The Pittsburgh Steelers look like one of the most interesting teams in the NFL this season, as they likely feel that some good play from the quarterback position would make them into a dark horse contender in the AFC.
They have veteran Russell Wilson as their presumptive starter, and he is back at practice after missing some time with a calf injury.
The Steelers have a few intriguing young prospects, and one of them, rookie center Zach Frazier, has gotten Wilson’s attention, per Aaron Becker.
“Zach is a young rookie and just seeing his ability to communicate, his ability to be just so hyper-focused, you can tell he’s played a lot of college football games at a high level, and that matters to us,” Wilson said.
#Steelers QB Russell Wilson on rookie center Zach Frazier.
“Zach is a young rookie and just seeing his ability to communicate, his ability to be just so hyper focused, you can tell he’s played a lot of college football games at a high level, and that matters to us.” pic.twitter.com/9C4vaBl21m
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) August 14, 2024
The Steelers’ offensive line was lacking last season — in a recent Pro Football Network ranking, it came in at just No. 22.
Since Wilson is 35 years of age and not quite what he was a few years ago, he will need some very strong protection if he will bounce back and have a solid year.
He played subpar football during the last two seasons as a member of the Denver Broncos, and last year, he set a career-low in yards per pass attempt.
But in Pittsburgh, he will have the type of threat in the passing game he didn’t have in Denver with wide receiver George Pickens on his side, as well as a defense that features pass rusher T.J. Watt and Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
At cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. is coming off a promising rookie year and could be a star in the making, and newcomer Patrick Queen, a rising star himself, will give Pittsburgh a very nice duo of linebackers alongside Watt.
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Mike Greenberg Says Steelers May Have ‘Replaced One Bad QB With Two’