This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have spent a significant amount of time and money on improving the interior of their offensive line. Despite the additions the Vikings have already made to this part of their roster, it's possible that they could add even more talent to the group during the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
On Monday, The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner has Minnesota doing exactly that with its top pick in this year's NFL Draft. In Baumgardner's latest 2025 mock draft, he has the Vikings using the No. 24 selection in the first round to pick former North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel.
Baumgardner shared what Minnesota could be adding to its offensive line if they decide to draft him in the opening round this year.
"Zabel was a true five-tool offensive lineman in college. He’s not long enough to be an every-day tackle in the NFL, but his ability to make things happen inside is undeniable. Zabel is a powerful, explosive, flexible athlete with elite football IQ."
North Dakota State's Grey Zabel could be an immediate starter for the Minnesota Vikings
While Zabel spent the 2024 season with the Bison as the team's starting left tackle, most believe he will be at his best in the NFL as a guard, which is great news for the Vikings.
During his college career, he lined up at all five offensive line positions, so it's not like he would be doing something completely new if Minnesota wanted to play him at guard. If Zabel wound up on the Vikings' roster this year, he would probably enter training camp as the favorite to open the 2025 campaign as the team's starting left guard.
As North Dakota State's starting left tackle last season, he was outstanding in pass protection, allowing just one sack, two quarterback hits, and four hurries on 453 pass-blocking snaps, according to data from PFF.
Measuring in at 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, a move to the interior of the offensive line would also allow Zabel to take advantage of his large frame even more than he was able to when he lined up as an offensive tackle.
Minnesota is expected to begin its journey with J.J. McCarthy next season, and landing Zabel in this year's NFL Draft would only give the young quarterback an even better chance to succeed in his first season as the team's starter.