The offseason for the Houston Texans has been marked by a series of intriguing developments. They identified the need to offer better protection for their star quarterback, CJ Stroud, and made moves to strengthen their team, particularly their offensive line. However, the augmentations don’t seem to have significantly improved the offensive unit, creating a sense of ambiguity.
The acquisitions for their offensive line are somewhat baffling, as they’ve actively pursued athletes who have recently shown signs of underperforming in their roles as starters. Further adding to their paradoxical strategy was the decision to let go of Laremy Tunsil, who was an integral part of their team as their best offensive lineman on the left tackle position.
In an effort to improve the o-line, the Texans are eyeing a multipurpose player in the A to Z Sports 2025 NFL mock draft. This player is projected to provide the team with more choices during their training camp preparation phase. The upcoming talent from North Dakota State, lineman Grey Zabel, is being favored in this mock draft.
The effort to revamp the Texans’ offensive line continues with their search for a more skillful center. They believe Jarrett Patterson lacks the natural aptitude to excel in this role for the team. As an ideal fit and an excellent value addition, Grey Zabel seems to be the answer for the Texans’ struggling center position.
Zabel, well-known for his dynamic performance in the ground game, might be to the Texans what Travis Frederick was in his prime. With his potential to serve the Texans for the next ten years, Zabel could be the much-needed change Houston requires.
Hailing from North Dakota State, Zabel has been charting an impressive path in the draft season of this year. His standout performance began with his commendable display in Mobile, Alabama, at the 2025 Senior Bowl, where participants and spectators alike took notice of his potential.
Zabel’s versatility was further highlighted at the Senior Bowl. He demonstrated his proficiency by successfully playing in every position on the offensive line during practices. This impressive feat left a strong impression on the audience, who left feeling assured of Zabel’s stature as a potential first-round draft pick in the imminent season.
The Texans haven’t remained inactive after releasing Tunsil. Their ongoing affairs in the o-line have seen them trade for guard Ed Ingram and signing tackle Cam Robinson alongside guard Laken Tomlinson. The common thread between these three, however, is their recent struggles on the gridiron.
In my perspective, Zabel’s skills may be best utilized in the center position within the NFL. Offering him this role could certainly be an improvement over Patterson, the Texans’ existing starting center. If selected for the Texans, his performances and skills could potentially upgrade the current situation of the team.
The unique edge Zabel brings is his highly adaptable playing ability. His selection could mean he is given the opportunity to compete across all positions in the offensive line. This flexibility could allow the Texans to fine-tune their line up, putting forward the most suitable combination for the season’s inaugural week.
The benefits of securing Zabel as a center cannot be understated. This move could ensure that the best offensive linemen of the Texans are put to task during Week one. More importantly, it would provide Stroud, who’s been aiming for a recovery after a disappointing second year, the support he needs to turn things around.