2025 NFL draft: Seahawks earn 'B+' grade for bread and butter Grey Zabel pick

No fan is going to throw a party for an offensive line pick. This one might be an exception to the rule, though. After initially taking some calls about potentially trading down from the No. 18 overall spot in the draft, the Seattle Seahawks elected to do something about the elephant in the room that's been kicking their quarterbacks in the face for the last 15 years.

That would of course be their offensive line, which has somehow never managed to field even an average unit during John Schneider's 15-year run as general manager - even the year when they won the Super Bowl and were spending more on their OL than any other team.

The Seahawks have also spent less than any team on that unit in recent years, and it's predictably gotten worse than ever. And so, the Seahawks finally made a big investment in the draft here, taking North Dakota State left tackle Grey Zabel with their first pick. While he played left tackle last season, Zabel projects as an interior offensive lineman at the next level, which is where Seattle needs the most help.

For their efforts, the early grades are being kind to the Seahawks, as they should be. According to Matt Verderame and Gilberto Manzano at Sports Illustrated, they get a B+ mark for the Zabel pick.

SI on Seahawks - Grey Zabel pick

"Zabel is considered by many as the top center in this draft, but he’s also viewed as one of the best guard prospects. Regardless of where he plays, he has the makings of being a stout blocker for Sam Darnold. Those are two positions the versatile Zabel didn’t play last season, starting 16 games as North Dakota State’s left tackle. He started 12 games at right tackle the year prior and started games at left guard and right guard in his five collegiate seasons. Zabel is an exceptional run blocker thanks to his footwork and balance."

Zabel will be a plug-and-play starter wherever the Seahawks choose to line him up. For the moment our best guess is that it'll be at left guard, but it could also be center or right guard depending on how the rest of the offseason plays out.

Regardless, Seattle lands a long-term starter at what is arguably their greatest position of need. While you can make a case for taking wide receivers over iOL based on their relative value, it's hard to argue against this pick when the need was so great and the pass protection was keeping such a low lid on this team's offensive ceiling. You'll hear no complaints from us.

SI on Seahawks - Grey Zabel pick

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