North Dakota State OT Grey Zabel 2025 NFL Draft Profile
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State Height: 6'6Weight: 305 poundsDOB: 3/30/2002North Dakota State Strengths Athleticism: Zabel isn't the most athletic mover in this class, but he's still a smooth athlete overall. He demonstrates very good fluidity in his lower half and moves well for his height. Zabel tracks and adjusts to his targets well in […]
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Height: 6'6
Weight: 305 pounds
DOB: 3/30/2002
North Dakota State
Strengths
- Athleticism: Zabel isn't the most athletic mover in this class, but he's still a smooth athlete overall. He demonstrates very good fluidity in his lower half and moves well for his height. Zabel tracks and adjusts to his targets well in space. While he isn't the most explosive mover, he still reaches his marks on time and can seal defenders well.
- Versatility: Zabel has started at both tackle and both guard spots in his career while also playing at center on occasion. That is rare versatility and experience for an NFL Draft prospect.
- Run Blocking: Zabel absolutely brings it as a run blocker. He doesn't boast elite power, but he generates consistent displacement of defenders with very good leverage despite his height. He can execute any block in the book and is a true road grader in the run game.
- Use of Hands: In both pass protection and run blocking, Zabel consistently demonstrated accurate, strong, and well-timed hands that allow him to stick on defenders and work to win reps.
- Competitive Toughness: Zabel is a wrecking ball on the football field. He is frequently delivering punishing blows to defenders and finishing players to the turf. No matter the rep, Zabel fights to the whistle to win and punish whoever lines up opposite of him.
Weaknesses
- Length: Zabel knows how to use his arms, but I'd be surprised if he measured in with even average arm length. He has to rely on aggressive sets to establish first contact with defenders.
- Pass Protection against Speed: When Zabel loses, it's to his outside against speed rushers. His lack of length shows up when trying to protect that corner, a likely reason why the NFL views him as a guard/center.
- Level of Competition: Zabel's film is plenty encouraging for a leap up to the pros, as he routinely dominates FCS opponents. However, it's a different ball game against NFL defenders. How he handles the Senior Bowl will go a long way in answering those doubts.
Player Evaluation
Grey Zabel is an intriguing weapon of an offensive lineman. He doesn't quite possess the power one would expect of a terrific run-blocker but his technique and footwork help him gain leverage and clear defenders out of rushing lanes. Zabel's technical understanding translates to pass protection as well, with good hand placement and footwork in his passing sets.
It's close to consensus that he'll move inside at the next level, and I agree with it. Zabel doesn't have enough length to stick on the outside and struggled too often protecting his outside against speed rushers.
Zabel's experience playing all five positions will be a boon to his move inside. I think he can stick at guard and handle it well, but there is some discussion he might move to center. He can play either role well and fit in any scheme. Zabel can be a starting-caliber player at either spot while on his rookie contract.
Player Comparison
Mitch Morse (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Much like Zabel, Morse was a college left tackle who kicked inside when he entered the pros. Both are on the leaner side, but they make up for it with terrific technique, toughness, athleticism, and good play strength. While this feels like a lofty comp, Zabel's film is highly encouraging, provided he sticks the landing against better competition.
A to Z Rankings
A to Z Consensus Big Board Ranking: N/A
A to Z Draft Grade: N/A
Draft Projection: N/A