Grey Zabel Could Give Detroit The Best Of Both Worlds
Credit: Junfu Han via Imagn Images
Losing guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency to Tennessee stung for Detroit. For an offensive line that has dominated the last couple of years and come into its own, Zeitler was a big part of 2024.
General manager Brad Holmes never drafts need over best available, but with offensive lineman Grey Zabel, the Lions can replace Zeitler and get the best of both worlds.
The Lions aren’t one to panic and there is an in-house option to fill in with 2024 sixth-round pick Christian Mahogany spearheading that effort.Going that route, whether it be Mahogany or another name currently on the roster, could be putting tape over a gap that needs glue.
Zabel could be the glue.
Detroit loves its versatility and during his time at North Dakota State, Zabel started at four different positions up front. Last season, he started all 16 games at left tackle but most analysts see him scooting inside to guard in the NFL. Heck, some even project him as a fine center if that’s the path a team wants to explore.
Zabel could sneak up into the first round and if that’s the case, the Lions could pounce with the No. 28 overall selection.
Yes, Holmes won’t draft a need over best available but with how Zabel is climbing the charts, it could be a best available that just so happens to be a need as well for Detroit.
There’s familiarity within the coaching staff which never hurts. Detroit’s new tight end coach, Tyler Roehl, coached Zabel at North Dakota State. The toute prospect raved about Roehl at the NFL Combine.
“Tyler Roehl is my guy,” Zabel said at the combine. “I love that man… They’re getting an unbelievable person, first off. The energy that he has every single day is unbelievable. I don’t know how he does it. He doesn’t do caffeine, I think — or maybe he does now — but to have that energy every single day is remarkable.”
Do we really think Roehl, even though he’s a fresh hire, hasn’t brought Zabel up to the decision makers in Detroit? Doubt it. Keep this in mind too… just because Ben Johnson is no longer the offensive coordinator doesn’t mean Dan Campbell will change the identity of this offense. In fact, it’d be foolish to expect that. This will still be a smash mouth brand of football led by a two-headed monster at running back in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Making sure they have the best product possible at offensive line isn’t just a decision to waffle with. It’s a necessity.
Zabel’s versatility would give the Lions options if need be, something more teams are leaning towards at offensive line when evaluating prospects. In an ideal world, he’d get a swing at guard in Detroit before anything else.
Despite questions lingering about where the best fit is for Zabel, he’s not much of a project and is much more of a polished product upon entering the NFL.
Per The Draft Network, Zabel will be ready to go as one of those guys who can slot in right away.
“Zabel’s natural power is undeniable. Watching his film, it’s evident he was built to play offensive line. His aggression and physicality at the point of attack are consistent and reliable indicators of how he’ll handle the NFL’s demands… Overall, Zabel projects as an early-to-mid-round center with the tools to contribute early and develop into a full-time starter.”
Detroit’s in a sweet spot where it has a really filled out roster entering 2025 but there are always spots to improve upon and sure up. We know Holmes will go best available over a need but if there’s the possibility to kill two birds with one stone, it would be by selecting Zabel and getting him some run in 2025 up front.
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