The Seahawks didn’t trade down, and instead took Grey Zabel of North Dakota State in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
There was talk of trading down, but the Seahawks ultimately kept the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and used it on Grey Zabel, an offensive lineman out of North Dakota State. Zabel will likely play guard for the Seahawks, and here’s everything you need to know about him.
Stats & Accolades
- 2020-21: Played in 5 games during spring season.
- 2022: Played in 15 games with 7 starts (1 at TE, 1 at left guard, 5 at right tackle).
- 2023: Started 15 games (3 at left guard, 12 at right tackle).
- 2024: Started 16 games. First-Team Associated Press FCS All-American. First-Team All-Missouri Valley. Won FCS National Championship.
What the Seahawks are getting:
Zabel was a standout at left tackle for the FCS National Champion Bison of North Dakota State but the interior is where he’ll likely find his best position in the NFL. At 6’6 and 312 pounds, Zabel is gritty and tough coming from an FCS power known for exemplifying those same traits throughout their running dynasty. Zabel is built well to handle the rigors of the NFL and his experience having played four of the five positions up front will be valuable to a team who cherishes elite versatility in its offensive line room.
Strengths
- Was one of the top performer’s during the Reese’s Senior Bowl where he competed against the country’s best senior talent
- Shoots off ball low and forklifts defensive linemen
- Plays with ideal strength at point of attack
- Can drop center of gravity and anchor swiftly when beat on initial contact
- Stays connected with guards on double-teams to ensure movement on duo and zone looks
Weaknesses
- Quick to latch and sustain only with little use of punches
- Lack of arm length only ensures pigeonhole to interior position
- Plays too often with a narrow base in pass set
- Could fill out frame a bit more to prepare for rigors of NFL
Athletic Testing
- Height: 6’6
- Weight: 312 pounds
- 40-yard dash: N/A
- 10-yard split: N/A
- Vertical jump: 36.5 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
- 3-cone drill: N/A
- Short shuttle: N/A
- Bench press: 26 reps