2024 Bears Draft Target: Zach Frazier |
Despite Ryan Poles continuing to invest in overall depth, especially for the offensive line, the Bears may not be done adding depth, as that is the one position you can never have enough help with. While some expect the Bears to target an offensive lineman with their second pick in the first round, other options, including offensive lineman Zach Frazier, could be available in rounds two or three.
Frazier is one of the most technically sound linemen in this year's class and is about as versatile as they come, which is something the Bears like. He has some of the best lateral quickness in the game and a tremendous football IQ, making it easier for him to learn the playbook. Throw in 37 consecutive starts for the West Virginia Mountaineers, and Frazier is the definition of durable and consistent, which the Bears offensive line lacked the past few seasons. At 6-3, 310 pounds, Frazier is good size for the line, which is why he can play all five spots. He has the size and strength to play the tackle and guard positions while also having the quickness to play center. Frazier had a decorated career with West Virginia, where he earned All-American Honors twice and All Big-12 Honors three times. Not to mention he was a three-time captain for the Mountaineers, and you can see how much his team valued him as a player and person. As mentioned, Frazier was very durable. He finished his career with 37 consecutive starts but made 47 career starts. During those starts, he allowed four sacks, which is something the Bears offensive line needs to improve at. Frazier really showcased the type of player he can be during the 2023 season. He recorded 58 pancake blocks, which ranked in the top 15 in the nation. Going a bit farther than that, he didn't allow a single sack last season, which not many offensive linemen in this year's class can say. As mentioned, one of the things that stands out about Frazier is his unbelievable lateral quickness, which allows him to move exceptionally well across the line. For a team like the Bears that uses a zone-blocking scheme, Frazier would come in handy as he can mold himself into a reliable blocker at any position. His high football IQ is crucial, as he doesn't make the mental mistakes that can kill a team's momentum and does what he needs to do to keep drives alive. He is also an anchor when it comes to pass protection, and now that Justin Fields has been traded, you can bet the Bears are going to look for better pass blocking options to keep Caleb Williams up right this season. When you look at all his strengths, it is hard to identify some weaknesses, but one of them would be to add more strength. Sure, Frazier is a decent size, but he could put on a few more pounds, as power rushers tend to give him a bit more trouble. He will face a lot of that during the season, so expect him to focus on that this offseason. Although he is a terrific blocker in both the run and pass, Frazier could do a better job finishing off his blocks or at least getting them into the second level. When he does try to extend the block, he tends to overextend in the open space, which sometimes gets the better of him when trying to block players. The recent moves Poles has made make adding Frazier less of a need than it was before, but it could still be a need. Yes, the Bears do appear to have Center help for this season, but they still don't have a long-term plan for the center position. Knowing Frazier's versatility, he could be the Bears' long-term plan at center, which is something to look for if the Bears draft him. New offensive coordinator Shane Waldron knows what he wants this offense to look like and knows the type of players needed to make that offense tick. Frazier would be a step in the right direction to make that offense tick, as he could be compared to Ethan Polic, whom Waldron worked with in Seattle. Frazier has the versatility that Poles loves, has the football IQ that any coach could ever ask for, and is a dream for an offensive coordinator as he is equally good at both pass and run blocking.
