The Pittsburgh Steelers need a center in the worst kind of way. Mason Cole can no longer be the guy if Kenny Pickett is expected to feel comfortable in the pocket and not panic at the first sign of a breakdown.
Other than referencing our favorite analytics site, Pro Football Focus, it’s tough to quantify an offensive lineman’s production. Cole’s overall offensive grade in 2023 was 55 (for comparison, PFF considers an average grade as 70-79.9), which breaks down as 63.8 in run blocking and 32.8 in pass blocking. He allowed 42 QB pressures (hits, hurries, sacks) and was beaten by defenders 27 times, including four in the wild card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
That’s where West Virginia’s Zach Frazier comes in, according to the latest mock draft by ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller.
“He fits perfectly the mentality the Steelers want on their offensive line,” Miller told Steelers Wire. “He’s incredibly tough and physical with the agility to play at the second level. I think with the new offensive coordinator coming in, there’s going to be a lot more RPOs and a lot more inside run, and Frazier fits that perfectly.”
The four-time high school heavyweight wrestling state champion didn’t allow any sacks his senior season and received a 99.0 pass block efficiency grade from PFF.
A Nov. 25 leg injury caused Frazier to miss the Senior Bowl, though, according to Miller, he was trying to go but was advised against it. It’s unknown how much he’ll do at next week’s NFL Combine, but he’ll be healthy and ready to go for his rookie season — which could be in the black and gold.
