Unpacking Future Packers: No. 40, NDSU OL Grey Zabel

USA Today

21-03-2025

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 40, NDSU OL Grey Zabel
Couldn't have been more impressed with @NDSUfootball OL Grey Zabel in the @seniorbowl 1-on-1s. Here are three good reps from him at three different positions (C, LG, RG)
Strong case for IOL1 in this draft, and a top 50 pick pic.twitter.com/qX2is4UXn6 — Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 28, 2025
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft.
Since 2021, North Dakota State University has had three offensive linemen get selected during the NFL Draft, with two of them being second-round picks.
Grey Zabel is the next Bison offensive lineman who will hear his name called on draft weekend and he could become the first NDSU offensive lineman to get selected in the first round.
The NDSU offensive lineman could be a dark horse candidate to be Green Bay's first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Zabel checks in at No. 40 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A native of South Dakota, Zabel finished his career at NDSU with 17 starts at right tackle, 16 at left tackle, four at left guard and three at right guard. This past season he started all 16 games at left tackle for the FCS Champions.
"Besides his combination of size and athleticism, his versatility is what makes him attractive as a first-rounder," Sam Herder, a senior FCS analyst for Here Sports, said. "He dominated at tackle in college but also showed at the Senior Bowl that he can play guard and even center. He likely will play his best ball on the interior in the NFL, but he could provide valuable reps at tackle if injuries cause an offensive line to shuffle the lineup."
Zabel may be the best-run blocker in the draft. He plays with a bit of a mean streak and is powerful to displace defenders. Zabel keeps his feet moving at contact to drive the defender downfield. He's nimble and shows good range with his athleticism. He shows no restrictions getting out in space and moving laterally or climbing to the second level.
watching NDSU's Grey Zabel today: one of the more efficient movers in this OL class. gonna be an awesome center in the NFL.
this was my first "Oh!" moment with him. LT74 gains ground with his first step, gets his backside leg in the ground upfield and RUNS the DL off the ball. pic.twitter.com/hpJHFKM0O5 — Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) March 6, 2025
"NDSU is a run-first team that runs plenty of power," Herder said. "Run-blocking is what Zabel enjoys doing. He's a great athlete, so his ability to pull is a strength."
Zabel explodes out of his stance and has quick feet to shut down outside rush lanes. He has a flexible lower half and he's coordinated in his movements. Everything from top to bottom stays in sync for the versatile offensive lineman. According to Pro Football Focus, Zabel gave up one sack and 10 pressures this past season, with five of those pressures coming in the National Championship against South Dakota State University.
"Zabel is a very smooth and natural athlete," Herder said. "It was difficult to beat him 1-on-1 in college with speed or power as he'd swallow up any pass-rushing techniques. Put him on the interior with even more pass-blocking support, and he should excel in that area in the NFL."
Fit with the Packers
It's no secret that NFL teams love versatility and Gutekunst loves offensive linemen that can play multiple positions. Since taking over as general manager in 2018, he's drafted 14 offensive linemen.
Elgton Jenkins started games at center, left tackle, left guard, and right tackle during his time at Mississippi State. Jon Runyan started games at left tackle and right tackle during his time at Michigan. Simon Stephaniak started games at both guard spots during his time at Indiana. Royce Newman started games at left guard and right tackle during his time at Ole Miss. Zach Tom started 23 games at left tackle and 14 at center for Wake Forest. During his time at Duke, Jacob Monk started 36 games at right guard, 12 at right tackle and 10 at center. Travis Glover started 35 games at left tackle, 18 at right tackle and four at left guard.
Zabel offers five-position versatility and he checks the boxes for his size, strength and athleticism. Taking him at 23 may be too rich, however, if he's on the board when Day 2 of the draft opens up, don't be shocked if Gutekunst works the phones to try and move up to snag the versatile NDSU offensive lineman.
"NDSU has a long line of successful offensive linemen in the NFL," Herder said. "Its style of play, offensive system, and language have shown it translates well to the NFL. He also isn't locked into one position, so that flexibility makes his value even higher."
There may be no clear path for a starting role for Zabel if he were to land in Green Bay. Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Jenkins, Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom are likely locked into starting roles with Jordan Morgan expected to battle Walker and Rhyan for snaps.
With his versatility, Zabel would provide quality depth across the offensive line during his rookie campaign with an eye on entering the starting five as a sophomore. Tom, Walker and Rhyan are all entering contract years. If the Packers lock up Tom to a long-term deal, they may let Walker and Rhyan walk with Morgan taking over for Walker and Zabel taking over at right guard for Rhyan.
In a world where everybody wants immediate satisfaction, the Packers have shown they are okay with playing the long game. Drafting Zabel would mean Gutekunst is playing chess, not checkers.