Colts take first-round swing on FCS OL in latest NFL mock draft
The Indianapolis Colts take a first-round swing on an FCS offensive lineman in the latest mock draft from Kyle Crabbs of the 33rd Team.
While the Colts bolstered the secondary and added competition at quarterback in free agency, some unknowns emerged along the offensive line with Will Fries heading to Minnesota. So Crabbs made adding to that position a priority in the first round, with the Colts selecting North Dakota State's Grey Zabel.
"Indianapolis has been a team whose identity frequently has lived and died with the offensive line," wrote Crabbs. "Zabel's selection here helps in more ways than one. He serves as a potential replacement for Will Fries at guard and as insurance for any regression by Tanor Bortolini, assuring that the Colts' strength up front remains a strength."
Zabel is listed at 6-6 - 305 pounds and played all over the North Dakota State offensive line, including at both tackle positions and left guard. During the most recent 2024 season, Zabel was at left tackle, but he projects to be an interior lineman in the NFL.
In 453 pass-blocking snaps last season, Zabel allowed just one sack and seven pressures, according to PFF. At the FCS level, Zabel ranked sixth in PFF's pass-blocking efficiency metric, and he was third in run-blocking grade.
.@NDSUfootball@GreyZabel was impressive at the senior bowl and throughout his career. Next Bison headed to the NFL. #nfldraft#BaldysBreakdownspic.twitter.com/aNC7fDEVOK
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) March 4, 2025
Without Fries, the Colts still have their potential starting offensive line unit on the roster already, with Matt Goncalves presumably sliding over from tackle to right guard.
However, depth along the interior is very much a need now at both the guard and center positions--which Zabel can provide--not to mention that competition for that starting guard spot wouldn't be a bad thing either.
While the focus on the outside is on the play of the quarterback position for the Colts, any chance of that player having sustained success, whether it be Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, starts with strong play from the offensive line unit to provide time and a run game to lean on. Further adding to this position group, even if it's not a first-round selection, needs to be a priority for GM Chris Ballard.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL mock draft: Colts take first-round swing on OL Grey Zabel
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