MORGANTOWN, WV – Moments ago, former WVU Center Zach Frazier heard his name called during the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Fairmont, West Virginia native will be taking his talents to Pittsburgh to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers! Frazier was selected in the 2nd round and #51 overall in the draft.
Frazier, a 6’3 313 pound center, finished his decorated Mountaineer career with two All-American selections, three All-Big 12 selections, and 46 starts in 47 career games.
According to NFL.com, “Frazier has a sawed-off frame with short arms and terrific power once he gets locked in. Frazier’s lack of ideal arm length will be a problem for some evaluators and could cause him problems on the next level. Frazier has bulldozer drive strength in his lower half but allows his hands to do too much grabbing and hugging at times. He has quick eyes and a firm punch in pass protection, but because of his lack of length and recovery ability, he’s going to have issues if he’s forced to protect on an island. Frazier has the potential to be a good backup or eventual starter, but he needs to play with consistent inside hands and must stay tight to his targets in order to mitigate his physical deficiencies.”
Many experts believe that Frazier could make an immediate impact in the NFL. Trevor Sikkema of PFF College Football said “Frazier’s background and build give him a high floor as a scheme-versatile center who is worthy of an early Day 2 pick and a starting role.”
Zach Frazier is a plug-and-play day one starter💪 pic.twitter.com/EPGCu8E7Os
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 26, 2024
Strengths (according to NFL.com)
- Wide, squared-off frame with muscular arms and exceptional core strength.
- Jolting upper-body power helps widen run lanes with down/secure blocks.
- Drives opposition into the ground with every opportunity he gets.
- Uses darting eyes and plus instincts to locate pressure points around him.
- Squeezes down toward A-gap blitzers with forceful positioning.
- Punches with good placement and above-average grip strength.
Watch #54 finish the block through the end zone…Stud!!
Ultimate competitor that played with a relentless motor, relentless effort, a ‘will’ to win & DOMINATE that was unmatched! Definitely a Day 1 Starter!💪#OLBrotherhood pic.twitter.com/CIT9n8wfr7— Chad Scott (@CoachChadScott) April 26, 2024
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
