Meet Grey Zabel, the Seahawks first-round offensive lineman from North Dakota State

Grey Zabel stood out in a number of ways when his name was called on Thursday night with the No. 18 pick to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

For one, his name is quite unique.

For another, he went to North Dakota State.

But he added up to the right call for Seattle at 18th overall.

Here's why:

Who is Grey Zabel?

Grey Zabel is a versatile offensive lineman out of North Dakota State. He's 6-foot-5, 316 pounds, and played 62 college games with the Bison.

He likely fits best as a guard in the NFL, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., but also has collegiate experience at tackle.

Zabel won two college national titles with North Dakota State.

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Grey Zabel could've transferred up

According to the ESPN draft broadcast, Zabel could've transferred to a bigger school.

They said, "He had big NIL offers" to move up.

But Zabel showed how loyal he is and stayed at NDSU. 

Staying in the Dakotas, where he grew up, clearly didn't hurt his draft stock much.

Grey Zabel recruiting

Grey Zabel was a 0-star recruit.

He attended T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre, South Dakota.

Zabel had offers from South Dakota and South Dakota State in addition to NDSU.

The lineman played both ways in high school, but he quickly settled in as a star on the O-line at the best FCS program in the country.

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