Going into the draft, the Seahawks had the 18th pick overall. That was going in and going out, the Seahawks kept their place and used it on North Dakota State Grey Zabel. The 6 foot six 316 316-pounder is a big man and played both guard and center. The Sehawks are hoping Zabel can bring some long term stability to the offensive line.
VERSATILITY A KEY
According to Pro Football Zabel is versatile enough to start at guard and tackle. In 2024 Zabell played 961 snaps at left tackle. In 2023 Zabel played 211 snaps at left guard and 686 at left tackle and three snaps at guard.
Zabel is a five-position lineman who brings everything but elite arm length to the position. He is an easy projected starter at center or guard for primarily a zone blocking scheme, but he is well-rounded enough to be run-game versatile. A well-spoken but driven player Zabel came across as a humble player who is willing to sacrifice his need for the needs .
A down-to-earth farmer boy who believes in family and football, Zabel is an unselfish player who is willing to play any position that will benefit his team.
“I’m assuming it’s gonna be somewhere on the interior not sure yet we’ll have to wait till I get to Seattle and kind of talk with the coaches, wherever I play, whatever I do,” said Zabel. “ I’m super excited to go play for the Seahawks . At the end of the day, you’re an offensive linemen and you have to block somebody, and you got to protect a quarterback to move the line of scrimmage.”
Zabel played with current Seahawks Jalen Sundel and spent this summer working out with Abe Lucas. It is clear that Zabel is ready for the NFL. The Seahawks most glaring need is at left guard . A void that was created with the departure of Laken Tomlison.
“ He’s just buttoned up, tough, smart, reliable. Our kind of guy, and uh really, you know, our first exposure was at the senior bowl where he had a great week down there,” said Schneider. As for where Zabel will play, Macdonald said the plan is to start him at guard.
“ I mean, again, hopefully, you know, we find a home for him at one position and he lives there for a really long time for us,” said Macdonald. “ But I think it just just speaks with savvy. It’s not easy to move, you know it’s not easy to find those guys.”
BIG TAKE
The Seahawks drafted for need despite rumors that the team tried to trade down. Zabel is a definite plug and play player. He has the physical attributes, a killer instinct to move defensive players, and a team first mentality.
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