The chess match that’s NFL roster constructing usually hinges on discovering gamers who convey extra than simply uncooked expertise to the desk.
For the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, cornerback Trent McDuffie has embodied this ideally suited, changing into a cornerstone of their protection via 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 just lately highlighted a prospect who would possibly carry that very same uncommon mixture of expertise and intangibles into the following degree.
“Final yr, I wrote that Duke C Graham Barton was the ‘Trent McDuffie’ of the 2024 class […] I believe 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 staff captain whereas nonetheless on his rookie contract.”
The comparability speaks volumes about Zabel’s potential impression.
Breer suggests the versatile lineman may hear his title referred to as as early because the twelfth choose by the Dallas Cowboys, and sure received’t slide previous the Seattle Seahawks at 18, a testomony to how extremely groups worth his ability set.
Zabel’s faculty resume backs up the hype. He anchored an offensive entrance that dominated the FCS degree, main the nation in dashing 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 notably apt isn’t position-specific traits however reasonably the intangibles each gamers convey.
McDuffie’s distinctive mix of soccer IQ, adaptability, and reliability has made him invaluable to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ defensive schemes.
Scouts consider Zabel may provide comparable flexibility to an NFL offensive line.
The put up Insider Compares Draft Prospect To Trent McDuffie appeared first on The Chilly Wire.
