Grey Zabel OT North Dakota State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Grey Zabel OT North Dakota State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: Multi-role OL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 11/20/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 5.30 seconds (42%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUB-POSITION: Multi-role OL | |
| Last Updated: 11/20/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 5.30 seconds (42%*) | |
|
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
|
| Overall Rating: | 85.6 / 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
|
64% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Pass Blocking: |
|
100% |
| Run Blocking: |
|
94% |
|
DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Late
Overall Rank:
#57
Position rank:
#13
|
||
| College Games: 54 College Snaps: 2390 | ||
| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Liam Eichenberg - Notre Dame |
|
86% |
| Javon Foster - Missouri |
|
83% |
| Max Mitchell - Louisiana |
|
79% |
Draft Profile: Bio
A two-and-a-half year starter at North Dakota State, Grey Zabel anchored an offensive line that dominated FCS competition. In 2023, he started all 15 games, beginning at left guard before shifting to right tackle, logging 675 snaps for an offense that ranked fourth in FCS rushing (237.3 YPG).The South Dakota native secured three state championships at T.F. Riggs High School before joining NDSU, where he earned HERO Sports Freshman All-America honors. His impact grew annually, culminating in a senior season where NDSU led the nation in rushing yards (3,560), rushing touchdowns (47), and offensive touchdowns (69).
Throughout his 52-game collegiate career, Zabel demonstrated positional flexibility, starting at four different spots along the offensive line. His presence helped establish NDSU's ground attack as one of FCS's most formidable units, with the 2023 squad also ranking second nationally in passing efficiency and red zone scoring.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Plus leverage player who consistently works under defender's pads despite tall frame, maximizing power transfer through his base
- Advanced spatial awareness in the run game, excellent at sealing backside pursuit and creating cutback lanes
- Quick-twitch lateral movement skills with loose hips, smoothly mirrors and matches defensive counters
- Heavy hands with snap delivery on initial punch, stuns rushers and establishes immediate control
- Position versatile technician with starting experience at four spots along the offensive front
- Clean footwork in pass sets with consistent knee bend and weight distribution
- Plus play strength at point of attack, generates vertical movement on down blocks
- Durable performer who answered the bell for 52 career games without significant injury history
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Short-armed tackle prospect who struggles to establish first meaningful contact against length rushers
- Limited recovery skills when beaten off the snap, particularly against speed-to-power converts
- Lean frame with below-average anchor against bull rush moves and power charges
- Base narrows in pass protection, compromising ability to redirect against counter moves
- Edge protection needs refinement, particularly against dip-and-rip moves and high-side rushes
Scouting Report: Summary
Shows the critical traits of an NFL tackle prospect with refined technical skills and plus movement ability for the position. Natural knee-bender who consistently plays with proper pad level and leverage despite his height, particularly effective working double teams and down blocks.Best scheme fit comes in a zone-blocking system where his mobility and technical proficiency can shine in space. While initial punch timing impresses, continued development of play strength and anchor will be crucial for handling NFL edge defenders one-on-one in passing situations.
Core strength development and improved recovery mechanics will determine ceiling as an NFL tackle, but advanced technical foundation and proven durability suggest immediate swing tackle value with starting right tackle upside in a movement-based system.
How other scouting services rate Grey Zabel (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
62.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
15.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.