North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel met with the Miami Dolphins at the NFL Combine and it wasn’t just another formal interview. For Zabel, it was a surreal moment. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel left a lasting impression with his personality and passion for football—something that’s become synonymous with McDaniel since he took over in Miami.
Zabel’s Take on McDaniel
It’s no secret Mike McDaniel is one of the most fun personalities in the NFL. Draft prospects rave about their meetings with him and Zabel was no exception.
“Yeah, he’s a happy-go-lucky type guy, loved being able to finally meet him, shake his hand and have a meeting with him. So that was kind of a surreal moment for me.”
Beyond McDaniel’s personality, Zabel was impressed with the Dolphins’ approach during their meeting.
“The big thing about that meeting was just the passion. They have super high football IQ and that kind of program or team and throughout this process has been super cool to see every single team and what makes their ball club click.”
Clearly the Dolphins made an impression on Zabel—and based on his comments it seems the feeling is mutual.
Why Grey Zabel Could Be a Game-Changer for the Dolphins
One of the things that sets Grey Zabel apart from other OL prospects is his versatility. He’s not just one position; Zabel can play anywhere along the line. This is something all NFL teams value but could be especially beneficial for the Dolphins who are always looking for players who can play multiple roles.
Asked where he projects at the next level Zabel said:
“Offensive line.”
Pressed further on which position would suit him best in the NFL he said:
“Offensive line.”
Even when jokingly asked about playing tight end due to his good hands—or throwing passes because of his baseball background as a former pitcher—Zabel leaned into the humor while reinforcing his commitment to the trenches.
Senior Bowl Performance Boosts Stock
Zabel’s stock skyrocketed after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl where he showed his athleticism, technique and football IQ. ESPN has him as the 38th overall prospect, right in the range of the Dolphins’ first two picks (13th and 48th overall). Rankings are always fluid and can change but Zabel’s talent and versatility makes him a strong first or second round prospect.
The Dolphins already saw him up close at the Senior Bowl where assistant OL coach Lemuel Jeanpierre worked with him. Now after meeting with him at the combine it’s clear Miami is considering him.
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