A mock draft has the Indianapolis Colts selecting North Dakota State guard Grey Zabel in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Indianapolis Colts own the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With that pick, they could select a tight end, linebacker defensive end, or defensive tackle. But what about an offensive lineman? Pro Football Network put together an NFL mock draft. They have the Colts selecting North Dakota State guard Grey Zabel:
This one’s tough for the Indianapolis Colts — I’d love to give them a tight end like Colston Loveland, but I think they go with a trench pick. Indy needs to get younger and more athletic inside on the offensive line, and Grey Zabel fits that mold. He’s played almost every spot up front and could push for a starting role early on.”
Most drafts have the Colts taking a tight end in the first round. Penn State’s Tyler Warren, who could be the perfect selection, and Michigan’s Colston Loveland are the two names that always pop up.
And that makes sense, seeing that the Colts desperately need a tight end. Warren or Loveland would be an ideal weapon for whoever wins the starting quarterback job, whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.
Yet, taking an offensive lineman like Grey Zabel makes sense as well. It addresses one of Indy’s needs.
The Indianapolis Colts Could Draft Grey Zabel in the First Round of the 2025 NFL Draft
Zabel’s Background
Grey Zabel attended T. F. Riggs High School in Pierre, South Dakota. He played offensive and defensive line during his time there. He also started on three straight state championship teams that posted a 31-5 overall record.
Zabel later committed to North Dakota State University. He became a starter in 2022 after playing as a backup for his first two seasons. In 2024, Zabel started all 16 games at left tackle as the 14-2 Bison won the Division I FCS national championship. He was named a First-Team FCS All-American that year. Zabel anchored an offensive line that led the FCS in first downs and team passing efficiency. His outstanding protection helped quarterback Cam Miller set school records for completions and passing yards. Plus, he paved the way for CharMar Brown to lead FCS freshmen in rushing.
Should the Colts Draft Him?
This offseason, the Colts have made some great moves like signing defensive backs Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum. However, they lost a couple of key offensive linemen in center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries.
Colts holdover Matt Goncalves could switch from tackle and start at guard, replacing Fries. But since he has always played tackle, there’s no guarantee that he’d be the answer at guard.
Zabel could be the answer, though. At six-foot-six and 312 pounds, he has good size for an interior blocker. He possesses a sturdy frame and has the power needed to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage. Tough and gritty, Zabel is an effective zone-run blocker who is extremely versatile. He has experience at all five positions along the offensive line and can make an impact anywhere up front in the NFL.
Yes, Zabel could be a great addition to the Colts’ offensive line. But they should only consider drafting him if both Warren and Loveland aren’t available. Tight end is a bigger need for Indianapolis.