New Steelers Center Zach Frazier Was Only Reason Team Didn't Select WR Roman Wilson 51st Overall

It's pretty clear what the Pittsburgh Steelers' main goal was in the 2024 NFL Draft: fortify the group protecting the quarterback. Selecting three offensive linemen with the team's initial five picks was right out of assistant general manager Andy Weidl's playbook. The organization has two stout running backs, so emphasizing the unit blocking for them was crucial in order relieve some stress from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. While drafting Troy Fautanu could be the best choice of the draft for the franchise, second-rounder Zach Frazier, out of West Virginia, could have something to say about it. He has the tools to become a Pro Bowl center for years.

When Frazier was on the board as the Steelers were on the clock with the 51st overall pick, it seemed like a stress-free pick for fans watching. There was no doubt that Frazier would be the selection after three seasons of mediocrity at the position since Maurkice Pouncey retired. He has big shoes to fill, but there's no doubt that his availability even trumped the essential need for a wide receiver.

Luckily for Pittsburgh, University of Michigan wideout Roman Wilson fell into the third round and all the way down to the 84th overall pick of the draft. It was another predictable choice and it wasn't long before Roman Wilson was headed to the Steel City. In fact, he told Kevin Adams and Jersey Jerry of the Steel Here podcast that if Frazier hadn't been there, he was pretty confident that he would have gone at 51, and not fallen 33 more spots.

"I thought the Steelers were going to get me at 51, but you know, they had a guy they really wanted on their board still in that pick. I don't blame them for taking that guy. I mean, we need a line. That's the heart and soul of every team and I'm just happy I get to be part of a team like that who prides themselves on an o-line first and protecting their quarterback. That's a team I want to be a part of."

It's pretty insane to think that the Steelers stayed put in round one and landed Fautanu, did the same in the second with Frazier as the result, and to make it even more perfect, be patient enough for Roman Wilson to fall to 84. Time will tell if they all blossom into stars, but it sure seems like General Manager Omar Khan and his team hit a home run.

Roman Wilson will fit in nicely with the offensive line as well. He isn't afraid to block downfield on screen passes and designed runs. His comments about the line being the core of a team speaks volumes to his maturity and knowledge about how football games are won. He played for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, which explains his understanding of ground-and-pound football.

Wilson will have a tall task when it comes to the receiving core, however. The Steelers need someone to step up opposite of George Pickens and if a prominent addition doesn't come out of nowhere, Wilson could absolutely be the looked at to step up, despite him being a young rookie. His utter confidence in himself and drive after falling so far in the draft are starting points to dominating at the NFL level.

Steelers Were Right To Pick Up Frazier At 51

This was one of the deepest receiving classes in some time. Whether it was Wilson, or another prospect that fell, Pittsburgh was going to land a prominent wideout. The way it worked out though was even better. Frazier could be looked at as the best natural center in his class, while Wilson was not expected to be anywhere close to pick #84. Khan and co. lucked out once again.

Are you surprised the Steelers were able to land both Frazier and Wilson?