Former NDSU offensive lineman Grey Zabel is a top-50 NFL Draft prospect, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
FARGO — North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller has the potential to be selected in the NFL Draft, according to at least one national draft analyst.
Following a strong senior season, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler noted that Miller’s performance has elevated his draft prospects as the draft process continues with several college football all-star games coming up next week.
“Teams believe that his senior year performance has shifted him from being a priority free agent to a mid-to-late round pick,” Brugler stated.
Miller will compete in the East-West Shrine Bowl, which is set to take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will be broadcast on the NFL Network.
NDSU offensive tackle Grey Zabel also has an important week ahead. Zabel is scheduled to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, which will occur at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, in Mobile, Alabama, and will be shown on the NFL Network.
Brugler includes Zabel among his top 50 prospects, indicating that he has the potential to be a second-round selection.
“Zabel excels as a run blocker due to his athletic range and grip strength to create openings,” Brugler remarked. “He performs well in pass protection, but can occasionally be overpowered and needs to demonstrate that he can consistently hold his ground against NFL power.”
The NFL Draft is set to take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The first round will occur on April 24, followed by the second and third rounds on April 25, and rounds 4 through 7 on April 26.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 212 pounds, Miller played a key role in leading the Bison to the NCAA Division I FCS national championship in his recently finished college football season.
He completed 74% of his passes, totaling 3,251 yards with 33 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Additionally, Miller rushed for 631 yards and 12 touchdowns on 145 carries during the 16-game season.
“Miller may not impress with his physical attributes when compared to many quarterbacks,” Brugler stated. “However, he has a good understanding of where to direct the football, and his competitive qualities will impress NFL coaches.”
Miller completed 19 of 22 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns in NDSU’s 35-32 win over Montana State for the FCS championship in early January. He also added 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
At 6 feet 6 inches and 305 pounds, Zabel appears set to uphold NDSU’s recent reputation for producing offensive linemen suitable for the NFL Draft. Since 2021, three Bison offensive linemen have been drafted: Dillon Radunz (second round in 2021), Cordell Volson (fourth round in 2022), and Cody Mauch (second round in 2023).
Zabel played left tackle during his senior year with the Bison, but Brugler anticipates he will transition to guard or center in the NFL. ESPN’s Jordan Reid recently ranked Zabel as the fifth-best offensive guard prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.
“He is best suited for an interior role and possesses the talent to be a starting player at guard or center in the NFL,” Brugler remarked.
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