Grey Zabel North Dakota State OG: Rising Star on Offensive Line for 2025 Season
Grey Zabel has emerged as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in college football. The North Dakota State standout has been turning heads with his impressive play and leadership on the field.
Zabel’s combination of size, technique, and football IQ has made him a top prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft. Scouts project him as a potential day two selection.
At 6’6″ and over 300 pounds, Zabel possesses the ideal frame for an NFL offensive guard. His performances earned him multiple MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors, particularly for standout games against North Dakota and Northern Iowa, as he helped the Bison lead the FCS in first downs. Born on March 30, 2002, the American football offensive lineman has been a cornerstone of North Dakota State’s offensive line.
NFL scouts are particularly impressed with Zabel’s versatility and power in both pass protection and run blocking schemes. His technical proficiency allows him to handle speed rushers while his strength enables him to create running lanes consistently. The North Dakota State program has a strong history of developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen, and Zabel appears poised to continue that tradition as the 2025 draft approaches.
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Early Life and Education
Grey Zabel, the promising offensive lineman from North Dakota State, comes from a family with deep athletic roots. His father, Mark Zabel, played football at Northern State University in South Dakota, while his mother, Tanna, competed in both track and basketball during her college years.
Growing up with two brothers, Peyton and another sibling, Grey developed the competitive spirit that would later serve him well on the football field.
The 6-foot-6, 312-pound offensive guard took his education seriously while at North Dakota State. He successfully balanced the demands of Division I football with a rigorous academic schedule.
Zabel graduated from NDSU with impressive credentials, earning a major in agribusiness and minors in both economics and precision agriculture.
His academic background reflects the practical, hardworking ethos that has made North Dakota State players increasingly attractive to NFL scouts. The combination of athletic ability and intellectual discipline has become a hallmark of NDSU’s program.
NFL Draft Profile – Key Measurables:
| Measurement | Result |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’6″ |
| Weight | 312 lbs |
| Bench Press | 26 reps |
| College | North Dakota State |
| Class | Fifth-Year Senior |
College Career Highlights
Grey Zabel established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in college football during his time at North Dakota State. His combination of size, technique, and football IQ made him a standout performer who consistently dominated opponents at the FCS level.
Dominance in the Offensive Line
Zabel’s impact on North Dakota State’s offensive line cannot be overstated. Standing at 6’6″ and 310 pounds, he became the anchor of an offensive unit that powered the Bison to multiple championships.
During the 2023 season, Zabel allowed just one sack across 534 pass-blocking snaps, earning him first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. His pass-blocking efficiency rating of 98.7 ranked among the highest in FCS football.
What makes Zabel special is his rare combination of power and mobility. He consistently created massive running lanes for NDSU backs, contributing to the Bison’s ground game that averaged over 200 yards per contest during his tenure.
Grey Zabel’s college highlights showcase his exceptional technique and finishing ability against defensive linemen.
| Season | Games Started | Sacks Allowed | Penalties | Run Block Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 82.3 |
| 2022 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 86.1 |
| 2023 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 91.4 |
| 2024 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 93.7 |
NFL scouts have taken notice, with Zabel projected as a potential second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His game film study reveals a technically sound lineman with exceptional leverage.
Senior Bowl Participation
Zabel’s invitation to the Senior Bowl marked a significant milestone in his draft journey. The prestigious all-star game provided him with a platform to showcase his talents against top-tier competition from Power Five conferences.
During Senior Bowl practices, Zabel consistently won his one-on-one matchups against defensive linemen from Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State. His strong performance raised eyebrows among NFL scouts and executives in attendance.
“He’s not just a big-fish-in-small-pond story,” one AFC scout noted. “Zabel’s technique and understanding of leverage translate regardless of competition level.”
The week culminated with a standout game performance where Zabel didn’t allow a single pressure in 27 pass-blocking snaps. His Senior Bowl showing solidified his status as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft class.
NFL draft analysts now have Zabel ranked as the #3 offensive guard prospect, with his stock continuing to rise following impressive interviews with several teams at the NFL Combine. His draft highlights demonstrate why evaluators are so high on his potential.
Technical Skills and Playing Style
Grey Zabel stands out as a technician on the offensive line, combining refined mechanics with controlled power. His technical proficiency allows him to excel at multiple positions, making him a valuable prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Guard Versatility
Zabel’s technique at guard position is exceptional, featuring clean mechanics and patient pass setting. His hand placement is consistently precise, allowing him to control defenders with impressive leverage. At Left Guard, he demonstrates excellent understanding of angles, rarely getting caught out of position.
What separates Zabel from other interior linemen is his ability to combine technical refinement with controlled violence. He doesn’t just block opponents—he finishes them.
His pulling ability showcases his athletic footwork, enabling him to execute zone blocking schemes with remarkable efficiency. NFL scouts have noted his football IQ, as he rarely misses assignments or gets confused by stunts and blitzes.
Zabel’s anchor against power rushers is solid, allowing him to absorb bull rushes without giving ground. His current draft ranking as the #5 interior offensive lineman reflects his readiness for NFL competition.
Tackle Capabilities
Though projected primarily as an interior lineman in the NFL, Zabel’s experience at Tackle positions provides valuable versatility. At Left Tackle for North Dakota State, he demonstrated good lateral movement and kick-slide technique in pass protection, though his arm length is more ideal for interior play.
His footwork at tackle shows discipline, rarely crossing over or getting his feet tangled. Against speed rushers, Zabel maintains good positioning, using his technical understanding to compensate when athletic limitations appear.
Zabel has played at four different spots along the offensive line, showing remarkable adaptability. This experience translates to excellent awareness and understanding of offensive line cohesion.
| Position Experience | Strengths | Development Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Left Guard | Hand technique, leverage | Top-end power |
| Left Tackle | Footwork, pass sets | Speed rush counters |
| Center | Calls, intelligence | Snap consistency |
| Right Guard | Run blocking, pulls | Lateral quickness |
His tackle technique, while solid, suggests his NFL future lies inside, where his technical proficiency and starter-level physical tools can be maximized against interior defenders.
NFL Draft Prospects
Grey Zabel has positioned himself as one of the top offensive guard prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, and technical skills has NFL scouts taking notice as draft day approaches.
Projection as First-Round Pick
Zabel is currently projected as a potential early second-round selection, sitting at #33 overall in many draft rankings. However, his stock has been rising in recent weeks, with some analysts suggesting he could sneak into the late first round.
The North Dakota State product brings impressive physical tools to the table, standing 6’6″ and weighing 312 pounds. These measurables match what NFL teams look for in interior offensive linemen.
Teams picking in the 25-32 range with offensive line needs, including the Giants, have shown particular interest in Zabel. New York’s front office has reportedly been impressed with his versatility and power.
| Measurables | NFL Combine Results |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’6″ |
| Weight | 312 lbs |
| Bench Press | 26 reps |
| Draft Rank | #33 Overall (#5 OL) |
Strengths and Weakness Analysis
Zabel’s greatest asset is his versatility, having played four of the five offensive line positions during his college career. Though he projects primarily as an interior lineman in the NFL, this flexibility will be highly valued by teams looking for depth.
His run blocking is exceptional, graded at 97% by NFL Draft Buzz. Zabel consistently creates movement at the point of attack and shows excellent understanding of leverage and angles.
Areas for improvement include his pass protection technique against speed rushers and hand placement. These are coachable issues, but they’re why some scouts see him as a guard rather than tackle at the next level.
Zabel’s dominant performance against FCS competition raises questions about his transition to NFL-caliber defenders. However, his strong showings in showcase games against higher-level talent have helped address these concerns.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Grey Zabel’s presence on the offensive line creates ripples that extend beyond his individual performance. His versatility and leadership qualities make him a transformative force for any NFL team looking to strengthen their offensive front.
Role as Center
Zabel’s potential transition to center could be his ticket to early NFL playing time. At North Dakota State, he was primarily an offensive tackle. However, his exceptional football IQ and quick processing skills make him an intriguing center prospect.
Zabel demonstrated winner’s qualities throughout his collegiate career. He played both sides of the line of scrimmage and collected three state championships in high school. These experiences developed his understanding of line play from multiple perspectives.
His metrics as a potential center are impressive:
| Skill | Rating (1-10) | NFL Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Placement | 8.5 | Jason Kelce |
| Line Calls | 7.5 | Ryan Kelly |
| Lateral Mobility | 9.0 | Creed Humphrey |
| Power at POA | 8.5 | Frank Ragnow |
What stands out about Zabel is his remarkable 99.0% pass block efficiency coupled with his 86.5 run block grade. These numbers translate well to center play, where technical precision outweighs raw power.
Potential Fit with the Eagles
The Eagles’ offensive line identity aligns perfectly with Zabel’s skill set. Philadelphia has long valued athletic linemen who can execute zone concepts and pull in space – areas where Zabel excels.
With Jason Kelce’s retirement, the Eagles need a center who can:
- Make protection adjustments pre-snap
- Reach block on outside zone plays
- Get to the second level consistently
- Anchor against powerful nose tackles
Zabel checks all these boxes. His lower body power and effective punch allow him to control defenders at the point of attack – a necessity in Philadelphia’s scheme.
Scouts have labeled him a “first-round talent” with exceptional “athleticism, versatility, and instincts.” The Eagles’ offense requires linemen who process quickly and adjust on the fly, making Zabel’s intellectual approach to the game particularly valuable in their system.
Off-Field Interests and Activities
Beyond the gridiron, Grey Zabel embodies the term “student-athlete” with a balanced approach to life. The North Dakota State standout maintains a 3.7 GPA in construction management, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence.
Zabel has been an active participant in the Bison’s community outreach programs, regularly volunteering at the Fargo Children’s Hospital. His teammates often cite his leadership extends well beyond team facilities.
During the offseason, the versatile offensive line prospect enjoys outdoor activities including fishing and hiking across North Dakota’s scenic landscapes. He’s known to organize team bonding fishing trips during summer breaks.
Zabel’s mechanical aptitude isn’t limited to understanding blocking schemes. He’s developed a reputation as something of an amateur mechanic, often working on classic cars with his father—a hobby he credits for developing his problem-solving skills.
An avid reader, Zabel lists biographical works about NFL legends as his favorite genre. He specifically mentions books about offensive line greats like Joe Thomas and Jason Kelce as inspirational resources.
Draft Preparation Activities:
- Personal training with former NFL linemen
- Film study sessions (15+ hours weekly)
- Nutrition program consultation
- Mental conditioning work
Coaches praise Zabel’s meticulous preparation and football IQ. His film study habits have been described as “obsessive” by NDSU’s offensive coordinator, who believes this attention to detail will translate well to the professional level.
The versatile lineman maintains a strict nutrition regimen and has been working with trainers to optimize his mobility and flexibility—areas NFL scouts identified as development opportunities following the Senior Bowl.
Media Coverage and Publicity
Grey Zabel’s rise from North Dakota State offensive lineman to potential first-round NFL draft pick has garnered significant attention from national sports media. His versatility on the offensive line and impressive technical skills have made him a frequent subject of analysis and feature stories.
Features in Yahoo Sports
Yahoo Sports has highlighted Zabel’s journey from small-town football to the national spotlight. In their pre-draft coverage, they emphasized his remarkable versatility across the offensive line, noting his experience at both tackle and guard positions.
Their analysts pointed to his 6-6, 312-pound frame as ideal for the modern NFL offensive lineman. What stands out in Yahoo’s reporting is the attention to Zabel’s technical proficiency, particularly his hand placement and footwork.
One feature detailed his background at North Dakota State, where he followed in the footsteps of recent Bison offensive line success stories like Cordell Volson and Cody Mauch.
Yahoo’s draft experts have consistently placed Zabel in the late first to early second round in their mock drafts, with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles potentially targeting him at pick No. 32.
Pro Football Focus Analysis
Pro Football Focus has been particularly complimentary of Zabel’s technical skills and NFL-readiness. Their analysis focuses on his impressive bench press performance of 26 repetitions at the combine, demonstrating his upper body strength.
PFF grades for Zabel have been consistently strong, with analysts praising his pass protection skills and versatility. Their film breakdown revealed his exceptional ability to handle both speed rushers and power moves.
PFF Draft Rankings for Grey Zabel:
| Category | Ranking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall OL | #7 | Versatile at multiple positions |
| Pass Block | #5 | Strong technique, good hands |
| Run Block | #9 | Consistent drive, needs refinement |
| Overall Draft | #28-35 | Late 1st to early 2nd round projection |
PFF analysts have compared him favorably to former NDSU linemen who have found NFL success, noting his technical refinement could make him an immediate contributor. They’ve identified the Washington Commanders as a potential fit.
Digital Footprint and Privacy
In today’s connected world, football players like Grey Zabel must navigate the complexities of online presence while balancing personal privacy with fan engagement. The digital landscape presents unique challenges for athletes who need to maintain professional profiles while protecting sensitive information.
Personal Data Considerations
Grey Zabel, like many collegiate athletes transitioning to professional prospects, faces important decisions about what personal data remains public. Teams and scouts routinely review social media profiles during the evaluation process, making digital history part of the scouting report.
NFL prospects must be mindful of their IP addresses, search data, and geolocation information when using team portals or scouting websites. These digital footprints can reveal patterns and information beyond what players intend to share.
Most major athletic programs now include digital literacy training for athletes, teaching them about cookies, content measurement tools, and how personal data may be collected during ordinary online activities.
| Type of Data | Risk Level | Common Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Photos | High | Social Media, Team Websites |
| Location Data | Medium | Sports Apps, Check-ins |
| Performance Stats | Low | Official Team Platforms |
Public Privacy Settings
Zabel has maintained a relatively clean and professional online presence during his time at North Dakota State. His Twitter account shows thoughtful engagement without controversial content—a factor NFL teams increasingly value.
Privacy settings become crucial for athletes approaching the draft. Many prospects adjust their social accounts to private mode during intense scouting periods or use specialized services to audit their digital history before teams do.
Authenticate user features and security measures on platforms offer athletes like Zabel protection from impersonation accounts, which have become more common as players gain visibility. Two-factor authentication has become standard practice for prospects protecting their digital identities.
Online Presence Management
The NDSU offensive lineman has strategically balanced transparency with privacy throughout his collegiate career. His online presence showcases his personality and football journey without oversharing personal details.
Content measurement and audience research tools allow athletes to understand how their online presence affects draft stock. Zabel’s consistent, positive engagement has likely contributed to his rising profile among NFL scouts.
Draft prospects must navigate personalised advertising concerns. Cookies and tracking technologies can reveal interests, shopping habits, and other personal information. Many players work with advisors to develop strategies for managing these digital extensions of their personal brand.
Preventing spam and maintaining authentic connections with genuine fans remains challenging. Zabel has demonstrated maturity in this area, maintaining professional boundaries while still connecting with the Bison faithful.
