2025 NFL draft: Seahawks pick NDSU stud Grey Zabel at No. 18 overall

Seattle takes the meanest, most versatil mauler in the 2025 draft class.

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles of Virginia Tech (16) battles National team offensive lineman Grey Zabel of North Dakota State (77) during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Our long wait is over and the Seattle Seahawks have got their guy. After weeks of speculation and domination of mock drafts, North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel the pick at No. 18 overall in the 2025 NFL draft for Seattle. Ari Meirov from the 33rd team was the first to report the selection.

Zabel (6-foot-6, 305 pounds) is the consensus number one interior offensive line prospect in this class. That has an obvious appeal for a team that went into this draft with the worst projected interior three starters in the league. Last season Zabel lined up at left tackle but he has experience at all five spots up front, including at center.

That might be where the Seahawk see Zabel playing, but they also have a pretty significant hole at left guard with Laken Tomlinson out, and their rotation of right guards didn't exactly impress last season.

Some day down the line Zabel could also theoretically replace Abe Lucas at right tackle if his chronic knee pain is not resolved. While much less likely, Zabel could also take over at left tackle if something happens with Charles Cross to make Seattle decide not to extend him.

Bottom line - Zabel offers a ton of positional value where the Seahawks need it most. While it's not a sexy pick by any means it is nevertheless a very necessary one.

Seattle still has a lot of needs to address on offense in this draft, including another interior offensive line selection, a wide receiver, and ideally a tight end as well. They have the capital to get it done, at least. For now the Seahawks hold four picks on Day 2 of the draft.

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