NFL Insider Mentions Dark Horse Offensive Lineman That Bengals Could Target in First Round

Wow.

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team offensive lineman Grey Zabel of North Dakota State (77) and National team defensive lineman Darius Alexander of Toledo (9) battle through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Also pictured is National team offensive lineman Marcus Mbow of Purdue (63). Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — Could the Bengals take Grey Zabel with the 17th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?

ESPN's Peter Schrager thinks it's a possibility after talking to executives across the NFL.

"I'm unanimously getting 'where is Grey Zabel in the top 20?'" Schrager said on the Bill Simmons podcast. "Watch for Grey Zabel out of North Dakota State to suddenly be one of these guys that goes 15, 17, 18, 19—even if it's early 20s. He's looked at one of these maulers. In a draft full of just 'meh,' he is one of those guys they think the sky can be the limit."

Zabel, 23, is a versatile offensive lineman. He made 40 starts at North Dakota State, including 17 at right tackle, 16 at left tackle, four at left guard and three at right guard.

Zabel could be a plug-and-play starting guard in the NFL. He's 32nd on Dane Brugler's big board.

"Whether out in space or in confined areas, Zabel shines as a run blocker with his athletic range and grip strength to connect, strain and seal lanes," Brugler wrote. "In pass protection, he can be walked back and surrender depth versus power, but he mirrors well and stays balanced through contact as he refits his hands to grind bull rushes to a halt. Overall, Zabel must prove he can consistently anchor against NFL power, but his light, flexible movements and strong hands keep pass rushers busy and displace defenders in the run game. A college tackle, he projects best inside, at either center or guard, where he will compete for immediate starting reps and offer Pro Bowl upside."

It may be a surprise if the Bengals take Zabel, but he was one of our honorable mentions in our "Bengals Big Six" list. Check out Schrager's entire conversation with Simmons here.

For more on the Bengals' draft plans, watch our final mock draft here.

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