By Blessing 
North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel: The Prospect to Watch
Name: Grey Zabel
Position: Offensive Line
School: North Dakota State
Height/Weight: 6-6, 312
40-yard Dash: Not available
Bench Press: 26 reps
Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches
Broad Jump: 9 feet 3 inches
3-Cone Drill: Not available
20-Yard Shuttle: Not available
Meet the Prospect: Grey Zabel
Grey Zabel, an offensive line standout from North Dakota State, is making waves as one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his versatility, Zabel is a player who can dominate in multiple positions along the line. His sheer size and athleticism make him a force to be reckoned with, and his tenacity is evident on film, making him a player that NFL teams will surely be keeping a close eye on.
How He Fits in the NFL
Zabel’s ability to play all five offensive line positions gives him significant value in the eyes of NFL teams. While the Detroit Lions have experienced linemen like Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany, they may look to add depth and competition to the position. Zabel fits perfectly into this picture, as the Lions value flexibility and position versatility due to their gameday roster restrictions. The more a player can do, the better—and Zabel embodies that kind of player.
One of his standout qualities is his explosive athleticism. Zabel’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine was impressive, with his 36.5-inch vertical jump topping all offensive linemen. His broad jump ranked in the top six, and his bench press results were in the top seven. Zabel’s consistency on the field speaks volumes, too. He allowed just one sack and four pressures last season, achieving a solid 90.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. His versatility was proven over the past three seasons, where he started 16 games at left tackle, 17 at right tackle, and four at left guard.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Zabel has drawn praise for his physicality and versatility. Whether it’s run blocking or pass protection, he excels in both areas. In the run game, Zabel shows great range and grip strength, using his athleticism to create lanes and seal off defenders. His ability to maintain balance and adjust his hands during pass protection makes him tough to move off the ball, though he can struggle against power rushes that push him back.
However, Zabel’s ability to play inside positions at the next level may be his greatest strength. As Dane Brugler of The Athletic noted, “Zabel is a college left tackle who fits best inside and is the draft’s top prospect at center.” This versatility is crucial for a team looking to fortify their line and add depth across multiple positions.
How Zabel Stacks Up
Zabel is drawing significant attention as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft class. His talent has earned him a spot as the 38th overall prospect on Brugler’s top 100 rankings. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah sees Zabel as a guard at the next level, ranking him 24th overall in his list of top prospects. NFL.com’s Eric Edholm also has Zabel ranked highly, coming in at No. 32 on his list of the top 100 players for 2025.
Zabel made a strong impression at the Senior Bowl, where he showcased his physicality and strong anchor. As Edholm put it, “A clear Senior Bowl winner who can crash the first-round party… he was mainly a college tackle but has played all across the offensive line and could start inside as a rookie.”
The NFL’s Interest in Zabel
The interest from NFL teams is palpable, and ESPN’s Jordan Reid, in his latest update, listed Zabel at No. 29 in his top 50 rankings, calling him “the best performer at the Senior Bowl regardless of position.” His ability to excel in multiple spots on the line has only raised his stock. Zabel’s impressive performances and versatile skill set make him a valuable asset to any team looking to add depth and flexibility to their offensive line.
Zabel’s Thoughts on the Draft Process
Zabel, in discussing the draft process and his conversations with teams, shared that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “The feedback has been really good,” he said. “I can’t say there’s been one specific position that teams see me at because every team views me differently. But the biggest takeaway is that versatility is an asset, and being able to play multiple spots gives me value in this process.”
Zabel’s ability to contribute to different positions is what makes him stand out as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 draft. Whether at guard, center, or tackle, his combination of size, athleticism, and determination could help any NFL team in need of a versatile, high-impact lineman.