Rising O-line prospect named 'perfect fit' for Steelers

West Virginia offensive lineman Zach Frazier (OL23)

The Steelers still have a few holes to fill on its roster before the start of the 2024 season, but no need is arguably bigger than the offensive line.

Luckily for them, the 2024 NFL Draft is rich with O-line talent, and West Virginia University play-by-play announcer Tony Caridi believes one rising prospect has a good chance of ending up in Pittsburgh when it’s all said and done.

“I would take 12 Zach Fraziers on my team,” Caridi said. “I think he’d be a perfect fit for the Steelers.”

Of course, Caridi may be a bit biased regarding Frazier since he’s had the opportunity to watch him become West Virginia’s starter at center since the first game of his true freshman season in 2020.

There’s no arguing against Frazier’s talent. The 22-year-old appeared in 47 games for the Mountaineers over a four-year span and was named an All-American and finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy in 2023.

As for the Steelers, Frazier should be on their radar even if they weren’t among the teams to speak with him at the NFL Scouting Combine. They have not added a center to their roster since releasing 2023 starter Mason Cole earlier this offseason.

Pittsburgh may be trying not to show its hand, but head coach Mike Tomlin has struggled if that’s the case.

Per The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, Tomlin said that “after a couple centers in the draft, it will likely not be plug and play.”

Tomlin seems to be referring to Frazier and Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, both of whom are projected to be late first-round or early second-round picks.

That will make things difficult for the Steelers, who own picks No. 20 and 51 in the first two rounds. If Pittsburgh hopes to land Frazier as its next starting center, a trade down in the first or trade up in the second feels very likely.

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