Seahawks select versatile guard in latest mock draft from The Athletic

[ASFN Admin]

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

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