a potentially elite right tackle in Max Iheanachor can help cover that up. It's also not too hard to find a quality player to fit between them and complement his linemates nicely.

What do you think about Frazier being seen as the best center in the NFL? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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