Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders
Grey Zabel, OT/OG
School: North Dakota State | Conference: Missouri Valley
College Experience: Senior | Draft Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6’6”/ 312 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 1st-2nd round
Player Comparison: Graham Barton
Player Overview
Grey Zabel is a winner. In high school, he played on both sides of the line of scrimmage for a team that won three state championships. He did this while also playing baseball and basketball in his hometown of Pierre, South Dakota. Despite offers to remain in-state from South Dakota and South Dakota State, Zabel decided to play for North Dakota State.
Arriving in Fargo during the COVID-19 pandemic, Zabel started at right guard for three games in the spring of 2021. He played primarily in a reserve role as a sophomore before getting a chance to start at left guard and right tackle in his third and fourth seasons. In his last year of eligibility, Zabel stated at left tackle for the FCS National Champs. His performance, giving up only one sack for the season, led to recognition as a FCS All-American and All-MVFC First-Team honors.
Strengths
- Athletic blocker that works well in space and at the second level
- Strong, active hands with the good grip strength
- Footwork and flexibility help him mirror defenders and recovery
- Firm anchor in pass protection
- Competitive through the whistle
- Versatility to play multiple places on the offensive line
Weaknesses
- Lacks the girth of typical interior OLs
- Shorter arms can make sustaining blocks difficult
- Hands lack the desired pop to stop rushers
- Hands can be inaccurate, especially in run game
Let’s See His Work
Great part of all-star events is getting a look at players at different positions, especially the trenches.@NDSUfootball OL Grey Zabel, who played the last two year at tackle, getting some early work at center — likely his best NFL position pic.twitter.com/uPmLNMsisK
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 28, 2025
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) March 31, 2025
How Will He Fit On The Team
The Commanders found success last season despite up and down play from their offensive line. While the team will not have arguably its best performer last year in Sam Cosmi, they traded for Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil to play alongside Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz, Brandon Coleman, and Andrew Wylie. While this may be a good offensive line, the Commanders should be looking for prospects that can improve line now and into the future.
If the team wants a talented prospect that might be able to help at whatever the team considers its weakest position, Grey Zabel might be the best candidate. While Zabel’s athleticism might make him most valuable to a team that relies on a outside zone scheme, it also makes him a valuable puller in a gap scheme.
Shorter arms might prevent him from playing offensive tackle long-term, but he can become a quality starter anywhere on the offensive line. There is talk that Zabel’s best position might be one he didn’t play in college: center. He could start at right guard with Cosmi out due to injury, compete with Nick Allegretti to start at left guard, or be the eventual replacement to Tyler Biadasz at center. Zabel would give the Commanders options now and into the future.