Steelers rookie has been 'as advertised' with starting job locked up

On Tuesday, the Steelers placed veteran offensive lineman Nate Herbig on the reserve/injured list, all but ending his 2024 season.

Luckily for Pittsburgh, it landed a highly experienced center in Zach Frazier with its second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and it's safe to say he's lived up to expectations thus far.

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

Smith isn't the only one who's been impressed with Frazier's play. Head coach Mike Tomlin had a similar response when asked about the rookie, too.

"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."

It was an unfortunate way for Frazier to earn the starting job, but he said he wouldn't be nearly as prepared to take over if it weren't for Herbig's help.

"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."

Frazier also has a ton of collegiate snaps under his belt, which will help, but he isn't underestimating the transition to the NFL.

"I definitely played a lot of football, and that helps, but then again, college isn't the NFL. The reps that I've gotten in OTAs, the reps I've gotten in camp have really helped me out a lot," Frazier stated . "Being an offensive lineman in general, the more reps you get, I feel like that's really how you learn."

The Steelers drafted Frazier with the hope that he will be their franchise center for the next decade, but they have typically eased rookies into the starting lineup.

Last season, offensive tackle Broderick Jones didn't get his first start until Week 5. Pittsburgh doesn't have that luxury this time around, however, and it was never Frazier's intent to ride the bench for too long, anyway.

"That's always been my goal. I didn't want to be a backup. I was gonna shoot to earn that starting job," Frazier added . "That's just my mentality. I always want to be on the field and earn it if I can."

He'll have another opportunity to prove he's the right man for the job on Saturday when the Steelers travel to Detroit to take on the Lions in their final preseason game. He's looking to only build upon his first two games during which he showed a lot of promise.

"Definitely had some good plays and some plays I want back," Frazier finished . "I'm always going to be hard on myself. Overall, I think they were pretty solid, but I'm my biggest critic. I want to strive to be the best that I can be."

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.