Why the Lions should draft Grey Zabel with the 28th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, versatility is the key here
The future of the offensive line is here
The 2025 NFL Draft is next week, and with that in mind, we're going to zero in on the 28th pick and profile some of the players that best fit the Detroit Lions at that pick. Here's who we've covered so far:
Losing Kevin Zeitler was a big deal for the Detroit Lions. He was by far their most important free agent to retain going into March. The Lions may have made a good offer, but it's hard to contend with the desire to be close to family, which is why Zeitler went to the Titans.
Since then, and really before then, to be honest, the Lions have been expected to draft an interior offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are some good prospects in this group, but one guy who really stands out as someone who fits Detroit and that's Zabel.
Zabel is coming off a big year at NDSU, where he played left tackle and allowed seven pressures and a sack. He's also played guard and right tackle for the Bisons. In four years, he allowed just four sacks.
It's that versatility that's likely what's attracted the Lions and probably what had them bring him in for a top-30 visit.
Zabel can start off his time with the Lions as a guard, and he is good enough to supplant Graham Glasgow on the left side right away. Like Mahogany, he's a guy who can just take to the NFL fast.
Then, in the future, the Lions have the option to either keep him at guard or move him to center once Frank Ragnow decides to walk away from football.
In terms of where Zabel is at his best, and another reason why the Lions love him, he is a staunch run blocker. He's obviously very good at pass blocking, too, but for a team that really wants to run the ball and has designed their new coaching staff to reflect that, Zabel is a guy who can help make that happen.
There is also a connection to the Lions there as well. New Detroit tight end coach Tyler Roehl was Zabel's offensive coordinator for three seasons at North Dakota State, and they won two FCS National Championships together.
At this time, Zabel is expected to go around the Lions area at 28, and he has been mocked to the Lions a few times already this year, including in our final 7-round mock draft.