Could the Chargers snag a small school standout to help build up the interior of their offensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Los Angeles Chargers turned heads during their first draft in the Jim Harbaugh era by snagging Joe Alt in the first round of the 2024 draft over one of the elite receivers available at their pick. The selection of Alt proved to be tremendously successful and allowed the team to establish themselves as a “ground and pound” team early on in the season, establishing the sort of identity Harbaugh is known for. The team could look towards a similar direction in the first round once more with the selection of North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel.
Grey Zabel is a DAWG who has Pro Bowl upside on the interior.
Zabel dominated the last two seasons playing LT and RT for North Dakota State, boasting a 99.0% pass block efficiency rate and 86.5 run block grade in 2024.
Potential 1st round pick and IOL1 in this class. pic.twitter.com/XFAYFh6kQu
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 13, 2025
Zabel, who was primarily a tackle for the Bisons, showed tremendous grit and meanness as the anchor of that offensive line. At the next level Zabel will likely need to kick inside with potential to also operate as a fill in or swing tackle as needed. In the interior Zabel projects as a stable pass blocker who has the quickness and agility to maintain blocks through initial pressure. As a run blocker Zabel creates excellent leverage with a lower center of gravity and excellent form for someone just coming into the league.
With the Chargers needing to seriously upgrade their interior, Zabel projects as a starter right away at either guard spot. Zabel would immediately improve on both the pass blocking and rushing attacking of the line and provide a centerpiece of the interior to build around. Should Zabel come in and dominate early, the Chargers would have three building blocks along their offensive line for years to come and set the tempo in the AFC West.