Seahawks upgrade O-line with Zabel at No. 18

The Seattle Seahawks selected North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 18th overall.

Zabel's versatility stands out. He has experience at tackle but is expected to play along the interior for the Seahawks. The 23-year-old is the first-ever non-quarterback to be drafted out of North Dakota State in Round 1, according to College Football Network's Oliver Hodgkinson.

Seattle entered this offseason with questions at guard and center after allowing 54 sacks in 2024, the third most in the NFL.

Pre-draft profile

Zabel is making a big jump from FCS football to the NFL. The difference in competition will have to be factored into his evaluation, but everything he showed at North Dakota State suggests he's ready for the professional game. He's an impressive athlete whose movement skills are evident in pass protection and efficient climbs to the second level in the run game. Zabel will need to clean up his hand usage, but his strength and tenacious play style offer plenty to work with out of the gate. Position fit is up in the air, as he probably doesn't have the length to stick at left tackle. However, Zabel has demonstrated his versatility by moving all over the line in college, and he fared well as a center at the Senior Bowl. He'll offer plenty of upside on the interior for a zone-heavy offense.