Grey Zabel Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
School: North Dakota State
Class: Senior
Position: OT
HT: 6’6
WT: 312 lbs
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Background: Grey Zabel was an unranked and virtually unrecruited offensive tackle out of Pierre, South Dakota. Zabel played for TF Riggs High School, playing on both the offensive and defensive line. Zabel was a starter for a team that won 3 straight state titles. Zabel was also a National Honor Society participant. Along with football, Zabel played both baseball and basketball for Riggs. Zabel committed to play for FCS powerhouse, North Dakota State, instead of South Dakota.
College: Zabel was a backup swing tackle for the Bison in 2020 and 2021 before becoming the starting right tackle in 2022. In 2023, Zabel changed from left guard back to right tackle in the middle of the season. He established himself as an elite offensive tackle for the best FCS program in the country.
Strengths: Grey Zabel tested very well in the pre-draft process as he solidified himself as one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the class. This athleticism shows up on film as he has excellent movement skills to finish his assignment at the line of scrimmage before moving to find work in the second level. Zabel has a strong base to anchor in the turf and absorb power rushes. His arm length has been heavily critiqued, but he has played every position on the offensive line except for center, making him incredibly versatile despite his measurements. Zabel handles stunts at the line of scrimmage with efficiency. He does well to work with his linemates to break down a pass rush and keep the quarterback clean. Zabel has excellent footwork, allowing him to change directions quickly and handle multiple assignments as quickly as possible. Zabel is an excellent pulling lineman as he can get off the line and become a lead blocker to create rushing lanes for the ball carrier.
Weaknesses: Zabel’s biggest critique has always been his length. If he does not have the size necessary to win as a tackle in the NFL, should he still possess the positional value of an offensive tackle? Probably not. It takes a generational talent with no other flaws to win on the edge with 32” arms. Zabel tends to get grabby and it can lead to penalties. He relies more on holding on to a player rather than landing a few initial punches. That initial punch, both in pass protection and as a run blocker, is often off target and results in plenty of whiffs.
Conclusion: Grey Zabel is a versatile offensive lineman who can play wherever his team wants him to play. He is likely best served on the left side, which is where he has most experience. His length won’t be an issue on the interior and his ability to process disguised blitzes and stunts and work off his teammates to hand off assignments projects well to guard.
Scheme Fit: Gap Rushing Offense
Ideal Role: Left Guard
Best Team Fits: CLE, SEA, IND
Player Comparison: Joel Bitonio
Player Grade: Round 2 (86.8)
