Pride of Detroit
WVU center Zach Frazier is everything the Detroit Lions could possibly want in an offensive lineman.
In last year’s NFL Draft, I would argue there was no prospect more DAN CAMPBELL GRIT than linebacker Jack Campbell. It came as very little surprise that Detroit took him, despite the fact that the Lions didn’t have a pressing need at linebacker.
If I were to award that honor to a player in the 2024 NFL Draft class, it would go to West Virginia center Zach Frazier, and I think he should be on the short list of candidates for the Detroit Lions’ 29th overall pick—the reasoning goes well beyond his blatant and obvious character fit
Here’s why the Lions should draft Zach Frazier.
Previously:
Let’s start with Frazier’s incredible football character, which we know is incredibly important to the Lions’ evaluation process.
Frazier’s most notable “gritty” performance came during his final snap at West Virginia. The Mountaineers were down a score, without a timeout, and had less than 1:30 left in the game. Unfortunately, Frazier suffered a serious leg injury on the very first play of the drive. But instead of staying down and potentially costing the team a 10-second run-off, he dragged himself off the field—crawling and hopping on one leg. The Mountaineers would end up scoring the game-winning touchdown later in the drive.
That injury? A fractured fibula.
Just a few months later, Frazier insisted on going through on-field drills at the NFL Combine despite only being four months removed from the injury.
The drive it took to attack rehab as aggressively as he did is impressive. The confidence to then put his future employment on the line by taking the field in Indianapolis is unbridled confidence.
If that isn’t enough grit for you, how about some actual game film breaking down Frazier’s tenacious attitude?
Frazier’s tape is littered with clips like this: plowing a defender 10 yards downfield and then planting them into the turf. Effort will not be an issue with this guy.
A snooty question deserves a snooty answer. Is he good? I don’t know, do you like players who have ranked 17th, 7th, and 21st in PFF run blocking grade in their three seasons as WVU’s starting center? Do you like players with guard/center versatility who were named two-time All-American and a member of the Freshman All-American team?
Do you like a player who absolutely stalemated a pair of Texas defensive tackles who will likely be drafted highly this year?
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