In what’s becoming a recent first-round trend for the Seattle Seahawks, they stayed with their original pick at No. 18 and did something that many were pining for…they selected an interior offensive lineman! Well, technically Grey Zabel was an OT at North Dakota State, but he’ll be an OG in Seattle and will be expected to contribute immediately.
Athletic Profile/Comps
Relative Athletic Score (RAS)
Mockdraftable
Besides not having data for the 40-yard dash, the only real concern athletically for Zabel are short arms and a small wingspan, both of which will be mitigated with his move to interior OL.
Otherwise, he has excellent agility scores and an insane vertical with 36.50 inches at 312lbs!
The one comp that I want to call out is the last one on the RAS list, Will Fries.
Oh, so Zabel is a close match to the guy that the Seahawks were linked to in free agency? Weird.
Fries is a bit taller and performed slightly better in the broad jump and shuttle. Other than that, Zabel had him beat in every category. For everyone who thought that Fries would be a great fit in Klint Kubiak’s offensive system, Zabel has the chance to be just as effective at least from an athletic standpoint.
Gut reaction to the pick
I didn’t think Schneider would actually draft an interior OL without a trade back, but he got a little “jiggy” in his own words when Tyler Booker went off the board early to the Dallas Cowboys. Rather than lose out on Zabel, he stayed at No. 18 and took a huge step towards solidifying the Seahawks offensive line.
Now, there are some questions about Zabel, namely the level of competition coming from FCS North Dakota State.
However, Zabel was a standout at the Senior Bowl against future NFL players which had to give Schneider confidence that he will adjust to the NFL game just fine.
NDSU All-American OL Grey Zabel was my No. 1 standout at Senior Bowl practices ⭐️
“Grey Zabel was the most consistent of any player, regardless of position, at the Senior Bowl. Had an excellent week.”
- Jordan Reid
“Zabel is in consideration for the first round after the way… pic.twitter.com/UsFonWd4zZ
— Hogg (@HoggNFL) January 31, 2025
Just like Devon Witherspoon, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Byron Murphy, Grey Zabel was also the highest rated player at his position on Seattle’s draft board.
Mike MacDonald says he sees Grey Zabel as a guard right now, but loves that he can play all 5 spots on the o-line.
More opening comments as John Schneider says this was their top interior lineman on the board. @fox13seattle pic.twitter.com/QPTI88Hyfw
— Alyssa Charlston-Smith (@Alyssacharlston) April 25, 2025
Zabel both fills a need and has off-the-charts athleticism to go along with his farming background and high character. If you built someone in an offensive line factory, he probably looks like Grey Zabel.
I’m not sure what Grey Zabel’s nerves are currently but he was one relaxed-looking dude at his house in Pierre this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/4PqjVlRDUx
— Jeff Kolpack (@KolpackInForum) April 25, 2025
Rookie season prediction
Zabel will be given every opportunity to be the starter at one of the guard positions – probably LG with the departure of Laken Tomlinson. You don’t draft an offensive lineman that high and expect him to sit on the bench.
As a young lineman, he’ll have his struggles and probably get walked back into the QB a few times by powerful bull rushers. Zabel will play every snap in 2025 and improve by leaps and bounds throughout the year, putting him squarely in the conversation for the best Seahawks lineman by the end of the season. He’ll also continue ingratiating himself to the fanbase with his personality and crush a few pickle beers in his spare time.