Pick 18: Grey Zabel

[warden]

Sure I would have liked one of those two tight ends Loveland or Warren. I really would have liked having DT grant or OG Brooker. But they all went between 10 and 14. The way the draft fell, Zabel was a really good pick

 

[Ruminator]

If Zabel is as advertised, we'll finally have a pretty sweet OL. It will be fun watching our QB have actual pocket time, find receivers, and move the chains.

 

[AROS]

The Athletic gives it an A+:

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State​

One of the smartest players in this class, Zabel played every position along the offensive line in college — and did so at a high level. He turned down big-time NIL money to stay at North Dakota State, then ultimately dominated at the Senior Bowl as arguably the best offensive lineman there.

For a team like Seattle, which has been trying to fix the interior of its offensive line for a half-decade now, this feels like an elite pick. Zabel (who helped run his family farm in college and will continue to do so during NFL offseasons) is one of the draft’s hardest workers. He’s a high-floor player who fills multiple needs for the Seahawks — an awesome pick here and a great fit.

Grade: A-plus

 

[Chukarhawk]

I am usually more complimentary of our picks than the average poster, but I dislike this one. Love going OL, but I see too much with Zabel that I just don't see translating immediately. Feels like a player who should've been taken 50 instead of 18 to me.

Again, love addressing the OL, but I don't like the player selected here compared to the value of the pick.

 

[Wsumatt1982]

Zabel wasn't the sexy pick but he was the right pick. JS hears you and feels you now he is hoping everyone can get off his back for a bit.

I see the line currently as Cross - Zabel - Oluwatimi - Haynes - Lucas. It will take some time to gel but that has potential to be a good unit for a long time. Upgrade isn't out of the question but I think the coaching staff will like this line. You can maybe replace Olu with Sundell but I like it. I wouldn't rule out drafting another lineman but we have a lot of young players who just need to develop. I would love Chase Lundt or Jared Wilson at some point and call it a day

 

[AROS]

"It’s just so unbelievable to, one, be drafted to an organization like the Seahawks, and two, to get that call with friends and family all around me. It’s a lifelong dream to play in the NFL and I’m super excited to get to work.”

“The 12s. Loudest stadium in the entire National Football League. Unbelievable defense -- growing up and I loved the mentality that their defense played with. And then just kind of moving over right now to their current roster, I know I was fortunate enough to train with Abe Lucas for a little bit this offseason at our training facility. Obviously, a really good buddy of mine, Jalen Sundell, is out there right now. I’m super excited to get out to Seattle, Washington, and start getting to work with those guys."

- Grey Zabel

 

[Ostatehawk]

I love the pick, but I'm shocked JS picked an IOL in the top 20. Honestly, I was expecting a WR or the best defensive player on their board

Zabel looks like someone you'd try to bait into saying "shenanigans".

View attachment 71168

He looks like a deputy sheriff who just pulled a double shift directing the clean-up after a school bus hit a small herd of elk.

 

[Streamhawk]

Took you a few minutes to react, I see. Getting cleaned up?

View attachment 71188

Zabel wouldn't have lasted to 50. Or even 30. Love the pick, and so do most experts.

 

[Maelstrom787]

View attachment 71188

 

[Maelstrom787]

Zabel wouldn't have lasted to 50. Or even 30. Love the pick, and so do most experts.

Not implying that he would've lasted - I just think it's about where he belonged as a prospect.

 

[Ostatehawk]

You think this young relative at his draft party will shoot a few five point bucks and drink some Coors light in his day?
View attachment 71178

That kid already owns a hand-held spot light.

 

[bileever]

Position of Need: A+
Quality of Player: A+
Value for Pick 18: B

No real complaints other than we might have been able to trade down a bit if that was our target.

Yes, but some mocks had him going even higher, so it would have been a risk. As long as he works out, no one will care if he was a bit overdrafted.

 

[Jegpeg]

I do have a feeling if Seattle had not drafted Zabel that Minnesota would have and not Jackson, with another team drafting Jackson before the end of rd 1

At a minimum, the way the OL's were flying off the shelves I could have seen the Buccs or Steelers taking Zabel leaving the Vikings with Jackson at 24.

 

[AROS]

Correct me if you think I am wrong but it sure looks to me like the Seahawks nailed both BPA and Need at #18.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Squats and Steaks

Just had his interview on 710 ESPN, what a cool kid.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Mael doesn't like the pick? Why am I not shocked. wow

 

[SoulfishHawk]

View attachment 71188

There is ZERO chance that Gabel even would have made it to the 2nd round, let alone 50.

 

[Maelstrom787]

Mael doesn't like the pick? Why am I not shocked. wow View attachment 71191

Not sure why I'd expect a reasonable, football-based response outside of a bunch of snipes about my avatar (which I plan to change to my adopt-a-rookie, for those asking) or just laughing.

Any of you laughing even watched the kid and the other linemen I'm referencing? I'd love to actually *talk football*.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Because thinking he would be available at 50 is hilarious. He was going mid 1st round the entire time.
I knew someone would hate the pick, a pick that is almost universally loved. The gift that keeps on giving.
Some people will NEVER be satisfied with a great pick. And everyone who actually scouts for a living gave massive praise to the Hawks for taking him at 18.

I'll go ahead and trust them over keyboard warrior draft experts on a message board. Daniel Jeremiah, who actually scouted FOR NFL TEAMS said that Zabel was his favorite player in the entire draft. I'm here for it. Looking forward to the rest of the picks, esp. the responses from Keyboard Scouts. I suspect some will be solid picks, some head scratchers, the usual. And I'm here for it.

Go Hawks

 

[glenwo2]

It feels like buying the brand new car that you wanted...at 110% of the catalog list price.