Steelers High on WVU Zach Frazier

[Jooser]

It's that time of the year again, I guess this is Jooser's Homer draft pick this year. Good write up below....

https://steelersnow.com/pittsburgh-steelers-absolutely-love-star-west-virginia-center/

[Oviedo]

He sems to be a leading contender in Round 2

[hawaiiansteel]

[Joel Buchsbaum]

It's that time of the year again, I guess this is Jooser's Homer draft pick this year. Good write up below....

https://steelersnow.com/pittsburgh-s...rginia-center/

I like his play , and skills too. Efforts is undervalued in the play of a center. This man goes hard on virtually every play and he plays with physicality and smarts. Some agility to which is needed for 2nd level blocks. Let see how he works out at the combine / pro days. But right now I like him in round two or three. I like a few players.

[NorthCoast]

Should have found a better picture. Two knee braces doesn't instill confidence for me.

[Jooser]

Zach has been a solid performer the past couple of years. The knee braces don't bother me. Most of these linemen where them prophylacticly.

[Ghost]

Should have found a better picture. Two knee braces doesn't instill confidence for me.

Every lineman proactively wears braces. Starts in high school. Google offensive line for any college team and they will all be braced up.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

This is good... because I keep seeing that JPJ will likely be gone before their selection in the second round - was going to revise my mock soon.

[NorthCoast]

Zach has been a solid performer the past couple of years. The knee braces don't bother me. Most of these linemen where them prophylacticly.

Did not know that. Thanks for the info...

[hawaiiansteel]

I want the Steelers to either draft Frazier or this guy:

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jackson Powers-Johnson

by Charlie Campbell

Jackson Powers-Johnson, 6-3/334

Center
Oregon
Jackson Powers-Johnson Scouting Report

Strengths:

Strong interior blocker
Packs a punch off the ball
Power run blocker
Tough
Physical
Reliable pass protector
Sustains blocks well
Upper body strength
Effective as a puller
Good enough athlete
Snaps the ball well
Plug-and-play starter potential
Could also start at guard
Upside to improve

Weaknesses:

Athleticism comes unglued in space
Defenders dodge him in space
Stiff change of direction in space
Could stand to improve blocking in space

Prospect Summary:

It took some time with an odd journey, but eventually Powers-Johnson turned himself into an impactful player for Oregon. Powers-Johnson was a backup in 2021 who played on the defensive line in an emergency role to close out that season. He was back to being a backup offense lineman in 2022, but took over as the starting center in 2023 and had a superb season for the Ducks. Powers-Johnson was a reliable center in pass protection for Bo Nix and opened holes in the ground game. After the season, Powers-Johnson had a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

In pass protection, Powers-Johnson is a steady interior blocker who gets the job done. He executes double teams well with a guard and uses his powerful upper body to sustain blocks well. Powers-Johnson has a strong anchor where he can sink his weight and stop bull rushes from collapsing the pocket. In tight areas, Powers-Johnson is difficult to get by because he is quick to engage and hold onto blockers. For the next level, Powers-Johnson should be a steady and consistent pass protector.

As a run blocker, Powers-Johnson really excels at the point of attack. He is a strong and heavy center who packs a real punch off the ball. Powers-Johnson has the strength to help generate movement and push defenders backward. Powers-Johnson plays with an aggressive demeanor and is physical. If he is moving with guards alongside him, Powers-Johnson is capable of moving to the side on zone runs.

Team sources have said Powers-Johnson is a decent-enough athlete to be a starter, but his athleticism can come unglued in space when he doesn?t have guards running next to him. Powers-Johnson is a heavy center, so it is not shocking that he has some issues with change of direction. In space, Johnson-Powers can lumber somewhat and defenders are able to dodge him. Improving his ability to hit blocks in space could be the biggest point of improvement for Powers-Johnson entering the NFL.

Teams like Powers-Johnson versatility to start at guard or center at the next level. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Powers-Johnson could be a first- or second-round pick.

Prospect Comparison:

Travis Fredrick. Powers-Johnson is reminiscent of Fredrick coming out of Wisconsin. In college, both were strong, tough, physical and well-rounded blockers. Fredrick was a late first-round pick in 2013, while Powers-Johnson could be a first- or second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Powers-Johnson could potentially be a similar blocker to what Frederick was during his career with the Cowboys.

https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2024jpowersjohnson.php

[Oviedo]

This would be a good selection

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I'd like to see the Steelers address C early, but the hype on Powers Johnson has some sites taking him off the board before the Steelers' first round pick. As much as I'd love him, I don't know if I can see the team trading up in the first for him. Frazier could also be gone before pick 51 in the second. Looking at FAs, on Sportrac they estimate that a guy like Connor Williams (Miami), who will be 27, would be in the range of 5 years at around $13.5M per. I think that Omar could look to make a reasonable splash with a FA, could he be looking at a center?

[Oviedo]

I'd like to see the Steelers address C early, but the hype on Powers Johnson has some sites taking him off the board before the Steelers' first round pick. As much as I'd love him, I don't know if I can see the team trading up in the first for him. Frazier could also be gone before pick 51 in the second. Looking at FAs, on Sportrac they estimate that a guy like Connor Williams (Miami), who will be 27, would be in the range of 5 years at around $13.5M per. I think that Omar could look to make a reasonable splash with a FA, could he be looking at a center?

I think Weidl is the loudest voice in the room as far as building in the trenches. That seems to be his talent as he demonstrated in Philly.

I'm not sure I would use a Round 1 pick for a Center though

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I think Weidl is the loudest voice in the room as far as building in the trenches. That seems to be his talent as he demonstrated in Philly.

I'm not sure I would use a Round 1 pick for a Center though

Agreed on Weidl, and I don't think the fans give him the credit he deserves. If the Steelers have a draft similar to last year's, then I think the team has to make a move to promote him - which would really just maintain the same structure but give him a new title and more money.

As far as no C in the first, I agree in principle but there are always exceptions to those rules. If they do draft JPJ in the first, I trust that Weidl also feels the same but decided this guy is worth the pick. I'll trust his judgment until I lose faith in it - the way I did with Colbert the last 5 or so years.

[WindyCitySteel]

I think Weidl is the loudest voice in the room as far as building in the trenches. That seems to be his talent as he demonstrated in Philly.

And you think they're keeping Dan Moore? Lolz.