While the Houston Texans have needs at wide receiver, safety and defensive tackle, securing a long-term option on the interior offensive line might be the best course with their first pick at No. 25 overall.
It’d be hard to blame the reigning AFC South for picking a guy early, especially after C.J. Stroud’s sophomore slump that resulted in him being sacked 52 times, the second-most among all passers last fall.
Eric Edholm of NFL.com has the Texans going the sensible, yet surprising route in the first round, addressing their need at right guard by selecting North Dakota State lineman and FCS national champion Grey Zabel at pick No. 25.
The Texans should add multiple blockers this offseason, and Zabel — who played all over the offensive line for the Bison — showed at the Senior Bowl that he can be a strong anchor, likely inside.
Down at the Senior Bowl, Zabel was viewed as one of the bigger winners. He boosted his draft stock given his position flexibility, but it was his consistency in winning pass protection reps that likely has teams bringing him up in Day 1 buzz.
Here is every one-on-one rep by North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel.
WHEW! pic.twitter.com/iyDOq2tySl
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 28, 2025
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah even said that when it comes to consistency, few have been as polished between drills and Zabel. When asked about transition to the pros, the longtime NFL Draft analayst said the 6-foot-5 lineman is probably best suited inside.
“I believe he’s best suited to play guard at the next level,” Jeremiah wrote. “In pass pro, he has quick feet, stays square and catches/absorbs rushers. His lack of length shows up on the perimeter. He allows defenders to capture his chest, but he still possesses the core strength and balance to stall their push.
Grey Zabel. OL from North Dakota St absolutely crushed the first practice here in Mobile. Get to know him because he’s only going to rise from here. pic.twitter.com/aYvCPOUQaC
— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) January 28, 2025
“I love his ability to fit up and drive defenders in the run game. He has a great feel for combo blocks, and he always looks to finish. He has a nasty playing style, but he doesn’t get caught off-balance. Overall, I see Zabel as a Day 1 starter at guard.”
Some view Zabel as a Round 2 pick, but if a run on the interior line begins, the Texans might have to move quickly to land a player who’s a plug-and-play starter.
