Another contender for the Bengals in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals have plenty of needs on the defensive side of the ball heading in to Thursday’s NFL Draft. They could address their pass rush, interior defensive line, cornerback, or safety, and nobody would really blame them.
There haven’t been many mocks with the Bengals selecting an offensive lineman at 17th overall, but ESPN Insider Peter Schrager seems to think a dark horse candidate could be in play.
On the Bill Simmons podcast, Schrager said he thinks that North Dakota State offensive lineman could be in play and right around where the Bengals are drafting.
“Watch for Grey Zabel out of North Dakota State to suddenly be one of these guys that goes 15, 17, 18, 19, even if it’s early 20s. He’s looked at one of these maulers. In a draft full of just ‘meh,’ he is one of those guys they think the sky can be the limit,” said Schrager.
Zabel played multiple positions at North Dakota State, something the Bengals have made it clear they value. With 17 starts at right tackle, 16 at left tackle, three at right guard and four at left guard, Zabel has the versatility the Bengals covet.
Dane Brugler ranks Zabel 32nd on his big board. The Consensus Big Board has Zabel ranked 28th overall, with his highest ranking being 26th. A lot of mock drafts have him going 18th to the Seattle Seahawks.
There aren’t many projections with Zabel to Cincinnati at pick No. 17, but he could fill an immediate position of need.
How would you feel if the Bengals took Zabel at 17? Let us know in the comment section!
