North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel Set to Leave Program as NFL Draft Looms
HOUSTON – Grey Zabel, the All-American offensive tackle from North Dakota State and one of college football’s top-rated blockers, recently visited the Houston Texans, as confirmed by a league source.
A projected first-round pick, Zabel also has a scheduled visit with the Detroit Lions.
The 6-foot-6, 312-pound lineman impressed at the Senior Bowl, where he dominated pass rushers during drills. At the NFL scouting combine, Zabel showcased his athleticism, posting a 36 1/2-inch vertical leap, a 9-foot-3 broad jump, and 26 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
Zabel, originally from Pierre, South Dakota, has played across the offensive line in college, taking snaps at left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle.
A first-team All-American and All-Missouri Valley Conference honoree, he started every game at left tackle for the national champions.
“At the combine, Zabel shared his mindset: “I think the goal is to come in and absorb as much as possible. There’s a definite transition from college to the NFL, so learning from the veterans and refining my skills is crucial. But, at the same time, the competitor in me wants to get on the field and play immediately. You never know how long you’ll have in this game, so I’m focused on every opportunity to contribute.”
Zabel also stressed the importance of versatility: “The biggest thing is understanding the different responsibilities depending on your stance, whether you’re using your left or right hand, and even snapping the ball. You never know where a team might need you, so being the best player you can be is key.”
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