Behind the Steel Curtain
Zach Frazier was selected 51st overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Since entering the league, the former West Virginia Mountaineer has had an immediate impact on the Steelers’ offense and figures to be a pivotal piece of the Steelers’ offensive line for years to come. The former second-round pick posted the 8th-highest PFF grade among centers in his sophomore campaign in 2025. The rest of the NFL world seems to be learning just how valuable Frazier has become so early in his NFL career.
ESPN’s Benjamin Solak listed a breakout candidate for each team entering the 2026 season, with Frazier being the player named for Pittsburgh.
“Film heads love Frazier, who might simply be the best offensive lineman still on a rookie contract. NFL Next Gen Stats had Frazier with a 2.7% QB pressure rate surrendered last season — the single best mark of any offensive lineman with at least 300 snaps,” Solak wrote. “Of all the players on this list, Frazier would be my bet to eventually become the best player at his position in the NFL.”
Steelers fans were not pleased with Solak with the selection of Frazier as the breakout player, mainly because many believe he has already broken out. After hearing some of the displeasure around this selection, Solak responded to a post on X reiterating that he believes Frazier has a real shot to become the best player at his position.
As Solak said, not every breakout is the same. This is the perfect way to describe someone like Frazier, who has already established himself as a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offense but still has the talent to become one of the game’s elite centers.
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