Ben Solak Predicts a Breakout 2026 Season for a Steelers 24-Year-Old Center
ESPN analyst Ben Solak released his list of breakout candidates for the 2026 season for all 32 NFL teams. His choice for the Steelers is center Zach Frazier. Solak stated, “Film heads love Frazier, who might simply be the best offensive lineman still on a rookie contract. NFL Next Gen Stats had Frazier with a 2.7% QB pressure rate surrendered last season, the single best mark of any offensive lineman with at least 300 snaps.” The West Virginia University alumnus is signed through the 2027 season.
Still Curtain’s Richard Louis reported that Frazier was the Steelers’ highest-graded offensive lineman in 2024 and 2025 in Pro Football Focus rankings. PFF gave Frazier a 73.5 overall grade last season. This ranks him in eighth place among qualified centers. He received a 74.7 pass blocking grade and a 71.6 run blocking grade. According to Steelers Now, Frazier played 1,026 regular-season snaps, allowing only 11 total pressures and one sack.
Solak noted, “Frazier’s run blocking is just as impressive as his pass blocking. With the heavy anchor and core strength of a dominant supersized guard, as well as the quick feet and sharp angles of an undersized center, Frazier unlocks the full menu of run concepts for Pittsburgh. Per ESPN’s numbers, the Steelers ran the common run concepts, outside zone, inside zone, duo, power, etc., at league-average rates.” Solak boldly predicted, “Of all the players on this list, Frazier would be my bet to eventually become the best player at his position in the NFL.”
Solak isn’t the only person who believes that Frazier is one of the top centers in the NFL. During the June 23rd episode of the Deebo & Joe podcast, former Steelers Joe Haden and James Harrison talked about how the 24-year-old is among the best players at his position. Harrison said, “You’ve got to be the one in the league. I mean, he’s close to it. I would put him in, you know, the top three to five or whatever that may be, and he’s close to it.”
2026 marks Frazier’s third season with the team. The Steelers selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Frazier was named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team. He received the Joe Greene Great Performance Award in 2024. Even though he’s only entering his third NFL season, the 24-year-old has already established himself as a key member of the Steelers’ offensive line.
