‘He’s a smart kid’ — Seahawks All-Pro Leonard Williams credits impressive rookie for crucial play in win vs. 49ers

Grey Zabel proved to Leonard Williams he was wise beyond his years in his first playoff game.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and linebacker Derick Hall (58) reacts after the sack of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field.
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

When the Seattle Seahawks selected left guard Grey Zabel at 18th overall, it was a surprise. However, he’s been one of the more impactful rookies in this year’s NFL Draft class.

The offensive line was one of the least consistent units in the league last season, and they took a huge step once Zabel and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s staff came into the building. The Seahawks went 14-3 this season, and are now one game away from playing in the Super Bowl.

Leonard Williams praises Grey Zabel for critical sack

In the divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Seahawks dominated from start to finish, winning 41-6, and made it look easy. Coming out of halftime, the Seahawks were up 24-6 and got a crucial stop on fourth down thanks to a Leonard Williams sack.

The Seahawks only had two sacks on Brock Purdy in the game, but this was the most important one. In speaking to the media, Williams was asked about the sack and gave credit to Zabel.

“I got to give a shout-out to the rookie Grey Zabel, actually,” said Williams. “I mean, he’s a smart kid, and he said to me at one point that he can tell I was getting a slide, [because] the center slid into me a lot. And he’s like, ‘Hey, why are you taking that inside? Move when the slide is coming to you, you should just try to burn the B gap.’ So that whole drive I was just taking off trying to burn the B gap, and it was snap the purse.”

This is the kind of thing you would get from an All-Pro player or a 10-year veteran. Williams got this from a rookie who never played a down of football in the FBS, as he played for FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. General manager John Schneider was criticized for not putting enough attention on the offensive line. That changed with the Zabel selection, and it might be the reason why the Seahawks could win the Super Bowl this year.

A really impressive moment for the rookie.

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