The Seattle Seahawks pulled a mini-surprise during the 2025 NFL draft when they selected offensive lineman Grey Zabel with the No. 18 overall selection. It wasn’t totally shocking, because the Seahawks had been connected to Zabel throughout the pre-draft process. There was some groupthink that the small-school product out of North Dakota State wasn’t a first-round worthy prospect, however.
Through two preseason games and the majority of training camp, Zabel is absolutely shattering that narrative.
Zabel played 20 total snaps in Seattle’s Week 1 preseason tie with the Las Vegas Raiders. The former Bison standout threw several key blocks, creating rushing lanes for the ball-carriers to burst through. Pro Football Focus assigned Zabel an overall grade of 81.2 for that performance, one that gained national acclaim.
Zabel carried that momentum over to Week 2 of the preseason in a blowout exhibition victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Pierre, South Dakota native played 19 snaps and was equally as effective. PFF assigned him a 78.7 grade. He hasn’t allowed a single quarterback pressure through two preseason games, and has been lauded for his athleticism.
It’s been the continuation of what Zabel has displayed throughout training camp. Head coach Mike Macdonald has consistently applauded his effort, approach, and production. Seahawks general manager John Schneider hit a home run when he drafted Zabel.