In a move that could reshape their struggling offensive line, the Seattle Seahawks have selected Grey Zabel, a promising guard from North Dakota State, with the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The decision comes after a season where the Seahawks' offensive front was ranked among the worst in the league, allowing 54 sacks—tied for the third-most in the NFL.
General manager John Schneider expressed his enthusiasm for the selection, stating, "I’m biased, I’m from Wisconsin. So, farms, tough guys, we like those guys." Zabel, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 312 pounds, has a history of versatility on the offensive line, having started 41 games over five seasons at every position except center.
In 2024, the Seahawks finished the season with a 10-7 record and clinched the NFC West title, but their offensive struggles were evident. They ranked 28th in the league for rushing yards per game, and much of the blame fell on the offensive line. The team lost left guard Laken Tomlinson to free agency, leaving a significant gap that Zabel is expected to fill.
Head coach Mike MacDonald has high hopes for Zabel, noting that the player will begin his career in Seattle at guard. “Hopefully we find a home for him at one position and he lives there for a really long time for us,” MacDonald said. “But, I think it just speaks to his savvy. It’s not easy to find those guys that can play interior and at tackle. So, he’s one of them, and he’s ours now.”
Zabel's journey to the NFL has been marked by hard work and dedication, shaped by his upbringing on a family farm in Pierre, South Dakota. He draws parallels between farming and football, saying, “Working at the farm, it’s kind of understanding that farming and football have a lot in common. You plant a seed in the dirt in the spring and tend to it and try and give it as much as you can to grow a great crop in the fall, and football’s the exact same way.”
Despite receiving six-figure offers to transfer to Power Five schools after his fourth year, Zabel chose to remain at North Dakota State, where he was recognized as an FCS All-American at left tackle last season. “There were some offers that kind of made me scratch my head,” he admitted. “My head coach always calls me stupid for not taking the money. But at the end of the day, I think it paid off pretty well.”
As the Seahawks look to improve their offensive line, Zabel's ability to play multiple positions will be invaluable. He began his college career at guard before transitioning to tackle, and he believes that early experience will benefit him in the NFL. “The type of style that I play is quick,” Zabel explained. “Trying to use my athletic ability and my benefits and basically, at the end of the day, it’s all mentality playing offensive line.”
The Seahawks have also made significant changes to their roster this offseason, signing veteran wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. However, the departures of stars DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to the Steelers and Titans, respectively, have left Seattle's receiving corps in need of reinforcements.
With new quarterback Sam Darnold signed to a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million deal, protecting the passer will be a top priority for the Seahawks. Zabel’s selection is seen as a crucial step toward solidifying the offensive line, which has been a point of contention for fans and analysts alike.
As the draft unfolded, Zabel expressed excitement about joining the Seahawks, humorously planning to celebrate his selection with a beer. “I’m probably going to start diving into these Busch Light’s and celebrating. Have the 12-hour rule, you get to celebrate it for 12 hours and then you get back to work,” he said, showcasing his down-to-earth personality and commitment to his new team.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks still have nine draft picks remaining, and there are various areas on the roster that need addressing. The focus will be on building a cohesive unit that can support Darnold and improve on last season’s performance.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Zabel and the rest of the Seahawks' new additions. Fans are hopeful that this draft pick will not only provide immediate help but also lay the foundation for a more robust offensive line in the years to come. With Zabel’s skills and determination, the Seahawks are optimistic about turning their fortunes around.
