Seahawks select versatile guard in latest mock draft from The Athletic
It is no secret the Seattle Seahawks desperately need to improve their interior offensive line. They have chosen not to (or perhaps failed to do so) during free agency, letting several top available guards slip through their grasp. As a result, all eyes are turning towards the 2025 NFL draft as Seattle's next best option to find improvements along their line.
With this in mind, it is little wonder that The Athletic, in their latest mock draft, have mocked a guard to the Seahawks at pick No. 18 overall. The top guard prospect, according to ESPN, is Tyler Booker. But in The Athletic's mock draft, Seattle decides to pass him up in favor of North Dakota State's versatile Gray Zabel.
The Athletic writes:
"This might be the most need-versus-best-player-available battle in the first round. Boldly signing quarterback Sam Darnold raises the offense’s ceiling, but only if the Seahawks’ pass blocking improves. This might be Zabel’s draft peak. The powerful lineman can play everywhere. Seattle needs him at guard."
Zabel became a starter on the Bison's offensive line during the 2022 season, and decided to stay in Fargo for his final season of 2024. The decision paid off, as Zabel helped North Dakota State win their 10th FCS National Championship. Zabel would help give the Seahawks an unusual amount of experience for a rookie.
Ultimately, The Athletic is spot on in their assertion for the 2025 Seahawks. This team has plenty of intrigue with Sam Darnold at the helm, but their $37.5 million gamble is only going to work if they can find a way to protect him. Darnold is one of the more, let's be generous and say... pressure sensitive... quarterbacks out there. If the Seahawks are unable to improve up front, 2025 could be a long season for them.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks select versatile guard in latest 2025 NFL mock draft
Topics
-
Seahawks select powerful offensive linemen in latest 2025 NFL mock draft
The Seattle Seahawks select a powerful offensive linemen prospect in this latest 2025 NFL mock draft scenario.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17 -
Commanders select offensive tackle in latest mock draft
CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso released his latest mock draft and predicts the Washington Commanders will select offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
New York Giants add 'battle tested' offensive lineman in latest Draft Wire mock
In the latest mock from Draft Wire, the New York Giants pass on Shedeur Sanders and Abdul Carter in favor of fixing their offensive line.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 16 -
Indianapolis Colts go OL heavy in latest 3-round 2025 NFL mock draft
The Indianapolis Colts went offensive line heavy in the latest three-round NFL mock draft from CBS Sports.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Colts give passing game big boost in The Athletic's latest mock draft
The Indianapolis Colts tackle what is now their biggest positional need in The Athletic's latest beat writers mock draft.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
New York Giants select OL with 'elite testing numbers' in latest CBS Sports mock
In the latest mock draft from Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, the New York Giants select an offensive tackle with "elite testing numbers."Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Vikings get new playmaker on defense in latest mock draft
The Minnesota Vikings add a versatile defender to their secondary in the latest mock draft from "The 33rd Team".Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Jaguars pick NFL combine superstar in The Athletic's latest mock draft
In the latest beat writers mock draft from The Athletic, the Jacksonville Jaguars took an NFL combine superstar with the fifth overall pick.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
2025 NFL mock draft: Texans select Ohio State OT Josh Smmons
In the newest mock draft from USA Today, the Houston Texans shore up their offensive line by finding the heir for Laremy Tunsil.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 16
More from Yahoo Sports
-
2025 NBA Draft scouting report: Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
Flagg is both the best offensive and defensive prospect in this draft class, making him the safest No. 1 pick in ages.Yahoo Sports - 7m -
Houston Texans land best flex offensive weapon in new mock draft
In the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus, the Texans ensure they have a long-term option at tight end by selecting this do-it-all weapon.Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Colby Covington responds to 'irrelevant bum' Michael Page's callout
Colby Covington went off on Michael Page for calling him out. During this past week's Q&A at The O2 in London, Page said he'd love to punch Covington in the face. In his past outing, Page (23-3 ...Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Astros prospect Cam Smith breaks down in tears after family tells him he made the team
Cam Smith will make his major-league debut after just 32 games in the minors.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
📸 Is this the most beautiful jersey of the international break?
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.Mexico experienced a wonderful international break. By defeating Canada (2-0 in ...Yahoo Sports - 17m
More in Sports
-
Source: Madrid eye move for Spain starlet Huijsen
Real Madrid are considering signing Bournemouth's young centre-back Dean Huijsen for next season, a source has told ESPN.ESPN - 6m -
Drake Maye gets No. 1 WR: Stefon Diggs immediately improves Patriots' offense
Diggs returns to the AFC East and figures to make an impact with the young Patriots' quarterback.ESPN - 7m -
2025 NBA Draft scouting report: Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
Flagg is both the best offensive and defensive prospect in this draft class, making him the safest No. 1 pick in ages.Yahoo Sports - 7m -
Houston Texans land best flex offensive weapon in new mock draft
In the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus, the Texans ensure they have a long-term option at tight end by selecting this do-it-all weapon.Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Colby Covington responds to 'irrelevant bum' Michael Page's callout
Colby Covington went off on Michael Page for calling him out. During this past week's Q&A at The O2 in London, Page said he'd love to punch Covington in the face. In his past outing, Page (23-3 ...Yahoo Sports - 14m