2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel

The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we've got you covered with in-depth scouting reports on all of the top prospects at every position in this year's class.

Here's everything you need to know about North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel heading into the 2025 draft:

Vitals

Height: 6-6

Weight: 312

Age: 22

Strengths

Versatility is a huge asset for NFL offensive lineman, and Zabel brings it by the truckload. With experience at all five positions along the offensive trenches, Zabel has a foundation to make an impact anywhere up front at the next level. He’s got a tall frame with room to add bulk, but he’s already a powerful force in the run game, and unlike most taller/leaner offensive line prospects, he consistently wins the pad level battle by staying low throughout the play and keeping effective leverage. He’s fluid with his short-area movement skills and blocking mechanics, allowing him to anchor well in 1-on-1 situations, while also executing combo blocks and climbing to the second level without getting caught up in the traffic.

Weaknesses

Speedy edge rushers can give Zabel fits off the snap, beating him to the outside and turning the corner before he can get set and extend. This is made more difficult by his lack of ideal length, as he’s unable to keep those defenders at bay without letting them get under his outside shoulder or into his body to convert speed to power and get him off his base. His hand usage is inconsistent, and will leave him vulnerable to active hand-fighters in the pass rush game.

Updated 2025 NFL Draft Rankings By Position

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | EDGE | Interior DL | LB | CB | S

Final Analysis

Zabel’s experience at all five offensive line positions will be attractive to NFL teams, but his physical limitations and technical inconsistencies will be easier to mask if he stays along the interior. Adding some bulk to his frame would help improve his anchor, but he’s got enough tools to eventually develop into an effective starter at either guard or center, with his previous experience allowing him to be a serviceable spot starter at tackle if needed.

Current Projection: 1st Round