With the Washington Commanders coming off their first NFC Championship game appearance in 33 years, the team is selecting later in the first round at pick No. 29. However, the Commanders are still in need of some depth pieces, especially at wide receiver, offensive tackle, and defensive lineman. Thankfully, Washington already found the answer at WR2 with the trade for Deebo Samuel. In addition, Mike Kashuba and David Latham of Last Word on Sports and Fantasy Football RPG podcast had the Washington Commanders select offensive line prospect Grey Zabel with the 29th overall pick in their latest mock draft.
Washington Commanders Take Offensive Lineman Grey Zabel in Mock Draft
Grey Zabel, the former North Dakota State offensive tackle, is considered to be one of the top offensive linemen in this draft class. Zabel made quite the impression in the NFL Scouting Combine among offensive linemen, according to Next Gen Stats. He finished with a production score of 91 (1st), an athleticism score of 89 (2nd), and a total score of 87 (1st). Some of his other notable Combine stats include a 36.5″ vertical jump, a 9’3″ broad jump, and 26 reps in the bench press.
At 6’6, 312 lbs, Zabel has the perfect body structure to be an effective offensive tackle in the NFL. He proved his versatility as a pass-blocker and run-blocker by playing four of the five offensive line positions in 41 starts in college. In 2024, Zabel earned First Team All-America honors while anchoring an offensive line that led the FCS in first downs and team passing efficiency. As for weaknesses, Zabel’s small arm length creates issues maintaining first meaningful contact. He also has a hand placement that becomes erratic under pressure. Some NFL teams might ask Zabel to snap during the draft season to project positional flexibility.
Grey Zabel Fit with the Washington Commanders
Last season, the Commanders’ two main offensive tackles were Andrew Wylie and Brandon Coleman, who were below-average starters. Washington had better strengths at center with Tyler Biadasz and at guard with Nick Allegretti and Sam Cosmi. However, Cosmi suffered a torn ACL in the team’s Divisional Round win over the Detroit Lions. This opens up a massive hole at right guard to start the 2025 season, with the team needing someone in free agency or the draft.
In 2024, the Commanders’ offensive line received mixed grades but overachieved compared to previous years. In Week 13, PFF ranked Washington’s O-line 10th in pass-blocking efficiency. With rookie Jayden Daniels under center, the Commanders allowed 155 pressures and 18 sacks on 654 snaps. Meanwhile, Washington had a run-block win rate of 74%, ranking them second behind the Denver Broncos. However, the team struggled to run in multiple games in the second half of the season.
Zabel, with his versatility at four of the five offensive line positions, could give the Commanders a huge boost in the trenches. He could give Daniels a better blindside protection starting at left tackle. However, head coach Dan Quinn could move him to right guard to replace the injured Cosmi. With the Commanders projected to make another deep playoff run, Zabel could be another key piece to the offensive line to help Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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