SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks selected North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel with their first-round pick Thursday night in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Seahawks used their No. 18 pick to bolster their offensive line around new quarterback Sam Darnold. ESPN rated Zabel as the best offensive guard and the 33rd-best prospect overall in the draft class. Zabel will pair with 2022 first-round pick Charles Cross on the revamped offensive line. 

Zabel, who spent five seasons with North Dakota State, won two NCAA Division I FCS national championships in 2021 and 2024. He started 36 consecutive games to end his career and totaled 41 starts over five seasons. The new Seahawk played games at left tackle, right tackle, left guard and right guard in college. 

ESPN's Steve Muench said Zabel's lower body explosiveness shows up on tape.

"He fires off the ball, lifts defenders and gets some push in the run game," Muench said. "He is effective at combination blocking and working up to the second level. He times his punch well, works his hands inside and moves his feet once he's engaged in pass protection. Zabel mirrors and redirects well. He can recover when he gets caught leaning or out of position. He gives too much ground at times, but digs in and fights to anchor. He recognizes and picks up blitzes.

The last time the Seahawks drafted a guard in the first round was Germain Ifedi in 2016 (No. 31 overall). 

The Seahawks’ next selection in the 2025 NFL Draft will be in the second round (No. 50 overall).