- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 467,260
- Reaction score
- 44
During the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks stayed put at No. 18 and selected Grey Zabel. Seattle had a pressing need along their interior offensive line and they directly addressed it by taking one of the best guard prospects available.
When the Seahawks opted to not sign any free agent interior offensive lineman earlier this offseason, it became clear the organization viewed the draft as their best opportunity to improve up front. This is already proven to be the case, as head coach Mike Macdonald has already stated he expects Zabel to start. However, while Macdonald did not commit to which side of the line Zabel would start, he did praise his new lineman's versatility.
Versatile is the perfect word to describe Zabel. During his five years at North Dakota State, Zabel accumulated 38 total starts between left tackle, right tackle, left guard, right guard and even center. In many ways, Zabel represents five birds, one stone. He will be a starter along the interior of this line, but he also will represent a legitimate backup plan to starters elsewhere on the line... particularly Abe Lucas, who has battled significant injuries the last two years.
Zabel is considered one of the safest picks in the draft, which is exactly what Seattle needs at this crucial position. Improving the offensive line is of the upmost importance. The Seahawks could not afford to take any risks or try to "outthink the room" with an unconventional pick at No. 18. They played it safe and picked the best player available to fill a gaping hole. Sometimes it can be that simple, and the team (as well as the 12th Man) should be elated.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald discusses if Grey Zabel will start
Continue reading...
When the Seahawks opted to not sign any free agent interior offensive lineman earlier this offseason, it became clear the organization viewed the draft as their best opportunity to improve up front. This is already proven to be the case, as head coach Mike Macdonald has already stated he expects Zabel to start. However, while Macdonald did not commit to which side of the line Zabel would start, he did praise his new lineman's versatility.
Versatile is the perfect word to describe Zabel. During his five years at North Dakota State, Zabel accumulated 38 total starts between left tackle, right tackle, left guard, right guard and even center. In many ways, Zabel represents five birds, one stone. He will be a starter along the interior of this line, but he also will represent a legitimate backup plan to starters elsewhere on the line... particularly Abe Lucas, who has battled significant injuries the last two years.
Zabel is considered one of the safest picks in the draft, which is exactly what Seattle needs at this crucial position. Improving the offensive line is of the upmost importance. The Seahawks could not afford to take any risks or try to "outthink the room" with an unconventional pick at No. 18. They played it safe and picked the best player available to fill a gaping hole. Sometimes it can be that simple, and the team (as well as the 12th Man) should be elated.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald discusses if Grey Zabel will start
Continue reading...
