The Seahawks played the best player available game in the first two days of the draft. They addressed needs, to be sure, but on day three, they made sure to fill in the gaps. Center Olusegun Oluwatimi definitely addresses a big need for the Hawks.
The Seahawks certainly surprised me with their picks on day one. We all expected them to go for pass rushers and run-stoppers, right? Instead, all they did was get the best cornerback in the draft with their first pick. They followed that up with the best wide receiver of 2023 at pick 20. They started to address those needs on day two, nabbing EDGE/LB Derick Hall and RB Zach Charbonnet. Seattle made a deep dive into the trenches on day three, with center Olusegun Oluwatimi the fourth lineman taken on the day.
You may see Oluwatimi listed as Olusegun, Olu, or even Victor, but I assure you he's the same guy. According to the NFL's own draft site, he began college at the Air Force Academy, but soon transferred to the University of Virginia and began his football career in 2019. After three very successful seasons with the Cavaliers, he took his Rimington Trophy finalist talent to Michigan. He won that award for the nation's best center as the centerpiece of the Wolverines' dominant offensive line.
Oluwatimi the next decade-long O-lineman for the Seahawks
As mentioned, Oluwatimi was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy as a junior at Virginia, so those few naysayers who say he benefitted from joining the Wolverines - well, of course, he did. But Michigan gained just as much from his presence. As a senior, Oluwatimi allowed four QB hurries, five hits, and zero sacks. As detailed by nfldraftbuzz.com, he grades out even better as a run blocker. He's noted for both his strength and technique in both pass and run blocking.
At 6'2 1/2" and 309 pounds with a span just over 79", Oluwatimi has the length to engulf opposing players. He excels at getting out first on double-teams as well, so should be a great fit for the Seahawks offensive line. He'll have an excellent mentor in Evan Brown, so he doesn't have to step in anf be the number one guy right away. That being said, before the 2023 season is over, I believe he'll do exactly that. At this position, I love the addition of Olu Oluwatimi. Can we just go with Double O, please? As in, license to... yeah, you know.