Sometimes — not often, perhaps, but sometimes — every piece falls into place and, suddenly, the best-case scenario comes to fruition.
Welcome to Zach Frazier’s world.
The former West Virginia University All-American hoped to be selected during the first few rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. And he was. Frazier was drafted in the second round Friday with the No. 51 overall pick.
The Fairmont, West Virginia, native hoped to be picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are located only about 100 miles from his hometown.
The 6-foot-3, 313-pound Frazier was a born center with his squatty physique and prep wrestling background, which saw him become a four-time state champion who lost only two matches in his prep career.
If anyone ever was born to be a center and play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was Zach Frazier.
Yes, everything fell into place.
Frazier has a lot of “aw, shucks†in him during interviews. He’s simply that down-to-earth. During most interviews, Frazier never could stop smiling.
He’s that upbeat.
He’s that good-natured.
That’s why everybody is so happy for Frazier. I mean, it wasn’t exactly a well-kept secret that Frazier had his fingers crossed, hoping to be drafted by the Steelers. Sometimes everything simply finds a way to fall into place.
This was one of those once-in-a-lifetime occasions.
“Zach Frazier is a classic, do-everything center with the ideal squatty frame to get up and under interior defensive lineman,†CBS Sports wrote. “Because he’s an older prospect, he may not have immense upside, but this is a Day 1 starter who will be a quality pro at center.â€
If anyone is waiting for somebody to utter some disparaging words about Frazier, they’re in for a long wait. That’s because Frazier is as well-liked as he is well-equipped to be a huge success for the Steelers.
Yahoo Sports graded the selection of Frazier as an “A,†saying the Steelers continue their “major youth movement up front.â€
Meanwhile, the Bleacher Report went one better and gave Frazier an “A+†because Pittsburgh “hit two home runs in the first two rounds.â€
Not to be outdone, USA Today gave Frazier’s selection an “A-.â€
And what is Frazier’s analysis of himself?
“They’re getting a hard worker who is going to give everything he has to the organization to win football games,†he told KDKA in Pittsburgh. “I couldn’t be more excited.â€
And guess what?
Sometimes — not often, perhaps, but sometimes — dreams actually do come true.
Just ask Zach Frazier.
