Goodnews: Steelers sign two most informed stars from two different clubs and another undrafted free agent
Upon opting not to select a predicted slot/nickel cornerback with any of their seven draft selections, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed an undrafted free agent believed to be of interest.
Beanie Bishop of West Virginia was one among the five new players the Steelers unveiled in the early hours of Saturday night following the conclusion of the draft. The Steelers welcomed Bishop as an official guest earlier this month. Before being named an All-America player for WVU this past season, he played for Western Kentucky for the first four seasons of his college career, Minnesota in 2022, and Western Kentucky this past season.
In addition to having a team-high four interceptions, the 5-foot-10, 184-pound Bishop topped the country in passes broken up (20) and passes defended (24) per WVU. Bishop was on the first team of the Football Writers Association of America, but he was on the second team of the Associated Press’s All-American roster.
The Steelers have no clear spot or nickel on their roster and did not re-sign Chandon Sullivan or release Patrick Peterson.
John Rhys Plumlee, who spent three years as a wide receiver at Ole Miss before moving on to play quarterback for Central Florida, was one of the other undrafted players signed.
The announcement of signings included running back Daijun Edwards of Georgia, inside linebacker Jacoby Windmon of Michigan State, and outside linebacker Julius Welschof of Charlotte.
Players Welschof and Windmon transferred late in their college careers, but injuries ended their 2023 seasons.
Before moving in 2023, Welschof played for Michigan for five seasons. His season was cut short after four games due to a shoulder injury. Welschof, a 6′ 6″ German native, played in 34 games for Michigan.
Windmon (6-2, 250) only participated in three games of the previous season due to a chest injury. He spent three seasons at UNLV before transferring to Michigan State in 2022.
Though he played special teams and reserve, Edwards participated in all 15 games as Georgia won the College Football Playoff national championship in 2021 and 2022. Edwards (5-10, 207) led the Bulldogs in 2023 with 13 touchdowns with 880 running yards. During his time in college, he scored 24 touchdowns on the ground.
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Center for West Virginia Zach Frazier and the Steelers were meant to be together.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Zach Frazier are a match made in heaven.
The Steelers, who selected the West Virginia graduate with the 51st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, are counting on Frazier to live up to his “bust proof” reputation.
Tony Pauline, an NFL Draft analyst for Sportskeeda, stated, “The team never expected the West Virginia center to last that long, and when he did, it was a no-brainer.”
Fortunately for Tomlin and the Steelers, all the signs point to Pittsburgh having consistency at one of the most crucial positions in football for many years to come.
It will be expected of Frazier to get straight in and probably take over as the starting pitcher. Many speculated that the Steelers were seeking to choose their next great center in the draft after they dismissed Mason Cole in February. That line of reasoning proved to be correct, and the Steelers understood they had to trade for Frazier when the other elite centers were out of the game.
The fact that Frazier’s NFL home is only 70 miles north of Morgantown on Interstate 79 is convenient for him and his family, but the Steelers and the native of Fairmont, West Virginia would be a fantastic fit no matter what.
Frazier gives the Steelers a wise, experienced, and physically fit leader who can help steer a completely redesigned quarterback room. Frazier also has the advantage of fitting anyone to whom he is snapping the ball. Frazier will now provide Tomlin a sense of security because there’s no assurance Justin Fields or Russell Wilson will be on Pittsburgh’s roster at this stage the next season.
During his time in college, Frazier had the opportunity to play alongside three distinct quarterbacks: Jarret Doege, JT Daniels, and most recently, Garrett Greene.
It’s obvious that Frazier is prepared for the challenge and that he is conscious of the expectations placed on him.
When questioned about being the second offensive lineman selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first two rounds of the draft, Frazier responded, “I know how much O-line means to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their long tradition there of having great offensive linemen and great offensive lines, so it’s special.”
Frazier also discussed the difficulty of playing on a young offensive line in Pittsburgh when immediate excellence will be expected.
“I think all you need to do is have faith in the man standing next to you. Making all the calls at the center and ensuring that everyone is in agreement are my priorities. I believe something can only be developed via repetition, and I’m prepared to begin working on it.
“Finding a guy with this caliber of background in the second round is rare,” Arthur Smith, the offensive coordinator for the Steelers, stated. “He’s been a high achiever his whole life.”
Throughout the pre-draft process, Frazier attracted the attention of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who visited and interviewed him at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in addition to meeting him at the 2024 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. To watch Frazier train at the Big 12 pro day in Frisco, Texas, the Steelers dispatched Isaac Williams, their assistant offensive line coach, to observe him.
He did not even test, but he made a good impression on the NFL Combine officials in 2024, measuring 6-foot-2 1/2, 313 pounds, with 32 1/4-inch arms and 10 7/8-inch hands. Out of ten, his Relative Athletic Score is 7.66. A broken leg he sustained late in the West Virginia season prevented Frazier from participating fully in the predraft process.
The Steelers’ varied run scheme is ideal for the big, powerful Frazier, and the offensive line will benefit greatly from his leadership and intelligence. Among the top centers in the nation, he should assist the Steelers in securing their offensive line for the future quarterback.
