10 sleepers to cap the Seattle Seahawks 2023 draft

Seahawks find another anchor for the offensive line

Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan. It's certainly no secret that the Seahawks need a center after the retirement of Austin Blythe. Yes, I know they signed Evan Brown, and I like the signing. So did Pro Football Focus, at least I think they would. Although Brown played at right guard last season for Detroit, he filled in at center in 2021 and was one of the best in the league in pass protection. He allowed just one sack and eight QB hits, placing him sixth among all centers.

But Seattle doesn't even have Kyle Fuller on the squad anymore, so they'll need to add another. Hmmm...do you think the guy that won the awards for the best center - the Rimington - and for best lineman - the Outland - might be a good choice? Standing 6' 2 1/2" and 309 pounds, Oluwatimi has good technique and a solid football IQ. He's shown that he can recognize and react to stunts and twists and is an effective drive blocker in the running game as well.

I know, 12s, I know. Then why is he projected to last until the fifth round? He doesn't have the best lateral movement; which can cause him to reach on his blocks, and we've had enough holding penalties as it is in Seattle, thank you very much Mr. Referee. He can get a bit off-balance in those situations as well. Hey, I'm not knocking the guy; I'm just giving you the tendencies that caused scouts to move him down the draft boards. I'd love to see the Hawks take him on day three.

Chandler Zavala, G, North Carolina St. The 6'3" 322 pound guard signed with Fairmont State, a Division II school out of high school. He redshirted after a knee injury, then started 21 games over the next two seasons at left guard. COVID wiped out the season for the school, so he transferred to NC State in 2021. He lost the rest of that year after just five games with a back injury. 2022 was Zavala's year, though, as he made the All-ACC squad. That tends to happen when you allow just four pressures and zero sacks in 13 games.

While he's graded as better at pass protection than the running game, it's worth noting that the Wolfpack averaged 172 yards rushing per game with Zavala in the lineup, then plummetted to just 93 yards per game without him. He's noted for his lateral movement, explosion off the line, and ability to ride speed rushers a mile past the pocket. So why is he a sleeper? Well, he only played one year of football at high school, and he's already 24 years old. The way I look at it, he got his experience at a high level. Let's go get him, Hawks!