The Pittsburgh Steelers will be starting a new era at the center position in 2024 and second-round draft pick Zach Frazier is one of the options to grab the starting role.
Frazier is projected to start this season, but he'll have to lock things down at training camp, which Steelers players are set to report for on Wednesday, July 24. His main competition will come from veteran Nate Herbig, who has played guard during his career but has the ability to play center, also.
With that competition being one to keep an eye on for the Steelers, Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer pegs Frazier as one of the biggest rookie sleepers in the NFL on the offensive side of the ball going into training camp. Here are his thoughts:
Frazier needs to take command as Pittsburgh's immediate starter, both in delivering as a smooth all-around blocker and becoming a young leader on a revamped line. His presence is key to the Steelers' run-heavy approach as they settle on a new QB between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
The Steelers have had no shortage of issues at the center position since Maurkice Pouncey retired following the 2020 season. Despite trying multiple players there, Pittsburgh has not found its long-term solution.
The hope is that Frazier will be that guy, but he won't be handed the starting job and will have to earn it instead. It goes without saying it would be a great sign for Frazier's future in the NFL if he can win it right away out of training camp.
