A big reason why the New Orleans Saints unraveled in 2024 is because they lacked offensive line depth. The Saints sustained injuries across the board, but the lack of depth proved to be especially problematic, as the team lost a number of interior offensive linemen throughout the year, affecting the offense’s ability to run the ball and protect the quarterback.
Fortunately, New Orleans will have the opportunity to improve the offensive line depth in the 2025 NFL Draft. One prospect the Saints couid have their eyes on is Grey Zabel.
Accolades: 2x FCS National Champion, Senior Bowl invite, FCS All-American
2024 stats: 970 snaps, 1 sack, 7 pressures
Size: 6’5”, 316 LBs
Projection: Day 2
Grey Zabel is an experienced run blocker whose stock is skyrocketing due to the senior bowl. In 2024 he played primarily left tackle, however, due to his short arms he will likely move to the interior at the next level. He is currently a day two prospect with the opportunity to keep rising up the boards in the pre-draft process.
Zabel was an unknown prospect to the national media prior to the Senior Bowl. Since arriving in Mobile, he has put the world on notice with two stellar showings thus far. The former Bison has made the move to interior line and has thrived. He has been victorious even against some of the premier defensive line prospects.
Zabel brings experience to the run game, especially in a zone scheme. North Dakota State has a run-heavy offense which played perfectly to his strength. He is an athletic, powerful blocker. Zabel contains the necessary speed to get to the second level or pull. When needed he has shown the ability to push a man back multiple yards. His contributions to the run game are a key aspect to his game.
The ability to play every position on the offensive line is rare. The only position Zabel hasn’t played in college is center, which he is taking snaps at during the Senior Bowl. He projects to play on the interior in the NFL, however, he can swing out to tackle if asked too.
Zabel has shown he can be a stellar pass-blocker in college, the question is can it translate to higher competition. He excels at matching up against power rushers. He stays low and doesn’t allow himself to be pushed back into the quarterback.
The biggest problem for Zabel is his arm length. His wingspan is 6”5’, the second lowest among offensive tackles at the Senior Bowl. This will make it a challenge to play tackle in the NFL. Him moving to guard or center seems almost inevitable. However, it’s not a bad thing. Graham Barton and Peter Skoronski have both successfully made the transition to the interior. There is no reason why Zabel couldn’t do the same.
Grey Zabel has been arguably the most impressive player at the Senior Bowl. He is an athletic offensive lineman with ample experience in the run game. The Saints love players with positional versatility, Zabel might be a perfect fit for them.