NFL Draft Daily Dish: Grey Zabel, Josiah Silver shine as small school draft prospects

This weekend, one of the most anticipated matchups in college football will take place in Fargo, North Dakota, as the top two teams in the FCS clash. No. 1 South Dakota State will face off against No. 2 North Dakota State in a game featuring several NFL Draft prospects. The most prominent among them is North Dakota State offensive tackle Grey Zabel.

In the first edition of "Small School Thursday" from NFL Draft Daily Dish, a scouting report on Zabel highlights his potential as North Dakota State's next standout offensive lineman. Additionally, we examine New Hampshire's Josiah Silver, one of the FCS's top pass rushers, coming off a dominant performance in his recent game.

North Dakota State’s next NFL offensive lineman

One small school that has excelled at developing NFL offensive linemen is North Dakota State. Over the past four years, the Bison have had three offensive linemen drafted, all before the fifth round, with two going in the top 50 picks. This year, the school has another offensive tackle attracting plenty of NFL interest: Grey Zabel.

Zabel has been a standout for the Bison over the past three seasons. In 2023, he earned a 90% grade from North Dakota State’s coaching staff and ranked third on the team in physical finish points. This season, he has been even more impressive, allowing just one pressure and earning an elite 91 grade from Pro Football Focus.

As a pro prospect, Zabel brings several strengths, with his top asset being his versatility. During his time at North Dakota State, he has played every position on the offensive line, making him a valuable option for NFL teams that need a versatile backup across multiple positions. His experience at guard is especially appealing, as he could shift inside and potentially develop into a starter, much like former Bison draft picks Cody Mauch, Dillon Radunz, and Cordell Volson.

Another key strength is Zabel's athleticism. He shows good burst off the ball in the run game, and his quick feet make him reliable in pass protection, having surrendered just three sacks during his college career. This mobility makes him an ideal fit for teams that utilize zone-blocking schemes.

The biggest concern with Zabel is his strength, which is considered average for an NFL lineman. He has struggled with the bull rush, particularly in last year’s game against South Dakota. This lack of raw power may cause teams that run gap-blocking schemes to hesitate when considering him for the draft.

While it’s unlikely Zabel will be drafted as highly as Mauch or Volson, both of whom were second-round picks, he should hear his name called on day three. He will likely start his NFL career as a backup guard but could also provide depth at tackle in a pinch.

Sack artist

One of the most dominant defensive players in the FCS over the past few seasons has been New Hampshire defensive end Josiah Silver. Over the last three and a half seasons, the All-American has racked up an impressive 33.5 sacks and 60 tackles for loss. His standout season came in 2021 when he was named the CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year after posting 12.5 sacks and forcing six fumbles.

This season, Silver is on pace to surpass those numbers. In just six games, he has already tallied 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. His performance last week was one of the best by any defensive player in college football, as he recorded five tackles for loss and four sacks against Elon University. If he continues at this rate, Silver has a strong chance to win the Buck Buchanan Award, which honors the top defensive player in the FCS, and secure an invitation to an All-Star game like the Hula Bowl, where he could elevate his NFL Draft stock.

Currently projected as an undrafted free agent, Silver is the type of prospect who could find his way onto an NFL roster with the right fit. A 3-4 defense would likely suit him best, as he is a proven pass rusher with solid power and impressive flexibility off the edge, allowing him to beat offensive tackles and get to the quarterback. However, one area he will need to address in this scheme is his ability to hold up in pass coverage.

In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Silver's contributions on special teams are another asset. During his time with the Wildcats, he has blocked multiple field goals and played on both punt coverage and return units. This versatility could be a key factor in securing a spot on an NFL roster next season.