Grey Zabel, North Dakota State, C, 6057, 312 lbs, rSenior

Draft Profile

Frankly: (To Be Added)

Overview

Grey Zabel’s technical mastery and controlled aggression make him one of the most intriguing interior offensive line prospects in this draft. His footwork, hip drive, and natural leverage within North Dakota State’s diverse run scheme translate seamlessly to the NFL, particularly in zone-heavy systems. While he possesses the skill set to play tackle, his mauling mentality and ability to maintain leverage suggest he may be best suited at guard, with potential to develop into a high-level center. His ability to process defensive movements in real time stands out—watching his performance against Northern Iowa, where he expertly neutralized complex blitz packages and stunts, highlights his mental acuity. That combination of intelligence, power, and leverage makes him a plug-and-play interior lineman with Pro Bowl upside as he continues to refine his frame. His best fit is in a zone-heavy system that prioritizes mobility, allowing him to execute combo blocks and climb to the second level effectively. The Vikings, in dire need of interior help, would provide an ideal landing spot in Round 2, as their inside-zone approach aligns perfectly with his skill set. With his technique already refined enough to compete for a starting guard role as a rookie, Zabel's ceiling will be determined by his ability to add functional mass over the next few seasons, potentially growing into a dominant force on the interior.

Background

Born in Pierre, South Dakota, Zabel’s rise from an unheralded 240-pound high school lineman to an elite FCS interior force exemplifies his work ethic and determination. His transformation into a 305-pound powerhouse did not diminish his athleticism, as he maintained his mobility while adding functional strength. A two-time FCS national champion at North Dakota State, Zabel’s versatility was evident throughout his collegiate career, accumulating 41 starts across four different offensive line positions. His senior season in 2024 was a defining campaign, earning First-Team All-America honors while leading an offensive front that propelled the Bison to national rankings in first downs and passing efficiency. His pass protection allowed quarterback Cam Miller to break multiple school records, while his run-blocking excellence helped CharMar Brown lead all FCS freshmen in rushing yards. Zabel started the final 36 consecutive games of his career, demonstrating exceptional durability and consistency. Beyond football, his academic achievements—majoring in agribusiness with minors in economics and precision agriculture—highlight his intelligence and attention to detail, traits that translate directly to his success on the field.

Scouting Report

Pros:

Zabel’s ability to maintain leverage despite his 6’6” frame allows him to win pad-level battles and create displacement in the run game. His understanding of timing and angles as a combo blocker enables him to smoothly transition to the second level and wall off defenders. His pass protection is defined by a powerful initial punch and impressive recovery ability, mitigating counter moves effectively. His elite processing speed allows him to pick up stunts and blitzes seamlessly, rarely appearing confused by defensive shifts. His vice-grip hand strength makes him a difficult lineman to disengage from once engaged, controlling defenders in both run and pass sets. His finishing instincts ensure he plays through the whistle, often driving defenders into the ground. His position versatility—having started games at four different spots—enhances his overall value. Additionally, he moves well in space, reaching landmarks efficiently when pulling and engaging at the second level.

Cons:

Zabel’s below-average arm length occasionally affects his ability to maintain first meaningful contact, forcing him to lunge and compromise his base. His pass-set width can be inconsistent, leading to occasional balance issues when defenders convert speed to power. His hand placement under pressure tends to drift outside his frame, creating concerns regarding penalties against refined NFL pass rushers. Despite his natural leverage, he sometimes plays too high through contact, allowing defenders to reset the line of scrimmage. While he has tackle experience, he may struggle against pure edge speed in the NFL, reinforcing the notion that his best fit is along the interior.