JUST IN: Seahawks key evaluation add high profile star in most important position

The Seattle Seahawks’ offense is once again under new leadership.

In late January, the team hired Klint Kubiak as their new play-caller, marking the second consecutive offseason with a change at offensive coordinator.

A key responsibility for Kubiak and his new offensive staff will be evaluating the roster, with particular attention to each position. One critical area of assessment for Kubiak’s wide-zone scheme is the center position, according to former NFL quarterback Brock Huard. During his Blue 88 segment on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk show Wednesday, Huard shared his thoughts on Seattle’s situation at center.

Huard expressed uncertainty about whether Olu Oluwatimi, entering his third NFL season, is the right fit for the system. The 2023 fifth-round pick took over as the starting center for the final eight games last season following Connor Williams’ unexpected retirement after the Seahawks’ bye week. Despite winning the Outland and Rimington trophies at Michigan, Oluwatimi ranked 19th out of 40 centers in Pro Football Focus’ grading.

“Athletically, this system is going to be a bit of a challenge for him because he doesn’t move and run exceptionally well,” Huard explained. “And that’s a key trait … for a center who needs to reach the second level of the defense.”

Where is help?

If the Seahawks determine that Oluwatimi isn’t the right fit, they have an in-house alternative in undrafted 2024 rookie Jalen Sundell.

Another option would be to pursue a starting center in free agency, though, as Huard noted, the market is quite limited. According to PFF, only three centers rank among the top 100 free agents: Atlanta’s Drew Dalman (No. 22), Indianapolis’ Ryan Kelly (No. 81), and Chicago’s Coleman Shelton (No. 100).

Dalman is widely considered the best available option, finishing last season as the fourth-ranked center and turning 27 next year. Kelly, entering his age-32 season, has struggled with injuries, missing 10 games over the past two years, including seven in 2024. Meanwhile, Shelton, a former Washington Huskies standout who turns 30 this year, had a strong season despite anchoring a struggling Bears offensive line.

“There aren’t many players available at that position,” Huard remarked.