If you watched the 2025 Reese\u2019s Senior Bowl and saw any of the practice footage, you may have seen or heard about a little-known North Dakota State player who is continuing to rocket up draft boards. That player is none other than offensive tackle\/guard or center Grey Zabel.<\/p>\n
More 2025 NFL Draft Profiles<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6\u20196\u201d Zabel hails from South Dakota, Pierre to be exact. He was born on March 30th, 2002, and was one of the best players in the state. Zabel played his high school ball at T.F. Riggs High School and was a three-sport student. The high school football team captain helped lead the Governors to the state championship three years in a row.<\/p>\n Zabel was not a starter out of the gate at NDSU. He did earn playing time in his freshman season, making the start in three straight games. In his sophomore season, he played in 11 of the team\u2019s 15 contests, while in his junior year, he started all 15 games. He was one of the Bison\u2019s most consistent players. In 2023, he started all 16 games, while in 2024, Zabel started each of the team\u2019s 16 games at left tackle.<\/p>\n 2022, 2023 MVFC Honor Roll The thing about Zabel is that he can play almost every position on the offensive line (except perhaps center, although some say he\u2019s going to be a center in the league). From guard to tackle, Zabel is the type of player who might be able to fit in certain positions and shine. Even though he played at the much smaller North Dakota State<\/a>, Zabel has NFL-level talent, an NFL body type, and the demeanor to be a success in the league.<\/p>\n Zabel is a huge powerhouse player with some room to add a little weight, which he might need in the NFL. Getting a little stronger might benefit him. When it comes to mechanics, Zabel gets solid leverage and performs well in the run game. When it comes to getting off blocks and moving to the second level, he does well.<\/p>\n He\u2019s a sound technician and possesses the kind of mean and nasty attitude that you would want and expect out of a top-end offensive lineman. Zabel can get around quickly as he has quick feet, as well as speed, and makes it from one point to another in a hurry.<\/p>\n In pass protection, you want an offensive lineman that doesn\u2019t grab but would instead \u201cpunch\u201d. Zabel has a hard time with this at times and needs to learn how to do this properly. Perhaps the biggest knock on him is the fact that he has short arms (his arms measure 32 inches) for an offensive tackle. This might relegate him to an offensive guard position, and honestly, that wouldn\u2019t be that bad for some teams looking for a good guard prospect. Zabel might even be a center in the league.<\/p>\n Zabel needs to work on his leverage a bit and get lower in his stance to be able to keep defenders from getting underneath him and beating him. It\u2019s also been said that he may have some issues with speedy edge rushers should he be put outside at tackle. This is why he will likely play guard or center in the NFL.<\/p>\n Chicago Bears<\/a> Before the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine, it was thought that Zabel could be a third or fourth-round selection. Thanks to his performance at the Senior Bowl, and despite a slight injury during Senior Bowl week, at the very least, it appears as if he could be a late first to second-round pick. He is almost surely an early second-round pick. There will be a lot decided based on his workouts and pre-draft hype.<\/p>\n2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Grey Zabel, North Dakota State<\/h2>\n
Measurables<\/h3>\n
\nWeight: 312 lbs.
\nVertical: 36.5\u201d
\nBroad Jump: 9\u2019 3\u201d<\/p>\nPlayer Background<\/h3>\n
Accolades<\/h3>\n
\n2024 two-time MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week
\n2024 All-MVFC First Team
\n2024 AFCA FCS All-American First Team
\n2024 Phil Steele FCS All-American First Team
\n2024 FCS ADA All-American Team
\n2024 FCS Football Central All-American First Team
\n2024 AP FCS All-American First Team<\/p>\nStrengths\/Pros<\/h3>\n
Weaknesses\/Cons<\/h3>\n
Potential Team Fits<\/h3>\n
\nSeattle Seahawks<\/a>
\nNew England Patriots<\/a>
\nSan Francisco 49ers<\/a>
\nMiami Dolphins<\/a><\/p>\nNFL Projection<\/h3>\n