Zach Frazier Shockingly Included on List of Candidates for Major NFL Award

It’s universally believed Zach Frazier is having a great rookie season, but could he actually win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year? While it seems wildly unlikely a center would ever have a true shot at winning, it’s already a major compliment to Frazier to even be considered.

Kevin Patra of NFL.com actually included Frazier as one of his top candidates right now.

Below is what Patra said to argue why Frazier deserves consideration. He placed Frazier as his No. 5 candidate.

“I debated putting Malik Nabers, Ladd McConkey, Bucky Irving, Brian Thomas Jr. and others in this spot. Instead, let’s give the beef some love. I know an offensive lineman has zero chance of winning this award, but that doesn’t mean Frazier’s efforts need go unpraised. He has been a stabilizing force for the AFC North-leading Steelers. Stepping into the pivot, Frazier is a plus pass protector and already one of the better run blockers at his position. It’s not a coincidence that Najee Harris has been more productive this season after the Steelers reworked the O-line. In eight games, Frazier has allowed just four pressures, per PFF, the fewest among all centers with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps.”

Part of the issue for a center is it’s difficult for the average person to truly evaluate their performance. There aren’t statistics that common fans know for centers. But by PFF and other metrics, Frazier has been elite all season.

Last week, Frazier returned to the Steelers lineup after missing time with an injury.

And in his return, Frazier enjoyed being part of the Steelers’ 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

Since a center is often an unsung position, running back Najee Harris made sure Frazier knew how much his team was happy to have back on the field.

After punching in a touchdown in the third quarter, Harris immediately handed the ball to Frazier. So instead of celebrating himself, Harris allowed the rookie center to spike the ball and enjoy the moment himself.

Steelers Let Zach Frazier Spike Ball to Celebrate TD During Return

In a recent ESPN poll, Frazier ranked sixth among all NFL rookies. The poll took the opinion of five NFL analysts, including ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid.

While Frazier is still very early in his NFL career, one Steelers legend is already sold on the rookie as the next great Pittsburgh center. Maurkice Pouncey, a man who knows what it’s like to have success as a center for Pittsburgh, praised Frazier recently.

During an appearance on Ben Roethlisberger’s podcast “Footbahlin,” Pouncey was asked what he thinks of Frazier so far.

“I met this kid, and I’ve been watching him play football in West Virginia. I think he’s going to be a solid kid. Man, he’s going to be great. I’ve seen a couple of pancakes,” responded the nine-time Pro Bowler.

Pouncey then added even more and gave his official stamp of approval.

“The game will slow down for him as he grows, but he has all the physical and mental abilities to be a great football player. Omar [Khan] came and had me personally go talk to him, so obviously, the Steelers think highly of him. I’m on board with him, 100%.”

After being drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Frazier moved into the starting role before the season due to an injury to incumbent Nate Herbig.