Grey Zabel has skyrocketed into the early-round conversation in the 2025 NFL Draft and has quickly become one of the hot offensive line names in mock drafts. The North Dakota State Bison versatile offensive lineman has tools, traits, and tantalizing movement that will likely see him drafted in the first round.
Grey Zabel Mock Draft Projections
Zabel’s versatility and experience mean he has the potential to play any of the five offensive line spots at the next level. The Bison played 16 games at left tackle in 2024 but has also played left guard, right tackle, and right guard in Fargo.
It is one of the reasons that the NDSU offensive lineman is being drafted highly in 2025 NFL mock drafts and why he is widely expected to be a first-round selection on April 24th. Pair that with an outstanding Senior Bowl week, and Zabel has rocketed up boards since the turn of the year.
At 6’5” and 316 pounds, he plays with an extraordinarily low pad level, which allows him to generate leverage by attacking underneath his opposite numbers’ pads. His heavy hands push defenders back out of their stance, and his powerful leg drive and vice-like grip forge momentum.
A move inside will also alleviate some of Zabel’s shortcomings. He can get caught on his toes when operating on an island in pass protection, and he needs to get deeper in his sets to protect his outside shoulder. However, as a center or guard at the next level, the NDSU prospect has instant starting ability.
Zabel is CSN’s fifth-ranked interior offensive lineman, and he is No. 39 on CSN’s top 300 NFL Draft prospects big board. Although, he is likely to outdraft those rankings.
In CSN’s latest seven-round mock draft, the New York Giants selected the redshirt senior in the second round, No. 34 overall.
Meanwhile, in CSN’s three-round mock draft, Zabel was taken at No. 32 to the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, other media outlets have projected the former 0-star recruit much higher in the first round.
Grey Zabel Among Elite With Explosive Testing Numbers
With only 32 ¼ inch arms, Zabel will kick inside at the next level as he doesn’t meet the NFL’s required thresholds to play outside. However, his ability to kick outside in a pinch will be coveted by NFL decision-makers.
The Bison offensive lineman was one of 13 FCS prospects to participate in the 2025 NFL Combine, where he displayed his easy movement skills in on-field drills while also putting up explosive testing numbers.
KEEP READING: Grey Zabel Scouting Report
Zabel recorded a 36.5” vertical jump, which was the highest among 2025 NFL Combine participants and is the third highest since 1999, tying with Tristan Wirfs. His 9’3” broad jump was sixth best in Indianapolis, while his 26 bench press reps ranked seventh.
While he opted out of the 40-yard dash, Zabel showed enough explosive athleticism and smooth lateral agility to answer any questions in that department.
Other Draft Projections for Grey Zabel
- CBS: No. 17 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals
- PFSN: No. 28 to the Detroit Lions
- USA Today: No. 18 to the Seattle Seahawks
- NFL.com: No. 13 to the Miami Dolphins
- 33rd Team: No. 27 to the Baltimore Ravens
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