Rookies No More: Daniels Praises Young Teammates for Their Professionalism and Impact

Daniels now finds himself surrounded by rookies, but this season feels very different from 2021 when the team started 1-3.

“I don’t have to do much,” Daniels said. “Troy and Zach are real professionals. They played a lot of football in college. Sure, it’s not the NFL, but their football IQs are high. I don’t even feel like I’m playing between two rookies because of how smart and knowledgeable they are about the game. Sometimes, I’m asking Zach, ‘Who do I block?’ or Troy, ‘What do I do next?’ and they’re helping me out. They’re doing a great job.”

So much for Daniels needing to guide Frazier through his rookie season.

“No, Zach’s great,” Daniels continued. “I appreciate him. He’s always in meetings, trying to learn. He and the other centers come in early, watch film, and put in the work. I’m proud of them, but we still have to keep improving.”

It turns out, Frazier is a perfectionist when it comes to getting better.

“He’s like a machine,” said reserve center Ryan McCollum. “I call him ‘Machine’ because he’s always doing the right things, always working on his body like an eight-year vet, even though he’s a rookie. He’s constantly improving. He’s a total football guy—always focused, always striving to get better.”

Moore also had praise for Frazier’s work ethic and character. “Zach has different sides to him. He’s quiet, but he can also take charge. He’s got great manners—‘Yes, sir; no, sir.’ He listens and loves the game. That’s key, especially with how college guys come into the NFL nowadays. Some get paid and lose focus, or act like prima donnas. But Zach kept his head down, worked hard, and earned a lot of respect. He’s put in the effort to be where he is now.”

Frazier’s closest teammate on and off the field is Anderson, who stepped in for Seumalo, the line’s top player, during the first month of the season. Anderson agrees with the praise for Frazier and highlighted his incredible strength.

“He’ll just tap you like this,” Anderson said, lightly poking the reporter’s shoulder, “and it’s like Boom! You’re like, ‘Calm down, Zach,’ but he’s ridiculously strong. You see it in his play—he’s been outstanding.”