Breaking news.

I have a secret to share with the knowledgeable SCN community:

It’s impossible to separate personal preferences and opinions from prospect evaluations.

I finally let the monkey out of the bag. I feel a refreshing sense of relief. Like a burden has been lifted. The truth really does set you free.

Obviously my tongue in cheek observation is intended to be humorous, but sadly also needed for the completely clueless and uninformed. I will try to explain that statement.

Unlimited internet access to all things football related has left some fans with delusions of grandeur. Don’t believe me, just have a random discussion with basically anybody you see wearing Steelers gear in public during the offseason. Basically every committed franchise follower claims to be a connoisseur of film study. It usually only takes a couple minutes of conversation to quickly realize they may watch film, but they have no idea what they are looking at.

I am not trying to be critical, only honest. I could watch live streams of brain surgeries all day, and still not learn anything. Because I would have no idea what I was looking at. Sadly, that is the situation with the vast majority of Steelers fans who passionately confess their dedication to film study.

That leads me to player evaluations. Film study is absolutely required for accurate player evaluation. However, the process must be done objectively. That’s where human frailty enters the equation. In certain circumstances, we are all guilty of seeing what we want to see. Picking and choosing certain plays or sequences that support our narrative, and conveniently ignoring those that don’t. This oftentimes leads to inaccurate conclusions.

One example of this inevitable truth occurred just recently in a well-intended article at our old stomping grounds. The article focused on the center prospects in the rapidly approaching 2024 NFL Draft, specifically my personal favorite Zach Frazier.

The article determined that Frazier was indeed a favorable target for the center needy Steelers. However, the author of the article obviously preferred another draft candidate at the position; Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson. I have no problem with their opinion or concensus. I am a huge fan of Powers-Johnson, and I will be delighted if he somehow falls to the Steelers. However, one important piece of information given to generate their conclusion was completely inaccurate.

The article was almost completely complimentary of Frazier’s abilities and intangibles, except for one glaring weakness. The author mentioned Frazier’s shorter wingspan as a potential weakness or concern at the NFL level. To the casual observers, this information was received as gospel. However, it’s also totally inaccurate.

Frazier’s arm length measured in at 32-1/2″, which just so happens to be exactly the same as Powers-Johnson. That makes sense, seeing how their other measurements are eerily similar also. Powers-Johnson is slightly heavier, but Frazier’s has substantially larger hands. For what it’s worth, Frazier has an underrated edge in experience as a four year starter for the WV Mountaineers, while Powers-Johnson was more of a one year wonder at Oregon.

Arm length is an often overrated measurement for interior offensive linemen. It is a far more valuable attribute for offensive tackles than it is for the center position. My third highest draft prospect at the position is Georgia C Sedrick Van Pran. He is another solid prospect with impressive athleticism, length, and championship experience. Van Pran has superior height for the position, standing over 6’4″. However, his arm length measured in under 32″.

I fully expect Van Pran to be a solid professional, in spite of this perceived deficiency. For comparison, Duke IL Graham Barton is widely considered the most versatile interior lineman in this draft class. Barton measured in a tad over 6’5″, but his arm length is 32′-7/8″, only slightly longer than the aforementioned Powers-Johnson and Frazier. I said all that to say this: a player’s 40 time isn’t the only measurable that can be misconstrued and overrated.

I wholeheartedly believe that all of the prospects mentioned in this article are capable of being solid professionals. However their NFL success won’t come down to an inch here or a tenth of a second there. It will assuredly be the direct result of their intestinal fortitude, competitiveness, intelligence, and work ethic.

It is my personal assessment that these intangibles make Zach Frazier the best prospect to be the Steelers next legacy center. Although I am trying to make my evaluation as objectively as possible, I realize that is an impossible endeavor.

Zach Frazier is the real deal, and is definitely on the Steelers radar. Trust me. But if you still have doubts, just watch the film. 😉