A.Q. Shipley Names Zach Frazier Top NFL Center

The former league veteran identifies the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie as the best current center in the NFL.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football

A.Q. Shipley Names Zach Frazier Top NFL Center

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Former NFL center A.Q. Shipley has declared Zach Frazier the league's top center following a strong performance by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are currently riding a three-game winning streak.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the rapid development of the Steelers offensive line, which has become a key driver for the team's recent success.

A.Q. Shipley ranked the Steelers offensive line fifth in the NFL, noting their effectiveness in recent games. Running back Jaylen Warren recently recorded a 29-yard run against the Saints, underscoring the unit's blocking success.

The players

A.Q. Shipley

A former professional NFL center who now works as a football analyst.

Zach Frazier

The current Pittsburgh Steelers center who played collegiate football for West Virginia.

Jaylen Warren

A running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is a key beneficiary of the team's improved offensive line blocking.

The Pat McAfee Show

A popular sports talk program hosted by former NFL punter Pat McAfee.

The details

Zach Frazier has taken a central role in managing communication for the Pittsburgh offensive line. The group has found success using duo blocking schemes to open consistent running lanes for teammates.

Week 3 of 2026 marked the period when the offensive line began playing at an elite level.
October 28, 2026, was when A.Q. Shipley provided his commentary on The Pat McAfee Show.

Season Trajectory

This recognition signals a major shift in the competitive balance for the Steelers as they move into the middle of the season. By establishing an elite offensive line, the team improves its standing in the playoff picture and shifts the narrative for their upcoming opponents.

The improved performance of the offensive line suggests higher yardage output for running backs in upcoming matchups. Fantasy football managers should adjust their expectations for the Pittsburgh backfield given the team's successful implementation of duo blocking.

The takeaway

Reliable offensive line play is the foundational element that allows a team to sustain a winning streak during the middle of the season. Fans looking to analyze game quality should watch how centers manage blocking schemes during high-leverage downs.