The Pittsburgh Steelers, for much of the season, exceeded expectations. First, it was quarterback Justin Fields , then Russell Wilson, who unseated him before winning six of his first seven starts. But the offensive line and defense also rose to the occasion as Pittsburgh got off to its exceptionally hot start.
The offensive line in particular has the 2024 rookie class to thank. First-round tackle Troy Fautanu didn’t make an impact, having missed virtually the entire season. But center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick both saw playing time and kept the unit above water.
Joined by linebacker Payton Wilson, the team’s rookie class made plays all season long, taking on starting jobs and largely impressing in the process.
However, insider Gennaro Filice revealed a surprisingly low grade on the Steelers’ rookie class, giving them a modest “B.”
“Some people have issues with Pro Football Focus’ grading system, particularly when it comes to offensive linemen. Fair enough. I think it’s a nice data point,” Filice wrote on NFL.com. “And when it comes to the center position, I can’t imagine anyone scoffing at the site’s top three players in 2024: Creed Humphrey, Frank Ragnow and Tyler Linderbaum. Those are the usual Pro Bowl suspects. But among pivots who played double-digit games this past season, the fourth-highest-graded player might take some by surprise: rookie Zach Frazier.
“While an injury robbed Pittsburgh’s offensive line of first-round pick Troy Fautanu, the unit benefited greatly from the second-round center, who brings the kind of nasty Yinzers revere.”
For reference, Pittsburgh ranked 12th in the NFL and between the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Frazier, as Filice noted, quickly emerged as a legitimate starter. He profiled as such coming out of West Virginia and made good on the expectations, running with the starting job and establishing himself as a key piece of the Steelers’ foundation.
“The O-line also found something in Mason McCormick,” he continued. “Pressed into service by injuries in late September, the fourth-round guard out of South Dakota State ended up as a 14-game starter, largely looking the part, especially as a pass blocker.”
McCormick also saw playing time after injuries struck the offensive line. While he didn’t exactly lock himself into a starting job, he is an option after James Daniels hits free agency. Even being a fringe starter, in the fourth round, in a win.
Naturally, the Steelers are dinged for losing out on Fautanu’s production, but from an optimism standpoint, it’s hard not to feel incredibly encouraged about their future up front.
On the other side of the ball, linebacker Payton Wilson and corner Beanie Bishop Jr. oscillated between role players and starting jobs and were both respectable. Getting that from Bishop, an undrafted free agent is particularly impressive.
Pittsburgh may have earned a higher grade than they were given, but with at least five contributors, the only true failing was third-round rookie Roman Wilson. For a core that’s aging out of its competitive window, the Steelers need production from its draft classes. So far, so good for the 2024 class.
