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 .