Seahawks draft Grey Zabel to strengthen their offensive line

The Seattle Seahawks made a significant move in the NFL draft, selecting Grey Zabel, a guard from North Dakota State, with the 18th overall pick. Zabel, who hails from Pierre, South Dakota, spent five seasons with North Dakota State, where he showcased his versatility by starting at every offensive line position except center. His strong performance last season earned him the designation of FCS All-American at left tackle. Despite receiving lucrative offers from larger programs to transfer, Zabel chose to remain with North Dakota State and contribute to its success, ultimately helping the team secure a national championship. The Seahawks are coming off a 10-7 season where they finished first in the NFC West, but their offensive line was a major concern, allowing 54 sacks, one of the highest counts in the league. Addressing this issue was critical, particularly after the departure of starting left guard Laken Tomlinson, who signed with the Houston Texans. Zabel’s athletic skills and experience are seen as vital to bolstering the offensive line, which will also need to protect their new quarterback, Sam Darnold, who was signed to a three-year, $100.5 million deal this offseason. The Seahawks hope Zabel can fill the void left by Tomlinson and potentially thrive in the interior line positions. In a past memorable moment, Zabel and his teammates were invited to the White House by President Donald Trump following their national championship victory. During this visit, Trump recognized Zabel by identifying him as a standout player during their interaction, asking about his position and expressing astonishment at his size. This event reflects Zabel’s reputation and growing recognition as a prominent athlete in collegiate football. As Zabel prepares to embark on his professional career, there is excitement surrounding his potential impact on the Seahawks. Coach Mike Macdonald emphasized that they aim to find a stable position for Zabel and enable him to contribute effectively over the long term. Zabel himself expressed enthusiasm about celebrating his draft selection and is eager to embrace his new professional journey, which reflects the transition from collegiate success to potential NFL stardom.