Tag: seahawks offensive line

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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Seahawks address IOL in ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Seahawks address IOL in ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The interior of the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line has undoubtedly been their weakness this season. Poor play, injuries, and unexpected retirements have led to constant lineup shakeups. Veteran center Connor Williams surprisingly retired in the middle of the season and was replaced by sophomore blocker Olu Oluwatimi. Right guard Anthony Bradford has struggled mightily and is currently on IR. He’s being replaced by sixth-round rookie Sataoa Laumea, who beat-out third-round rookie Christian Haynes for an opportunity.

NFL draft analyst Field Yates recently completed his latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft for ESPN. Yates has the Seahawks addressing their interior offensive line by selecting University of Alabama guard Tyler Booker with the No. 23 overall pick.

“The Seahawks have had to shuffle the interior of the offensive line this season, and I expect them to address guard and center in the offseason,” Yates wrote. (There isn’t a surefire first-round center.) “Booker is a tone-setter with excellent size and power. He holds up well in pass protection, surrendering two pressures and zero sacks all season. Those pass-blocking traits would help Seattle, which has given up 40 sacks (ninth most) and has Laken Tomlinson potentially hitting free agency.”

Yates is spot on with his analysis. Veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson is slated to reach unrestricted free agency and hasn’t played particularly well in Seattle this season. Pro Football Focus currently has assigned him an overall grade of 63.9. General manager John Schneider still has issues to sort through at center and right guard. Are Oluwatami and Laumea/Haynes long-term answers?

Adding Booker to the mix would improve Seattle’s biggest weakness on offense.

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Breaking down Sataoa Laumea’s 2nd start for Seahawks

Breaking down Sataoa Laumea’s 2nd start for Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks rookie offensive guard Sataoa Laumea made his second consecutive start in Sunday’s 30-18 Week 14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. With regular starter Anthony Bradford on injured reserve (IR), Laumea continues to be the coaching staff’s choice at right guard ahead of fellow rookie Chrisitan Haynes. The rookie blocker was stellar, not spectacular, showcasing growth compared to his debut performance versus the New York Jets last weekend.

Pro Football Focus credited Laumea with allowing just one pressure in pass protection. He also wasn’t whistled for any penalties (he was penalized for two infractions last week) en route to earning a pass-blocking grade of 60.7. Laumea helped create a secure pocket for starting quarterback Geno Smith, who wasn’t sacked all afternoon and completed an efficient 24-of-30 passing attempts for 233 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers.

If Laumea struggled in any area, it was occasionally as a run blocker. His PFF run-blocking grade was a lackluster 53.3. On tape, he missed a few opportunities inside. Luckily, the Seahawks still managed to rush for 176 yards and two touchdowns through Zach Charbonnet’s 134-yard, two-score effort.

Laumea continues to showcase weekly growth. Sunday’s performance was overall very encouraging with room for improvement. Laumea remains Seattle’s best option at right guard, and barring injury, he’ll make his third straight start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.

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Seahawks rookie OG Sataoa Laumea preparing for 2nd straight start

Seahawks rookie OG Sataoa Laumea preparing for 2nd straight start

The Seattle Seahawks made the surprising decision to start sixth-round rookie Sataoa Laumea at right guard against the New York Jets in Week 13. Regular starter Anthony Bradford was recently placed on IR with an ankle injury, creating an opening. In a surprising decision, it was Laumea, not third-round rookie Christian Haynes, that was elevated into the starting lineup. After playing well in the victory over the Jets, the first-year contributor is preparing to start his second straight game versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14.

Laumea, a four-year starter for the Utah Utes, enjoyed a stellar NFL debut. Pro Football Focus credited Laumea with allowing two quarterback pressures and zero sacks. His nerves were also on display as he was whistled for two penalties. PFF assigned him a fairly harsh overall grade of 29.3. The eye test indicated he played fine, all things considered.

Starting quarterback Geno Smith was sacked on three occasions by the Jets. The Cardinals have been much better at rushing the passer than their talent on paper indicates. Jonathan Gannon’s aggressive squad has posted a ninth-best 34 sacks in 12 games despite a third-worst 30% pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR), per ESPN Stats & Info. Interior rusher Dante Stills leads the Cardinals in sacks (4.5). Stills could match up against Laumea on Sunday.

The Seahawks will likely evaluate the right guard position on a week-by-week basis. Laumea remains in the starting role for now. Haynes will continue attempting to dethrone him behind the scenes.

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Could the Seahawks make a surprising decision at RG?

Could the Seahawks make a surprising decision at RG?

Seattle Seahawks starting right guard Anthony Bradford suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He was helped to the sidelines before being carted into the locker room, making him unlikely to play versus the New York Jets in Week 13. The expectation would be that rookie second-string guard Christian Haynes would start in his place. Not so fast, says head coach Mike Macdonald.

The Seahawks plan to evaluate fellow rookie blocker Sataoa Laumea, Macdonald said on Tuesday. Laumea will compete with Haynes for the vacant right guard position. It indicates the Seahawks aren’t overly pleased with Haynes.

Haynes had previously received opportunities to compete with Bradford for the starting gig, but the rookie guard eventually lost ground to the second-year pro. Pro Football Focus credits Haynes with allowing six pressures and one sack in 113 pass-blocking snaps. His season-long overall grade currently sits at a lackluster 50.4.

Laumea has not played a single snap for the Seahawks this season. He featured regularly in the preseason, playing admirably. The sixth-round selection out of Utah allowed just one pressure and zero sacks.

Laumea was drafted three rounds (No. 180) after Haynes (No. 81). Bradford hasn’t played particularly well this season, so Haynes’ initial failure to dethrone him at right guard spoke volumes. With Laumea earning consideration to enter the lineup, the Seahawks are making their third-round blocker earn every rep.

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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 RT Abe Lucas inches closer to full strength in Week 12 win

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas inches closer to full strength in Week 12 win

Third-year Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abe Lucas made his second consecutive start in Sunday’s 16-6 Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Lucas made his regular-season debut in last weekend’s win over the San Francisco 49ers. Sunday’s showing indicates Seattle’s preferred right tackle is nearing full strength.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb made the decision to occasionally rotate Lucas out of the lineup against San Francisco, replacing him with rookie blocker Mike Jerrell to allow Lucas to catch his breath. That did not occur versus the Cardinals. He played every offensive snap.

Lucas wasn’t perfect. The former Washington State standout was whistled for two illegal formation penalties. Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing two quarterback pressures and zero sacks.

Lucas graded subpar as a run blocker, earning a 50.3 from PFF’s decision makers. It was significantly lower than his debut run-blocking grade of 79.0 last week. Seattle struggled to effectively run the football. Starting ball carrier Kenneth Walker III was limited to 41 rushing yards via 16 carries (2.6 yards per carry).

Lucas’ ability to play the complete workload of snaps indicates progress. The penalties and occasional setbacks in pass protection and as a run blocker indicates he’s still shaking off the rust. Lucas should continue improving down the critical stretch of Seattle’s 2024 season.

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Seahawks RT Abe Lucas should play full workload vs. Cardinals

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas should play full workload vs. Cardinals

Seattle Seahawks right tackle Abe Lucas made his regular-season debut in Sunday’s Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Mike Macdonald wisely decided to ease Lucas back into the offense given his lengthy stint on the sidelines. Lucas rotated in and out of the lineup, totaling 42 offensive snaps. Rookie blocker Mike Jerrell occasionally replaced him, playing 18 snaps after making a handful of starts earlier this year.

Lucas was outstanding and did not appear rusty. Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. He earned a pass-blocking grade of 73.4. As a run blocker, the former Washington State standout was Seattle’s second-highest graded lineman at 79.0.

Now that Lucas has some in-game reps under his belt, the expectation is that he’ll play 100 percent of Ryan Grubb’s offensive snaps in Sunday’s upcoming critical Week 12 NFC West showdown versus the Arizona Cardinals. Grubb confirmed that Lucas should play the complete workload. It offers a boost to Seattle’s improving offensive line.

The Cardinals have recorded 24 sacks in 10 regular-season games this campaign. Jonathan Gannon has lost both of his best projected pass rushers, BJ Ojulari and Dennis Gardeck, to season-ending injuries. ESPN Stats & Info credits the Cardinals with a pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR) of 30 percent, the second-worst rate in the entire league through 11 completed contests.

Sunday projects as a favorable matchup for Lucas to play 100 percent of snaps for the first time this 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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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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