Zabel was a constant contributor in his rookie season, and now he's ready to take his game to a new level in 2026.
The life of an NFL rookie can be a turbulent time, but for Seattle Seahawks guard Grey Zabel, his first year of football was better than most.
He was a mainstay along the Seahawks' offensive line, starting all 17 games in the regular season and all three of Seattle's playoff games en route to a Super Bowl win, as the franchise nailed his draft selection.
We know that for rookie linemen, it can be a tough task going against the best edge rushers and interior defensive linemen in the league week in, week out, but Zabel kept his head above water for the most part.
Seen as a key cog in Sam Darnold's protection, Zabel was everything the Seahawks wanted him to be in Year 1, and now, as training camp begins for the second-year player, he's ready to take his game to a new level.
But what does that look like?
Zabel gave a superb answer.
"I'm not just absolutely swimming, trying to keep my head above water like I was last year," Zabel said. "I just kind of understand the tempo, the pace, the practice a little bit better. Then you get a feel for how fast the NFL moves and what to expect.
"So this year, it's not about staying alive or keeping your head above water, it's kind of the excelling part of getting better, continuing to work on your craft, and hone in as you're going against some of the best D-linemen and defense in the entire league."
We often hear coaches talk of the "second-year leap" for players as the game slows down and things become a little easier and quicker to process. That could be coming for Zabel.
With Grey being a bona fide starter, the Seahawks are in good shape along the line as they look to defend their Super Bowl title.
All five starting linemen return from last season, so Darnold has the continuity that many quarterbacks dream of with their protection, and Zabel looks like a key piece of it.
Last season, he met every challenge in a way not many rookies do, so now, as he enters his second NFL season, it is only natural to think that his game will go up a level.
Or in his words, excelling.
