Tag: Olusegun Oluwatimi

Who is Jalen Sundell? UDFA C replaces Olu Oluwatimi vs. Packers

Who is Jalen Sundell? UDFA C replaces Olu Oluwatimi vs. Packers

The Seattle Seahawks entered Sunday Night Football’s showdown versus the Green Bay Packers with a pair of inexperienced offensive lineman in their lineup. Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was making his seventh consecutive start of the season. More notably, rookie right guard Sataoa Luamea was making his third straight start in place of the injured Anthony Bradford.

The injury bug created more inexperience issues for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to deal with. Oluwatimi exited the contest with a knee injury and did not return. He was replaced by third-string rookie undrafted blocker Jalen Sundell.

Sundell was undrafted out of North Dakota State this year. The multi-position lineman was arguably the most surprising roster cut-down day decision made by general manager John Schneider, who opted to keep him around. Following Connor Williams’ retirement, Sundell has climbed the depth chart by default.

Sundell played center at the East-West Shrine Bowl during the pre-draft process. North Dakota State has been an offensive line factory in recent years, sending prospects like Dillon Radunz, Cody Mauch, and Cordell Volson to the NFL. The Packers showed no remorse, immediately attacking Sundell in the passing game.

It’s worth acknowledging Sundell played a handful of quality snaps. He helped create a pathway as a lead blocker for Zach Charbonnet’s 24-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that gave Seattle a fighting chance. Oluwatimi’s health will be worth monitoring.

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3 underrated Seahawks we’re thankful for

3 underrated Seahawks we’re thankful for

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, the Seattle Seahawks are preparing to face the lowly New York Jets in Sunday’s Week 13 contest. The surging Seahawks, winners of two consecutive divisional contests, currently sit atop the NFC West. Fans are feeling particularly thankful this time of year.

The Seahawks have undeniably been powered forward by their superstars, players like Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Leonard Williams, to name a select handful. Underrated contributors have also made a difference, through impact and effort.

We’ve identified three underrated Seahawks players fans should be thankful for in 2024.

Olu Oluwatimi | C

Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was catapulted into the starting lineup two weeks ago following Connor Williams’ shocking midseason retirement. In consecutive starts, the former Michigan standout hasn’t allowed a sack, nor has he been whistled for a single penalty. Seattle’s offensive line is suddenly playing better following some early-season struggles. Oluwatimi has completely transformed this unit at a critical point in the season.

Josh Jobe | CB

Third-year undrafted cornerback Josh Jobe joined the Seahawks’ practice squad in late August. Several injuries at the position offered Jobe an opportunity to play meaningful snaps. He’s since established himself as a near-every down starter next to Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. Pro Football Focus has credited the former Alabama Crimson Tide performer with allowing a passer rating of just 61.8.

Zach Charbonnet | RB

Zach Charbonnet is the clear No. 2 behind Kenneth Walker III, but consider this. Charbonnet’s five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) ranks second among all skill players behind just Walker (8). The backup running back has scored more touchdowns than Metcalf and Smith-Njigba this season. He’s been crucial to Seattle’s offensive success.

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Seahawks C Olu Oluwatimi continues strong start in Week 12 win

Seahawks C Olu Oluwatimi continues strong start in Week 12 win

Seattle Seahawks sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was a total revelation in his first start of the 2024 season last weekend, a critical win over the San Francisco 49ers. Oluwatimi made his second start of the campaign in Sunday’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The former Michigan standout played his second consecutive quality game.

Oluwatimi pitched a shutout in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite only earning a pass-blocking grade of 54.0 versus the Cardinals, he was not credited with allowing a single pressure or sack. Oluwatimi also wasn’t whistled for any penalties. Starting quarterback Geno Smith completed 22 of 31 passing attempts for 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The Seahawks as an offense continued struggling to establish an effective ground game. Kenneth Walker III rushed for just 41 yards via 16 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per carry. Zach Charbonnet didn’t fare any better, totaling 22 yards on six rushing attempts (3.7 YPC). Oluwatimi had a run-blocking grade of 58.8, significantly lower than the 86.8 he posted against San Francisco.

All in all, Oluwatimi enjoyed another quality showing in a critical divisional win over the Cardinals. He was outstanding in pass protection, and Seattle’s struggles on the ground are a team-based failure. Oluwatimi continues to maximize his opportunity to earn a full-time starting role on the offensive line going into next season.

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Seahawks O Olu Oluwatimi made team history in 1st 2024 start

Seahawks O Olu Oluwatimi made team history in 1st 2024 start

Seattle Seahawks sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi made his first start of the 2024 season on Sunday following Connor Williams’ unexpected decision to retire. Oluwatimi was outstanding in the important Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. It turns out he captured an intriguing piece of franchise history through his impressive performance.

The center position has been a black hole for general manager John Schneider ever since he traded Max Unger to the New Orleans Saints following the Super Bowl XLIX defeat to the New England Patriots. Since then, the Seahawks have essentially rotated starting centers in every season over the past decade. In that span, the Seahawks have had just two centers register a Pro Football Focus grade of 80-plus in a single game, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser.

Justin Britt achieved an 80-plus PFF grade in four contests during the 2016 campaign. Ethan Pocic did it once in 2021. Meanwhile, Oluwatimi registered an 80.8 overall score in Sunday’s timely victory over the 49ers.

Oluwatimi also posted a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses while protecting starting quarterback Geno Smith on his drop backs.

Appropriately addressing the center position has been an elusive task for the Seahawks in recent offseasons. They believed they found a short-term solution in Williams, but his shocking retirement threw a wrench in those plans. Perhaps Seattle has lucked into a long-term option in Oluwatimi, who will attempt to build on his solid debut showing against the Arizona Cardinals in another critical NFC West division game on Sunday.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on offense

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on offense

The Seattle Seahawks claimed a massive victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, winning their Week 11 contest within the NFC West 20-17. Starting quarterback Geno Smith executed a game-winning drive by rushing for what was essentially a walk-off touchdown. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | 88.2

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was once again Seattle’s most effective wide receiver, recording 10 receptions for 110 yards. Smith’s game-winning, 11-play drive that gained 83 yards featured two third-down conversions to Smith-Njigba in the clutch. DK Metcalf is back from injury, but JSN is currently Smith’s go-to playmaker.

Olu Oluwatimi | C | 80.8

Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was unexpectedly thrust into the lineup after Connor Williams shockingly retired earlier this week. Oluwatimi rose to the occasion, earning an overall grade of 80.8 from PFF as Seattle’s highest-graded offensive lineman. The former Michi had a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses on qualifying pass-block plays.

Abe Lucas | RT | 76.8

The theme of returning offensive linemen thriving for the Seahawks continued with right tackle Abe Lucas. Making his season debut, PFF credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. With a stellar 76.8 grade, his return appears to have immediately solved Mike Macdonald’s season-long revolving door at right tackle.

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Analyzing Olu Oluwatimi’s 1st start at C following Connor Williams’ retirement

Analyzing Olu Oluwatimi’s 1st start at C following Connor Williams’ retirement

The Seattle Seahawks were left stunned earlier this week when starting center Connor Williams decided to abruptly retire in the middle of the season. The 27-year-old Williams had signed a one-year contract with the club in August. His departure catapulted sophomore fifth-round pick Olu Oluwatimi into the lineup for Sunday’s divisional showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Seahawks were dealing with various changes to their offensive line. Abe Lucas returned from a season-long stint on the sidelines to play the majority of snaps at right tackle. Luckily for head coach Mike Macdonald, Oluwatimi was outstanding in his 2024 debut start at center, a thrilling come-from-behind 20-17 win over the 49ers.

Oluwatimi had a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses on qualifying pass-block plays. Brady Henderson posted this clip, highlighting one of his more encouraging reps on Geno Smith’s game-winning drive.

Pro Football Focus largely agreed with ESPN’s research. They assigned Oluwatimi blame for allowing one single pressure in pass protection en route to a qualifying pass-blocking score of 61.8. That pressure was defined as a 49ers hurry on Smith.

Furthermore, Oluwatimi was downright dominant as a run blocker. He was Seattle’s highest-graded run blocking offensive lineman, earning an elite score of 86.8. The Seahawks rushed for 94 yards, including Smith’s game-winning 13-yard scramble.

Williams’ unforeseen retirement placed an already struggling Seahawks offensive line in a tough situation. In a much-welcomed turn of events, Oluwatimi was fantastic, arguably playing better than Williams had all season. The sophomore blocker will start at center versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12.

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Seahawks C Connor Williams may miss Sunday’s game vs. 49ers

Seahawks C Connor Williams may miss Sunday’s game vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks starting Connor Williams missed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practice. His designation on the injury report is “personal reasons.” Members of the media are unaware of the reason behind his absence. Williams is entitled to a personal life and doesn’t owe us details.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald should deliver final game-day designations on Friday ahead of Sunday’s Week 11 game versus NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers. Williams has played all 618 offensive snaps for Seattle this season. His status for Sunday is legitimately unknown, but Macdonald should confirm his status during Friday’s scheduled meeting with the media.

The backup center is sophomore fifth-round selection Olu Oluwatimi. The former Michigan standout has played just four offensive snaps as a sixth blocker this season because Williams has been a full participant. Oluwatimi played 128 snaps at center as a rookie in 2023, earning an overall grade of 53.1 from Pro Football Focus.

The other option would be rookie undrafted Jalen Sundell. The coaching staff has occasionally preferred him to Oluwatimi this season according to practice reps, so there’s a possibility he’d earn the start if Williams is unavailable. Sundell totaled 70 snaps at center during the preseason, earning a stellar overall grade of 72.4 from PFF.

Seattle’s offensive line has struggled this campaign and Sunday’s matchup versus the 49ers is important within the NFC West. Williams has been Macdonald’s second-best offensive lineman behind just franchise left tackle Charles Cross this season. Williams’ availability is key to Seattle’s chances on Sunday.

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Nick Harris trade signals Seahawks faith in Olu Oluwatimi

Nick Harris trade signals Seahawks faith in Olu Oluwatimi

The Seattle Seahawks traded center Nick Harris along with a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round selection. The trade occurred one day after Harris earned the start at center in Seattle’s preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The move proves that the franchise has a ton of faith in sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi.

Up until a few days ago, Harris and Oluwatimi were entrenched in a heated position battle for the starting role. Their competition essentially ended when the Seahawks signed free-agent center Connor Williams to a one-year contract on August 6th. With Williams yet to officially report to Seattle, it was Harris that started Saturday’s preseason game.

Despite Harris getting the first-team nod, he was swiftly replaced by Oluwatimi. Harris played just 12 snaps before making way for Oluwatimi, who totaled 45 sizable snaps. Perhaps the agreement with Cleveland began being discussed during the game!

Williams is still recovering from a season-ending torn ACL injury suffered in Week 14 as a member of the Miami Dolphins last season. The Seahawks expect Williams to be ready for Week 1 versus the Denver Broncos, but serious knee injuries are tricky, particularly for big linemen. Trading away Harris proves how much faith Seattle has in Oluwatimi’s ability to fill in at center if necessary.

Pro Football Focus credited Oluwatimi with allowing just one quarterback pressure and one sack en route to an above-average pass protection grade of 64.2. Oluwatimi struggled as a run blocker, earning a grade of 47.0 despite the Seahawks rushing for 156 yards (they did get stuffed on back-to-back runs on third and fourth down during the opening drive of the third quarter).

All in all, it was a solid performance for Oluwatimi, who the Seahawks have even more invested in following the Harris trade.

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Seahawks pick Michigan C Olusegun Oluwatimi at No. 154 overall

With the No. 154 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks have selected Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi.

With the No. 154 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks have selected Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi.

Oluwatimi checks in at 6-foot-2, 309 pounds with 32.75″ arms and 8.625″ hands. Pro Football Focus gave Oluwatimi strong grades last season both in run blocking (83.0) and pass blocking (76.7).

As a rookie, Oluwatimi will likely have to sit behind veteran Evan Brown, who’s projected to start at center this year. However, Brown is only on a one-year contract, paving the way for Oluwatimi to start as soon as 2024.

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2023 NFL draft: Watch Seahawks center Olusegun Oluwatimi highlights

The Seattle Seahawks added a center to the mix during the 2023 NFL draft, watch the highlights here from Michigan product Olusegun Oluwatimi.

The Seattle Seahawks added a center to the mix during the 2023 NFL draft, watch the highlights here from Michigan product Olusegun Oluwatimi.