Insider Compares Draft Prospect To Trent McDuffie

 

The chess match that’s NFL roster constructing usually 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 superb, turning into a cornerstone of their protection by 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 may carry that very same uncommon mixture of abilities 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 good, and will turn out to be a workforce captain whereas nonetheless on his rookie contract.”

The comparability speaks volumes about Zabel’s potential affect.

Breer suggests the versatile lineman might hear his title known 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 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…