​As ESPN continues its series ranking the top NFL players as rated by league executives and coaches, they now shift their focus to the interior offensive line. In this installment, ESPN combines guards and centers into a single category, a choice that may not fully reflect the distinct value and skill sets of centers across the league. Among the centers in the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers standout Zach Frazier found himself in a tough position: despite the category broadening the field, he did not land a spot on ESPN’s list of three true centers. While Creed Humphrey, Tyler Linderbaum, and Aaron Brewer earned inclusion, Frazier was left on the periphery, mentioned only as part of a group of linemen who also received votes.
Frazier is a second-round pick for the Steelers in the 2024 NFL Draft, selected out of West Virginia. He quickly made his presence felt, starting 15 games as a rookie and then starting 16 games in his sophomore season. Through his early NFL years, Frazier has established himself as one of the premier interior linemen in the AFC, carving out a reputation for his consistency, intelligence, and leadership along the line. His ascent has been notable given that he is not yet a household name nationwide, but those inside the league have watched him grow into a player with the potential to become a top breakout star in the NFL by 2026.
Frazier’s trajectory with the Steelers underscores a broader trend of evaluating centers and guards in tandem, even as the unique responsibilities of the center position often demand a distinct spotlight. The center’s duties—pre-snap reads, calling protections, snapping the ball on every play, and coordinating the line’s adjustments—require a combination of football IQ and technical precision that can set a team’s entire offense in motion. When a center like Frazier demonstrates reliability in these areas, he becomes a critical asset, even if that value isn’t fully captured by every ranking or award list.
In 2024, Frazier’s draft position and immediate impact provided the Steelers with a solid foundation at the interior line. His ability to handle rapid-fire reads, anchor against powerful interior rushes, and maintain communication with the quarterback and the rest of the line has been repeatedly highlighted by coaches and evaluators who have watched his development up close. The Steelers’ coaching staff has emphasized that his quick learning curve and execution under pressure translate to fewer mental errors and better line communication, both of which contribute to smoother run schemes and more effective pass protection.
As the NFL looks ahead to 2026, Frazier is positioned as a notable candidate for a breakout year. Several factors contribute to this outlook: continued improvement in physical strength and technique, greater comfort with complex protections, and an expanded role within Pittsburgh’s offense as the team schemes to maximize his talents. If he continues on this path, Frazier could project as a foundational piece for the Steelers’ interior line for years to come, reinforcing both the run game and the pass protection with his developing command of the offense.
The broader discussion around rankings and the inclusion—or exclusion—of players like Frazier often sparks debate about the methodology behind such lists. ESPN’s decision to group guards and centers together can be seen as a way to simplify evaluation for readers, but it also risks masking the separate skill sets and contributions of individual centers who may excel in areas such as center-specific snapping accuracy, cadence control, and the ability to diagnose and stymie defensive schemes in ways that guards do not. In that light, Frazier’s omission from ESPN’s list of top centers might reflect the method, rather than a true assessment of his value or potential.
Nevertheless, Frazier’s early NFL career has already earned him respect from those who study the league closely. His steady production, reliability, and growth trajectory indicate that he belongs in discussions about the league’s best interior linemen. The Steelers’ offense has benefited from his presence, and as he enters what many expect to be a breakout period, Frazier has the opportunity to further solidify his status as one of the premier centers in the AFC and, potentially, across the league. Whether recognized by every ranking panel or not, his on-field impact is increasingly difficult to overlook as he continues to develop and refine his craft. This article is based on reporting originally published by Steelers Wire.