Texans Land Grey Zabel in Dane Brugler’s Latest Mock Draft

The Texans' offensive line struggled throughout the 2024 season, especially on the interior. In his latest mock draft, Dane Brugler projects Houston to address that issue by selecting North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel with the 25th pick. Zabel, a standout college tackle, profiles as a high-upside guard or center at the next level. His addition could be the key to stabilizing an offensive line that contributed to one of the league’s most inconsistent run games and pass protection units.

Scouting Report: Grey Zabel’s Fit in Houston

At 6’6” and 312 pounds, Zabel is a smooth athlete who projects as a guard due to his 32-inch arms. Scouts have compared him to players like Ethan Pocic and All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, highlighting his versatility and technical ability. He excels in both gap and zone-based run schemes, with the ability to reach the second level as a run blocker.

While his small-school background at North Dakota State may cause some teams to hesitate, Zabel has a legitimate case as a first-round pick due to his high ceiling. From day one, he would bring a physical presence to the trenches, potentially becoming one of the league’s larger centers. With defenses increasingly deploying complex blitz and pressure packages, having a reliable, technically sound interior offensive lineman (IOL) who can hold up in one-on-one situations is a major asset.

Zabel has already played four positions along the offensive line in college, demonstrating mental toughness and a team-first mentality. His ability to transition from tackle to center makes him one of the more intriguing and versatile offensive line prospects in this draft.

One potential concern is the logjam at center if Zabel is viewed as the long-term solution, with both Scruggs and Patterson already in the mix. However, both Zabel and Scruggs have the flexibility to play guard or center, so it isn’t a dealbreaker. A free-agent acquisition could lead to one of these young players sitting, but with the Texans’ Super Bowl aspirations, that shouldn't be a concern. In fact, it would only enhance depth at a position that has been a longstanding weakness for Houston.

Fortifying the Front: Zabel’s Impact

Zabel would bring much-needed stability to the Texans’ offensive line. While he has the tools to be a solid guard, his upside at center is what truly stands out. His ability to anchor and mirror in pass protection while serving as a driving force in the run game is impressive—especially given his 6’6” frame. Despite his height, he plays with excellent leverage, making him a potential game-changing piece for Houston’s interior offensive line. He could finally be the answer the Texans have been searching for since the days of Chris Myers in the Kubiak era.