Three rookies will represent West Virginia University in the upcoming NFL season.
Zach Frazier
Frazier was a second round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In ESPN’s unofficial depth chart for the team, Frazier is projected to be the starting center this season. The Steelers have been making their offensive line younger as of recent, with their last two 1st round draft picks being used on right tackle Troy Fautanu and left tackle Broderick Jones.
Look for the young trio to line up together while protecting quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Najee Harris this season. Frazier will wear #54 with Pittsburgh, the same number he wore with the Mountaineers.
Beanie Bishop Jr.
Bishop was an undrafted free agent signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the expectation of being a backup nickel corner back. He was expected to compete for a spot to back up free agent acquisition Cameron Sutton, but Sutton is now facing an eight-game suspension. This puts Bishop in fierce competition with Grayland Arnold and Josiah Scott to earn the starting nickel cornerback job.
The website Ourlads projects Bishop to back up Arnold at the position. If he makes the final roster, Bishop is currently set to wear #30 with the Steelers.
Doug Nester
Nester was an undrafted free agent who was signed by the Minnesota Vikings looking to be a depth piece in their offensive line. Nester brings a unique flexibility on the right side of the offensive line, playing both guard and tackle on that side. He is currenty projected as a third-string guard or tackle, depending on what depth chart you look at. However, his flexibility could earn him a roster spot amongst four other rookies.
If he gets a spot on the 53-man roster Nester is set to wear 72, the same number he wore in Morgantown.
