The Pittsburgh Steelers have had arguably the best 2024 draft. The Steelers had a total of 7 picks in this year’s draft. They are acquiring three offensive linemen, one wide receiver, one linebacker, one defensive back, and one defensive lineman. So, let us look at all these picks and see what the Steelers have in store for these young stars.
ZACH FRAIZER (C) B+
Fraizer was graded by most as the 2nd best center in this year’s draft. Fraizer was an All-State wrestler and a 3-star prospect coming out of high school. Fraizer would attend West Virginia, where he would be a starter for all four years of his career at West Virginia. Like Fautanu, Fraizer first started as a left guard, but soon transitioned back to center for his sophomore year. Fraizer would continue to start at center for West Virginia for the remainder of his college career. He would be named to the First Team All-Big 12 conference in 2022 and 2023. Fraizer was regarded as a top-tier interior lineman by most analysts and was projected to be drafted in the 1st to 3rd round. The Steelers were heavily pursuing a center in the 2024 draft after they released veteran Mason Cole. The Steelers would make a smart decision by selecting Zach Fraizer, 51st overall.
THE GOOD:
The Steelers could fill a void that has been empty for quite some time now. After Marquise Pouncey’s retirement, the Steelers have yet to have a solidified starter at center. Sure, Mason Cole played well in 2022 but did not show any long-term traits. So, picking up someone like Fraizer, who has the experience to go in and be the team’s starter in week 1, is extremely nice to have. Fraizer’s strength is his pass-blocking ability, which was a liability with Mason Cole.
THE BAD:
Now, Zach Fraizer was a great pick in the 2nd round. However, the Steelers could have gotten someone like Sedrick Van Pran for a lot less and still be a starter. No discredit to Fraizer, but if he does not turn into the next Alex Mack or someone to that level, many will look at this pick as a bust. As it was stated before, Zach Fraizer’s strength is pass-blocking. But unlike Troy Fautanu, Frazier lacks in the run game. With his limited arm length, it is hard for Fraizer to block in the second level.