Alright, so you know how sometimes a player just *gets it* right away in the NFL? Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier is doing exactly that, and ESPN's Benjamin Solak is out here saying he could actually become the best center in the entire league. That's a bold claim, but when you look at the numbers, you gotta wonder if Solak is just speaking truth.
Immediate Impact and Eye-Popping Stats
Frazier, a former West Virginia Mountaineer, was picked 51st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time making an immediate impact on the Steelers' offense. This dude is not just a body, he's a pivotal piece for their offensive line for years to come. In his sophomore campaign in 2025, Frazier posted the 8th-highest PFF grade among all centers. That's awesome for a second year player, right? But it gets even crazier. Solak, who named Frazier a breakout candidate for 2026, laid it all out: "Film heads love Frazier, who might simply be the best offensive lineman still on a rookie contract." Think about that. The BEST offensive lineman still on a rookie deal. But wait, there's more. NFL Next Gen Stats had Frazier with a ridiculous 2.7 percent QB pressure rate surrendered last season. That's not just good, folks. That's the *single best mark* of any offensive lineman with at least 300 snaps. You heard that right, THE best.Already a Cornerstone, With More To Come
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Solak's prediction that Frazier is a "breakout candidate" for 2026 didn't exactly sit well with Steelers fans. Apparently, a lot of them believe the guy has *already* broken out. And honestly, can you blame them after seeing those numbers? Solak had to jump on X to clarify, reiterating his belief that Frazier has a real shot to become the best player at his position. He even posted, "He has been! I did, however, project that he would be considered the best center in the league like three months after Tyler Linderbaum became the highest paid interior offensive lineman ever. Not every breakout is the same!" Solak's point is solid. Frazier has absolutely established himself as a cornerstone of that Steelers offense. He's already playing at an elite level, but the potential for him to jump to the *absolute top* of his position, to be the undisputed best, is still very much alive. It's clear Frazier is not just a flash in the pan. He's a legitimate force in the trenches, and Solak's prediction, while maybe annoying to some Steelers fans, is a testament to the ceiling this kid has. Keep an eye on Frazier this season. If he continues to build on those incredible 2025 numbers, we could be watching the emergence of the NFL's next truly dominant center. The league has been put on notice.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.