Steelers rookie center could be on verge of starting

Everything is pointing to Zach Frazier moving up the Steelers' depth chart. While many expected Frazier to be the Steelers' center of the future when Pittsburgh drafted him in the second round, the future could very well be the present for the West Virginia Mountaineer product. 

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin even alluded to giving Frazier an increased opportunity in the team's next preseason game while talking to reporters after his team's first practice since losing to the Houston Texans in the preseason opener. 

"He's one of the guys I'm talking about. He was in the stadium on Friday. He's got that in-stadium exposure. So it's reasonable to expect him to be significantly better," Tomlin said to Yardbarker about what he expects from Frazier coming off gaining valuable in-game experience. 

"Next week we are going to position him (Frazier) to do so with an increased workload," Tomlin added. 

Frazier took snaps with the first-team offense during practice on Sunday. 

Frazier, like any NFL rookie, is still a work in progress, but PFF evaluated him favorably based on his appearance in relief of Nate Herbig, who endured communication issues with quarterback Justin Fields. 

According to PFF, Frazier allowed zero pressures in 19 pass block snaps. They also offered him a grade of 72.2 as a run blocker. 

Beyond those metrics, those around Frazier have continually emphasized their belief that he embodies what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, most notably the hard-working demeanor that a coach like Tomlin appreciates.  

Recently, WVU head coach Neal Brown made it a point to express his gratitude to Frazier as an all-time great Mountaineer. Brown mentioned Frazier as a big reason for the change in culture around the West Virginia program.

"He’ll be the Steelers center of the future. He really changed our program just on how he worked," Brown said about Frazier. 

And for Frazier, a chance to join the long lineage of great offensive lineman is a dream scenario. 

"I know how much O-line means to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their long tradition there of having great offensive linemen and great offensive lines, so it’s special," Frazier said about being drafted by the Steelers in April.

Barring some unexpected setback, it wouldn't be a surprise if you see Frazier start when the Steelers take on the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.