The chess match that is NFL roster building often hinges on finding players who bring more than just raw talent to the table.
For the Kansas City Chiefs, cornerback Trent McDuffie has embodied this ideal, becoming a cornerstone of their defense through his remarkable versatility and football intelligence.
As draft season heats up, an intriguing parallel has emerged from the analysis of one of the NFL’s insiders.
Albert Breer recently highlighted a prospect who might carry that same rare combination of skills and intangibles into the next level.
“Last year, I wrote that Duke C Graham Barton was the ‘Trent McDuffie’ of the 2024 class […] I think North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel is that guy this year,” Breer wrote. “He can start at four of five line positions, is tough and smart, and could become a team captain while still on his rookie contract.”
The comparison speaks volumes about Zabel’s potential impact.
Breer suggests the versatile lineman could hear his name called as early as the 12th pick by the Dallas Cowboys, and likely won’t slide past the Seattle Seahawks at 18, a testament to how highly teams value his skill set.
Zabel’s college resume backs up the hype. He anchored an offensive front that dominated the FCS level, leading the nation in rushing during 2023 and securing championships in both 2021 and 2024.
His performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine only strengthened his case, showcasing the athletic tools that allow him to excel across multiple positions.
What makes the McDuffie comparison particularly apt isn’t position-specific traits but rather the intangibles both players bring.
McDuffie’s unique blend of football IQ, adaptability, and reliability has made him invaluable to the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive schemes.
Scouts believe Zabel could offer similar flexibility to an NFL offensive line.
