The chess match that’s NFL roster constructing typically hinges on discovering gamers who deliver extra than simply uncooked expertise to the desk.
For the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, cornerback Trent McDuffie has embodied this best, changing into a cornerstone of their protection by means of his outstanding versatility and soccer intelligence.
As draft season heats up, an intriguing parallel has emerged from the evaluation of one of many NFL’s insiders.
Albert Breer not too long ago highlighted a prospect who would possibly carry that very same uncommon mixture of expertise and intangibles into the subsequent degree.
“Final yr, I wrote that Duke C Graham Barton was the ‘Trent McDuffie’ of the 2024 class […] I feel North Dakota State OL Gray Zabel is that man this yr,” Breer wrote. “He can begin at 4 of 5 line positions, is hard and sensible, and will develop into a group captain whereas nonetheless on his rookie contract.”
The comparability speaks volumes about Zabel’s potential affect.
Breer suggests the versatile lineman may hear his identify referred to as as early because the twelfth choose by the Dallas Cowboys, and sure gained’t slide previous the Seattle Seahawks at 18, a testomony to how extremely groups worth his talent set.
Zabel’s faculty resume backs up the hype. He anchored an offensive entrance that dominated the FCS degree, main the nation in speeding throughout 2023 and securing championships in each 2021 and 2024.
His performances on the Senior Bowl and NFL Mix solely strengthened his case, showcasing the athletic instruments that enable him to excel throughout a number of positions.
What makes the McDuffie comparability significantly apt isn’t position-specific traits however relatively the intangibles each gamers deliver.
McDuffie’s distinctive mix of soccer IQ, adaptability, and reliability has made him invaluable to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ defensive schemes.
Scouts imagine Zabel may provide comparable flexibility to an NFL offensive line.
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