Remember when Lions fans used to circle the top 10 picks in the NFL Draft like it was Christmas morning? Those days are long gone—and that’s a good thing. Now Detroit is picking late in the first round, a sign of real progress. But that also means the draft board gets a little murkier. And with pick No. 28, North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel is a name the Lions should be seriously thinking about.
Zabel’s background screams “Dan Campbell guy.” Raised in rural South Dakota, he lives and breathes football, farming, and family. He was a team captain in college, earned a degree in agribusiness, and sounds like someone who could talk cattle with Campbell and fishing with Frank Ragnow.
But Zabel isn’t just a culture fit—he’s got the tools, too. At 6’6″, 312 pounds, he tested off the charts athletically, with a 36.5-inch vertical and a 9’4″ broad jump at the combine. He impressed even more at the Senior Bowl, showing he could hang with top-tier talent. That versatility—starting at both guard and tackle in college—makes him especially appealing for Detroit’s scheme.
The Lions love linemen who can move, and Zabel fits right into that mold. With John Morton taking over as offensive coordinator, the focus on athleticism in the run game will stay intact. Zabel’s mobility and IQ would fit perfectly alongside Gibbs and Montgomery in the backfield.
Sure, he played against lesser competition in college, and his anchor could use work against NFL bull-rushers. But most scouts project him as an interior lineman where those issues become less glaring. He’s still raw, but there’s plenty of upside—and that’s what good teams bet on late in Round 1.
With Graham Glasgow aging and the future of the center position uncertain, Zabel could step in and compete right away—and maybe one day replace Ragnow. If Detroit wants to keep the offensive line a true strength, Zabel might be the smart, long-term investment they need.
Why Grey Zabel Could Be a Perfect Fit for the Lions at Pick 28
