Steelers' Zach Frazier Is 'As Advertised!'

Even before the injury to Nate Herbig, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie center Zach Frazier looked to be headed toward winning the starting job. The Steelers second-round draft pick came in ready to go, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith couldn’t brag on him enough.

"I'd say of any rookie, he's probably the most prepped, and we thought that when we drafted him," Smith said. "Since he's been in the building, he's as advertised. It's unfortunate what happened to Nate."

Herbig’s injury is indeed unfortunate, but in the aftermath, the Steelers may win out in this situation. Frazier, thus far, looks like a player who could be in the black and gold for a long time to come. Even coach Mike Tomlin is impressed with the rookie.

"Really, I don't know that any of it has been surprising," Tomlin said. "He is as advertised. He's mature beyond his football years. He's highly competitive, he's got really good leverage."

Nobody likes to see injuries, but they are unfortunately a part of life in the NFL. Frazier is thankful for the help Herbig gave him along the way even if he didn’t have to.

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"I'd never wish that on anyone. I feel really bad for Nate, but he's really helped me out a lot," Frazier said. "Honestly in his position, he didn't have to help me at all. I wouldn't be as far as I am right now without him. So, I'm really thankful for him."

If Frazier solidifies himself as the center of the future, the Steelers could ask Herbig to move to one of the guard positions or trade him next season.