From Daniel Jeremiah at NFL.com:
Zabel is a versatile offensive lineman with excellent toughness and awareness. He lined up at left tackle in 2024, but he has played four O-line positions during his collegiate career. I believe he’s best suited to play guard at the next level. In pass pro, he has quick feet, stays square and catches/absorbs rushers. His lack of length shows up on the perimeter. He allows defenders to capture his chest, but he still possesses the core strength and balance to stall their push. He shows the savvy to snatch rushers when they get overextended. I love his ability to fit up and drive defenders in the run game. He has a great feel on combo blocks, and he always looks to finish. He has a nasty playing style, but he doesn’t get caught off-balance. He’s aced every test this offseason, from the Senior Bowl to the combine. Overall, I see Zabel as a Day 1 starter at guard.
My Thoughts:
- I was taught by knowledgeable football people that run blocking is an attitude and Zabel has that attitude in abundance. He is ready to be a day one starter, without question, at ANY of the three internal offensive line positions. But with his intelligence, a team should seriously consider grooming him as their long-term answer at center.
- Is he in play for the Bears? Not at the top of round one, of course, but potentially at the top of the second round. The Bears wouldn’t need Zabel to start in September; he’d provide depth and protection for a veteran unit, with a starting spot all but guaranteed at the start of 2026. Or, maybe they draft Zabel, he wows them all summer long, and Jonah Jackson slides into the swing IOL role. No team is going to regret drafting this kid.
- Texted a scout about Zabel and got this response: “Not as polished a prospect as some suggest. But our coaching staff loves tough guys and that’s what he is.”