The highest-drafted offensive lineman in FCS history, who went from North Dakota State to a Super Bowl-winning starting guard as a rookie.
Grey Zabel dominated the FCS level at North Dakota State before Seattle made him the 18th overall pick in the 2025 draft, an unusually high selection for a small-school prospect. He immediately stepped into a starting role on Seattle's offensive line and helped anchor a unit that won Super Bowl LX in his rookie season.
Path to the league
Zabel started 41 games over five seasons at North Dakota State, allowing only four sacks across more than 2,700 career snaps. Seattle selected him with the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted offensive lineman in FCS history, surpassing the mark Jackson State's Lester Holmes had held since 1993. He joined former Bison first-rounders Trey Lance and Carson Wentz as top NFL picks out of the program.
Career highlights
At 6-foot-6 and 316 pounds, Zabel's combination of size, technique and reliability made him one of the safest offensive line prospects in his draft class despite coming from a lower level of competition. His near-flawless pass protection record at North Dakota State, four sacks allowed in five years, was a central selling point that helped him climb into the first round.
2025 season recap
Zabel started at left guard for Seattle as a rookie and was named to the Professional Football Writers of America All-Rookie team, helping stabilize an offensive line that had been a weak point in recent seasons. He was also named to the NFL's All-Preseason team, and his strong debut season culminated in a Super Bowl LX championship.
Sources
- SI: North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel selected No. 18 overall
- Seahawks.com: 2025 NFL Draft, Grey Zabel
- SI: PFF names Seahawks rookie Grey Zabel NFL's top emerging guard
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Guard
- Group
- offense
- College
- North Dakota State
- Hometown
- Pierre, SD, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
