Seahawks select guard Grey Zabel of North Dakota State with No. 18 pick in NFL draft

By Canadian Press on April 24, 2025.

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks selected North Dakota State guard Grey Zabel with the 18th overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night.

At 6-foot-6, 312 pounds, Zabel started 41 games over five seasons at every position on the offensive line except center. He was an FCS All-American at left tackle as a senior last season.

The 23-year-old started the final 36 games of his collegiate career, and figures to slot in on the interior of the Seahawks’ line, which is particularly in need of help. Zabel could quickly replace Seattle’s starting left guard from last season, Laken Tomlinson, who is now a member of the Houston Texans.

Prior to selecting Zabel, the Seahawks hadn’t extensively addressed their offensive line woes via free agency outside of signing journeyman tackle Josh Jones.

Last season, the Seahawks’ offensive line yielded 54 sacks, tied for third-most in the NFL. The Seahawks, who went 10-7 last season and won the NFC West, ran the vast majority of their plays out of the shotgun formation.

Keeping new quarterback Sam Darnold upright after he was signed this offseason to a three-year, $100.5 million deal will be a priority for Seattle after trading away incumbent starter Geno Smith. The franchise took a step toward doing so in drafting Zabel, who is about as athletic and versatile as they come on the offensive line.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Andrew Destin, The Associated Press

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