Seahawks draft OL Grey Zabel: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
The Seattle Seahawks added some protection along the offensive line, selecting North Dakota State center Grey Zabel with the No. 18 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Starting 40 of his 62 games at North Dakota State, Zabel started games at both tackle spots and both guard spots. His senior year saw Zabel start all 16 games at left tackle, earning him consensus All-American honors and first-team All-MVFC.
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Despite playing at the FCS level, Zabel has held his own against better talent. After accepting an invitation to the Senior Bowl, Zabel was voted the overall practice player of the week. He also has experience playing alongside NFL talent as part of a North Dakota State offensive line that included Cordell Volson (a 2022 fourth-round pick) and Cody Mauch (a 2023 second-rounder).
In 2024, Zabel was part of a high-volume rushing offense that dominated FCS. North Dakota State finished its season with 3,093 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground, both fourth-most in the FCS. Their 654 rushing attempts were the second most in the FCS.
Zabel ranked No. 32 in Dane Brugler's top 300 big board. Here's what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
'Whether out in space or in confined areas, Zabel shines as a run blocker with his athletic range and grip strength to connect, strain and seal lanes. In pass protection, he can be walked back and surrender depth versus power, but he mirrors well and stays balanced through contact as he refits his hands to grind bull rushes to a halt. Overall, Zabel must prove he can consistently anchor against NFL power, but his light, flexible movements and strong hands keep pass rushers busy and displace defenders in the run game. A college tackle, he projects best inside at either center or guard, where he will compete for immediate starting reps and offer Pro Bowl upside.'
What an anonymous coach had to say about Zabel in Bruce Feldman's mock draft:
'He's a talented, physical kid. I don't think he's quite as good as (Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard) Cody Mauch or (Buffalo Bills tackle) Spencer Brown, but I think he's better than (New Orleans Saints first-round tackle) Trevor Penning. Grey is a really good athlete, but I think Mauch bent better and was more of a mauler.'
.@NDSUfootball @GreyZabel took more 1 on 1 reps at the @seniorbowl than any other OL…and at nearly every position. Seemed like he won every rep #nfldraft #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/7R4XMj1cGo
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) March 2, 2025
Come back later for more analysis of Zabel.
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