Seahawks Bolster Interior Line, Draft Guard Gray Zabel with 18th Pick
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks addressed a key offseason need by selecting North Dakota State guard Grey Zabel with the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday.
Offensive Line a Priority for Seattle
Entering the draft,the Seahawks had made it clear that upgrading the offensive line,particularly the guard position,was a priority. General Manager John Schneider emphasized the need but resisted overspending in free agency, ultimately focusing on the draft to acquire a talented and versatile lineman.
Zabel Expresses Excitement After Being Drafted
“Man, it was a roller coaster of emotion,” Zabel said during a conference call. He added, “ItS just so unbelievable to, one, be drafted to an organization like the Seahawks, and two, to get that call with friends and family all around me…it’s a lifelong dream.”
Versatile Lineman Brings Experience
Over the past three seasons, Zabel, 6-foot-6 and 316 pounds, has started 38 games, showcasing his versatility at right tackle, left guard, and left tackle. In 2024, he earned first-team Associated Press FCS All-American honors, as well as first-team Missouri Valley Football Conference honors.
Highest Drafted Guard As Hutchinson
Zabel is the Seahawks’ highest-drafted guard since the team selected Pro Football hall of Famer Steve Hutchinson with the 17th overall pick in 2001. Hutchinson, now a part of the Seahawks’ player personnel department, was involved in evaluating Zabel and other offensive line prospects.
Zabel’s Versatility a Key Asset
While listed as a guard, Zabel’s ability to play multiple positions – including center, which he showcased at the Senior Bowl - gives the Seahawks flexibility. Zabel indicated he is ready to play wherever the team needs him.
Ready to Contribute
“I’m assuming it’s going to be somewhere on the interior,” Zabel said, regarding his future position. “I’m not sure yet, we’ll have to wait until I get to Seattle and talk to the coaches…At the end of the day, you’re an offensive lineman. You’ve got to block somebody, and you’ve got to protect the quarterback and move the line of scrimmage. So whatever position that is, that’s where I want to go compete and play my best football, but I’m excited to do it wearing a Seahawks logo.”
here are two PAA (Probably Asked Questions) related to teh article, formatted as questions:
Seahawks Bolster Interior Line, Draft Guard Gray Zabel with 18th Pick
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks addressed a key offseason need by selecting North Dakota State guard Grey Zabel with the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday.
Offensive Line a Priority for Seattle
Entering the draft, the Seahawks had made it clear that upgrading the offensive line, especially the guard position, was a priority. General Manager John Schneider emphasized the need but resisted overspending in free agency, ultimately focusing on the draft to acquire a talented and versatile lineman.
Zabel Expresses Excitement After Being Drafted
“Man, it was a roller coaster of emotion,” Zabel said during a conference call. He added,”It’s just so unbelievable to,one,be drafted to an organization like the Seahawks,and two,to get that call with friends and family all around me…it’s a lifelong dream.”
Versatile Lineman Brings Experience
Over the past three seasons, Zabel, 6-foot-6 and 316 pounds, has started 38 games, showcasing his versatility at right tackle, left guard, and left tackle.In 2024, he earned first-team Associated Press FCS All-American honors, as well as first-team Missouri Valley Football Conference honors.
Highest Drafted Guard As Hutchinson
Zabel is the Seahawks’ highest-drafted guard since the team selected Pro football hall of Famer Steve Hutchinson with the 17th overall pick in 2001. Hutchinson, now a part of the Seahawks’ player personnel department, was involved in evaluating Zabel and other offensive line prospects.
Zabel’s Versatility a Key Asset
While listed as a guard, Zabel’s ability to play multiple positions – including center, which he showcased at the Senior Bowl – gives the Seahawks flexibility. Zabel indicated he is ready to play wherever the team needs him.
Ready to Contribute
“I’m assuming it’s going to be somewhere on the interior,” Zabel said, regarding his future position. “I’m not sure yet, we’ll have to wait until I get to Seattle and talk to the coaches…At the end of the day, you’re an offensive lineman. You’ve got to block somebody, and you’ve got to protect the quarterback and move the line of scrimmage. So whatever position that is, that’s where I want to go compete and play my best football, but I’m excited to do it wearing a Seahawks logo.”
Q&A: Grey Zabel and the Seahawks
- Q: Who is Grey Zabel?
- A: He’s a newly drafted offensive guard for the Seattle Seahawks, selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Zabel played college football at North Dakota State.
- Q: What makes Zabel a valuable pick for the Seahawks?
- A: His versatility! Zabel can play multiple offensive line positions, including guard, tackle, and even center, providing flexibility for the Seahawks’ offensive strategy. He started 38 games over the past three seasons and earned All-American honors in 2024.
- Q: Why did the Seahawks prioritize the offensive line in the draft?
- A: The article highlights the importance of strengthening the offensive line, particularly the guard position, to protect the quarterback and improve the running game. General manager John Schneider focused on the draft to find a talented lineman.
- Q: How does Zabel compare to other highly drafted guards in Seahawks history?
- A: Zabel is the highest-drafted guard for the Seahawks since Steve Hutchinson, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, was selected in 2001. Hutchinson is now involved in the Seahawks’ player personnel department.
- Q: Where is Zabel likely to play for the seahawks?
- A: While he’s listed as a guard,Zabel is open to playing wherever the team needs him. He’s likely to play on the interior offensive line, but the specific position will be determined after conversations with the coaches.
- Q: What did Zabel say about getting drafted?
- A: He was ecstatic! Zabel described the experience as a “roller coaster of emotion” and a lifelong dream come true.
- Q: What should seahawks fans do to stay current?
- A: Stay tuned for training camp updates to see how Zabel fits into the starting lineup!
With the addition of Grey Zabel, the Seahawks are hoping to solidify their offensive line and pave the way for future success. Keep an eye on Zabel as he begins his NFL career!
