The Seahawks addressed their interior line in a big way on Thursday, selecting North Dtakota State guard Grey Zabel in with the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Ari Horton & John Boyle of the team's official website report.

Throughout the offseason, offensive line, and guard in particular, was discussed as a need for the Seahawks. General manager and president of football operations John Schneider acknowledged as much, repeatedly, but he also made it clear the Seahawks wouldn't panic in free agency to force a move. Instead, the Seahawks waited for the draft and landed one of the most talented and versatile linemen in the draft in order to bolster a young interior line.

Over his past three seasons, Zabel has started 38 games, starting at right tackle, left guard and left tackle, and in 2024 he earned first-team Associated Press FCS All-American honors, as well as first-team Missouri Valley Football Conference honors.

Zabel, who is 6-foot-6, 312 pounds, is the Seahawks' highest-drafted guard since they took Steve Hutchinson with the 17th overall pick in 2001. Hutchinson, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is now a part of the Seahawks' player personnel department and had a hand in the evaluation process of Zabel and other offensive linemen.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/theredzoneorg 
     
Don't forget to follow us on Bluesky at https://theredzone.bsky.social

Like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/Theredzone.org