​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 made an immediate impact on the Steelers’ offense and is poised to be a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offensive line for years to come. In his second season in 2025, the former second-round pick posted the eighth-highest PFF grade among centers, underscoring his rapid development. The wider NFL audience is starting to recognize how valuable Frazier has become at such an early stage in his career.
ESPN’s Benjamin Solak highlighted a breakout candidate for each team entering the 2026 season, and he named Frazier for Pittsburgh. Solak noted, “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.” He added that, among all the players on his list, Frazier would be his bet to eventually become the best player at his position in the NFL.
Many Steelers fans bristled at Solak’s pick, arguing that Frazier has already broken out. In response to the online reaction, Solak reaffirmed his view in a reply on X, expressing confidence that Frazier has a real shot to become the league’s premier center. Solak’s point stands: breakout status does not look the same for every player, and Frazier’s trajectory embodies that idea. He has already established himself as a building block of the Steelers’ offense, yet he possesses the talent and potential to ascend to the very top of his position.
We want to hear your take. Share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest Steelers news, breakdowns, and more. In other Steelers news, Carolina Panthers veteran slams the Steelers as “uninteresting” in 2026 predictions, former Steelers corners Darius Slay and Ike Taylor trade barbs, and questions linger about how the Steelers will capitalize on a significant schedule advantage. Additionally, discussions continue about Cam Heyward’s ranking, with some suggesting he was unfairly left off top 10 defensive tackles lists, and a former Steelers safety offered critiques of Teryl Austin in a bid for better SEO.