When the Seattle Seahawks drafted guard Grey Zabel in the first round last spring, the reaction from fans was part surprise, part relief. After years of inconsistency along the offensive line—particularly on the interior—Seattle finally invested premium draft capital in protecting its quarterback.
So far, it looks like the right call.
Grey Zabel’s Instant Impact
The North Dakota State product has played every offensive snap this season through seven games, starting each at left guard. According to Pro Football Focus, Zabel has yet to allow a sack in more than 220 pass-blocking snaps. His limited number of pressures surrendered reflects both sound technique and the steady poise Seattle’s coaches praised during training camp.
Former NFL lineman and Seahawks Radio Network analyst Ray Roberts told Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob that Zabel “looks like a rookie who deserved to be the 18th pick in the draft,” noting his athleticism and effort.
“This dude can play football and he’s athletic,” Roberts said. “He’s had his moments where he’s struggled—that’s to be expected—but he’s also had moments where he’s played really good football. You see his willpower, his talent. He’s just naturally a tough dude.”
How Zabel Elevates Seattle’s Front
Even when he makes mistakes, Zabel’s short memory has stood out to the Seahawks’ broadcast crew. Roberts added that Zabel “never gets down on himself” and consistently bounces back the next series. That mindset, combined with his physical traits, has quietly lifted the performance of those around him.
“I do think because he’s playing better football, it’s allowing Charles Cross to be a better tackle and it’s also allowing (Jalen) Sundell to be effective (at center),” Roberts said.
Zabel’s emergence has coincided with a measurable uptick in the Seahawks’ overall line play. Seattle has allowed among the fewest quarterback sacks in the league, allowing a sack percentage of 4.39% (No. 7) per TeamRankings. For a team that spent the last several seasons patching together its interior line, that’s meaningful progress.
With Zabel and Co. blocking up front, Kenneth Walker III has posted 430 yards on 95 carries, good for a 4.5 yards per rush, his highest average since his rookie season.
Why the Seahawks Believe Zabel Will Keep Rising
Zabel’s early success mirrors the type of steady, developmental growth head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak have emphasized since taking over. The rookie’s mix of size, leverage, and effort fits the Seahawks’ move-heavy zone-blocking scheme, giving the team a reliable anchor as it builds around young skill talent.
Seattle’s coaches have also pointed to Zabel’s leadership potential, rare for a first-year lineman. His willingness to communicate protections and take ownership in film sessions has impressed veterans, a sign he’s quickly earning trust inside the locker room.
The Seahawks entered their bye week at 5-2, tied atop the NFC West, with much of that success owed to improved balance on offense. If Zabel continues his upward trajectory, the rookie could quietly become one of the key reasons Seattle stays in contention down the stretch.
Certainly, Darnold and the offense will continue to benefit from Zabel’s development.
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