Welcome to the Steel Curtain Network’s coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft.

I have been giving the distinction of trying to apply an initial letter grade for each of the Steelers selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. I must acknowledge that I have been doing this portion of our draft coverage for years, and I take the responsibility very seriously.

Every grade given is determined by perceived draft value based on pre-draft projections, and projected scheme fit with the Steelers. I take a consensus of all available evaluations into consideration as I formulate my draft board. Hopefully everyone enjoys the final product, because it really is a labor of love.

With all that being said, let’s get this party started.

With the 51st pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected WVU C Zach Frazier.

Sometimes dreams really do come true. In the first round, the Steelers allowed the draft board to fall to them and they still ended up with their preferred target at a huge area of need in Troy Fautanu. Fautanu is a life-long Steelers fan, so I am sure being drafted to the Steel City is a dream come true.

It was more of the same for the Steelers in the second round. Khan and company decided that the best course of action was to stay the course and keep the faith. Khan has the nerves of a riverboat gambler. Sadly, I do not. I was on the verge of a panic attack as I not-so-patiently waited for the Steelers pick to roll around. Everyone who was watching our SCN livestream already knows I released a primal scream of shear joy once Zach Frazier’s selection was announced.

Finally the multi-year nightmare is over. The Steelers no longer have an extremely weakness smack dab in the middle of their offensive line. Zach Frazier was the best plug and play center in this class in my opinion, by a large margin. I no longer have to hold back my honest admiration for both the player and the individual because he is officially a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Frazier is a consummate winner. Frazier was a 4 time state heavyweight wrestling champion in high school, and a two time champion in football. Collegiate Academic All American at WVU. Four year starter, with 3 of those years at center. Proportional athlete, with solid mobility and excellent strength. Multi-year award recipient for his dedication in the weight room and on the practice field. Intelligence, integrity, and intensity is off the charts. Frazier is renowned for his work ethic and character. Frazier also happens to be a husband and a father. Once Frazier recognizes a potential weakness, he works tirelessly to rectify the situation.

As I have been mentioning throughout the pre-draft process, I truly believe that Frazier was predestined to be the Steelers next legacy center. The journey officially begins tonight.

That brings us to the grading portion of this article. Based on the parameters listed at the beginning of this article, I give Zach Frazier’s second round selection an initial draft grade of A+.

As I mentioned earlier in this article, I had a late first, early second round grade on Frazier. Once again, the Steelers get excellent value by doing absolutely nothing but letting the draft come to them. I should add that the Steelers have selected the perfect fit both times. Khan and company deserve recognition for that accomplishment.

I want to welcome Zach Frazier to the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise. Looking forward to watching you repping the black and gold.