North Dakota State is sending another big man to the league
For the first time since Trey Lance was selected third overall in 2021, a North Dakota State player was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night in Green Bay. Offensive tackle Grey Zabel, who many had predicted to be a first-round pick, was called by the Seahawks as the 18th overall selection.
Zabel, a two-time national champion, adds to the notable list of former Bison offensive linemen who have been drafted. In the 2023 NFL Draft, Cody Mauch was picked by Tampa Bay, while Cordell Volson was taken by Cincinnati the previous year. Prior to that, Dillon Radunz was chosen by the Titans in 2021, and Joe Haeg was drafted by the Colts in 2016. Going even further back, Billy Turner was selected by Miami in 2014. The FCS powerhouse has showcased more than a decade of dominance on the offensive line, evidenced by their ten national titles.
Zabel’s achievement is special because he is the first NDSU offensive lineman to be selected in the first round of the draft, and only the third former Bison to reach this milestone. The only others are Trey Lance and fellow quarterback Carson Wentz, who held this distinction until Thursday night.
Now officially a Seahawk, Zabel aims to bolster an offensive line that has faced challenges in recent years, as Seattle ranked near the bottom of the league in both sacks allowed and rushing offense last season. Zabel will also reunite with former teammate Jalen Sundell in Seattle’s offensive line group.
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