Offensive linemen typically aren't in consideration for Offensive Rookie of the Year, or OROTY as it's often referred to as, which is given to the rookie who balls out the most on offense each year. Well, that just shows how dominant Grey Zabel has been for the Seattle Seahawks, since he's one of Bill Barnwell of ESPN's top three candidates for this year's award, one month into the 2025 season.
"[T]here's a case that Zabel has been one of the best offensive linemen regardless of experience this season, full stop. NFL Next Gen Stats uses an automated system to track quarterback pressures, and through four games, Zabel might have the cleanest résumé of anybody in the league. He has allowed zero sacks and just one pressure; his 0.9% pressure rate is the best of any offensive lineman, rookie or otherwise."
There's no doubt that Zabel has been not just one of the best rookie offensive linemen but one of the best overall in the league this year. He's been fantastic for the Seahawks, allowing zero sacks and not getting flagged once so far through four games. Pretty impressive work from the first-round pick out of North Dakota State.
ESPN just broke an unwritten rule by linking Seattle Seahawks' Grey Zabel to OROTY honors
Again, as mentioned, offensive linemen aren't usually grouped in with potential OROTY winners. That's because it's harder to measure how well offensive linemen have played since their stats aren't the same as what quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers have to work with.
While it's cool to see Barnwell list Zabel as a potential recipient for Offensive Rookie of the Year, the chances of the NDSU product actually being crowned as this year's top rookie are slim to none. An o-lineman has never been crowned OROTY and that's probably not going to change this year.
Hey, what really matters here is how well Zabel has been playing for Seattle. The first-round pick has played 240 snaps at left guard and allowed zero sacks, which is really impressive for a rookie guard in a league filled with dominant pass-rushers.
Even if Zabel falls out of the OROTY conversations (which he probably will due to his position), Seahawks fans can sleep well knowing that they got a great offensive guard in the first round and have him under contract for at least half a decade. It could certainly be worse, that's for sure.