Seahawks G Grey Zabel had a remarkable rookie season

As we approach the 2026 NFL draft, I think it's time we look back to last year's draft for the Seattle Seahawks. Specifically, their first overall selection: guard Grey Zabel, from North Dakota State. The Bison standout was considered the top guard in the 2025 NFL draft, and the Seahawks picked him at No. 18. There was legitimate debate as to what Seattle should do, and in the end, they ultimately decided on bolstering their offensive line.

Remember, the Seahawks decided not to wade into the waters of free agency to fix their offensive line, but instead chose to rebuild through the draft and coach up the talent they already had with a new staff. Their decision paid off remarkably well, and it all started with Zabel. Right from the get-go it was evident the Seahawks had a legitimate stud to help anchor down the left side of the line with tackle Charles Cross and former NDSU teammate Jalen Sundell at center. Zabel may have been a rookie, but he was playing like a 10-year veteran.

And the numbers speak for themselves. The Seahawks' social media accounts shared all of what Zabel accomplished in his first season in Seattle, and I recommend taking a look at them below.

Oh, and not to mention.... Super Bowl LX champion, of course!

The NFL draft is, ultimately, a lottery. You never truly know how a player is going to pan out. Each selection is merely buying a lotto ticket. But sometimes, some tickets have better odds than others. Sometimes you buy the ticket that is intended to immediately fix an issue. In this instance with Grey Zabel, the Seahawks hit the jackpot.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks roster: Grey Zabel from NDSU had remarkable rookie season