Seattle Seahawks Alternate Logo

Grey Zabel

Grey Zabel Player Profile

Summary

Grey Zabel was selected in Round 1 (#18 Overall) in the 2025 Draft out of North Dakota State University. Zabel is a highly intriguing prospect at guard who blends rare athleticism, positional versatility, and proven performance at the college level. His biggest strengths are his movement ability, adaptability across positions, and pass‑protection skills. The key areas for improvement are run‑game physicality, hand technique, and adjustment to elite NFL competition. If he hits his development path, Zabel could become a very strong contributor for years to come.

Strengths

  • Elite Athleticism for the Position: Zabel posted standout athletic metrics for an interior lineman, including an outstanding RAS (Relative Athletic Score) and vertical/broad jump numbers — a strong indicator of movement ability and upside. Field Gulls

  • Versatility Across the Offensive Line: Over his college career, he started at multiple positions (left tackle, right tackle, left guard) and demonstrated the ability to shift and adapt, increasing his value for NFL offensive line schemes. NDSU

  • Strong Pass‑Protection Fundamentals: His footwork, ability to mirror defenders, and sustain blocks in pass sets make him a reliable protector in pass‑heavy schemes.

  • Competitive Character & Proven Production: At North Dakota State he logged many consecutive starts (41 total, 36 consecutive) and was part of championship‑winning units, showing durability, consistency, and high performance level. NDSU

Weaknesses

  • Strength & Play‑Strength in Run Game: While Zabel is mobile, his upper‑body power and ability to dominate in pure drive‑block/running‑game anchoring may be less refined compared to older, more massive interior linemen.

  • Hand Technique & Block Accuracy: He sometimes lets defenders outside his hands or loses leverage because of hand placement or lack of “pop” in his punch; this could be exposed at the NFL level.

  • Experience vs Elite Competition / Level Transition: Coming from the FCS (vs many prospects from major FBS programs), questions remain about how he’ll handle step‑up in competition, especially versus elite defensive linemen and one‑on‑one battles.

  • Frame & Length Considerations: While his size is good (6′6″), some evaluators mention his arm length relative to NFL top‑tier interior/edge defenders might be a slight disadvantage in some matchups.

Fit & Outlook

Zabel projects as a starting guard in the Seattle Seahawks’ offense, ideally in a scheme that uses zone or movement‑based blocking where his athleticism and versatility can shine. His ability to play multiple spots gives the coaching staff flexibility, and his fundamentals suggest he can begin contributing early in his career. In the medium to long term, if he continues to refine his run‑blocking power, improves his hand technique, and adapts fully to the speed/strength of NFL interior defensive linemen, Zabel has the potential to become a cornerstone interior lineman—someone who can anchor the line and provide high‑level pass protection while also being effective in the run game. His floor is a reliable starter and solid guard for several years; his ceiling is a top‑tier interior blocker who could earn high grades and help shape the evolution of the Seahawks’ offensive line.