​The Seattle Seahawks’ decision to take guard Grey Zabel in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft proved pivotal in their championship run, contributing to their victory in Super Bowl 60. Zabel quickly established himself as an outstanding rookie, stabilizing an offensive line that had been a glaring weakness in the prior season. The former North Dakota State standout wasted no time earning role and responsibility, immediately proving himself as a high-upside starter who could grow into a central piece of the team’s protection schemes.
Entering his sophomore year in 2026, Zabel carries significant expectations. That sentiment runs across the league, with ESPN recently ranking the top 10 interior offensive linemen in the NFL and awarding Zabel an honorable mention after his breakout rookie campaign. An anonymous NFC executive praised his performance, telling ESPN that Zabel “played his ass off as a rookie,” and projected him to become a Pro Bowler for the Seahawks. The praise underscored the certainty many evaluators feel about his trajectory and impact on the league.
The Seahawks have kept the same starting five offensive linemen that helped secure their Super Bowl victory, and that continuity should bolster Zabel as he makes his second-season leap. Working alongside Charles Cross for a second consecutive campaign will likely accelerate his development and comfort level in the scheme, providing a familiar environment that supports growth rather than a disruptive transition.
While the team did see some staff changes, the Seahawks retained position coach John Benton, whose guidance was instrumental in Zabel’s development during his rookie year. Losing offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was a shift, but Benton’s continued presence on the coaching staff offers a stable, trusted mentor for Zabel as he refines technique, footwork, and hand placement against advanced NFL defenses.
Zabel’s blend of versatility, power, and technique signals his potential to evolve into a top-tier interior lineman. His combination of athleticism and nastiness at the point of attack gives him the tools to handle a wide array of defensive fronts, and his chemistry with his teammates ensures the Seahawks can rely on a cohesive interior line for both the run game and pass protection.
As Zabel advances through his sophomore season, the expectations are clear: continue to refine the fundamentals, expand the playbook understanding, and contribute to the Seahawks’ overall offensive efficiency. If he maintains his current developmental arc, Zabel could becoming one of the league’s premier interior linemen, a development that would further solidify Seattle’s reputation for building trenches that win championships.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire and reflects ongoing discussions about Grey Zabel’s growing profile in the NFL.