The Seattle Seahawks might have the perfect opportunity to take a player in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft who could be a potential All-Pro for multiple years. The player would also help address Seattle's most pressing need immediately. Will general manager John Schneider make the right call, though?
The truth is, based on a recent rumor by Jane Slater of the NFL Network, Schneider might not get the chance to make the decision. Seattle's biggest issue this offseason, just as it has been for the last decade, is the interior of the offensive line. Should North Dakota State's Grey Zabel be around at pick 18, Seattle should scoop him up.
Slater reports that Zabel could be selected before Seattle has a chance to choose him. She says that she "got a tip" that the Dallas Cowboys are worried about their offensive lineman, and Zabel could go there at pick 12.
Cowboys rumored to steal Grey Zabel before Seahawks have a chance to pass on him
There is very little expectation that Schneider moves up in the draft to take an interior offensive lineman, so the general manager probably won't be worried if Zabel is gone or not. It might even give him more of an excuse not to select a guard or center in the first round. He is more likely to wait until the second or third round (at the earliest), unless Zabel is still available.
The rumored ascension of Zabel up NFL draft boards has been incredible. He was outside the first round of most mock drafts until this offseason when he showed his versatility during Senior Bowl week, and he tested well in pre-draft workouts. He is strong and athletic, and, at 6'6" and 312 pounds, big enough to play right away.
In 2021, Schneider and the Seahawks had an opportunity to choose Creed Humphrey in the draft. They passed, and instead the team chose wide receiver D'Wayne Eskridge. Eskridge is no longer a Seahawk. Humphrey is a three-time Pro Bowler who was named to First-Team All-Pro last season. Zabel could be the next Humphrey.
Schneider, who eschews taking interior offensive linemen high in drafts, could decide to pass on Zabel even if he is available at 18. He shouldn't. But based on Slater's report, Schneider might never have the chance to look bad by saying no to Zabel.
