3 Seahawks players that will not survive training camp

In the center of it all

Much of the problem for the Seahawks over the past few years has been protecting their quarterback. Central to this protection is, quite literally, the center position. In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seahawks aimed to address this issue by selecting Olusegun Oluwatimi in the fifth round out of Michigan.

Oluwatimi, known for his strong performances in college, brought a lot of promise and potential. However, despite the injuries to the offensive line last season, Oluwatimi was unable to fully capitalize on his opportunities to secure a firm grasp on the center position.

This situation prompted the Seahawks to sign Nick Harris, a backup center from the Cleveland Browns, to provide a veteran presence up the middle while they wait for Oluwatimi to blossom. Harris, with his experience and reliability, offers the team a stable option and acts as a mentor to the younger linemen.

His signing indicates that the Seahawks are looking for immediate stability and are not solely relying on Oluwatimi's development. However, with a new coaching staff now at the helm, Oluwatimi might be running out of time to prove that he can be the center of the future for this team.

The new coaching staff brings fresh perspectives and potentially new expectations for the offensive line. Oluwatimi’s challenge is to adapt quickly and demonstrate his value under this new regime. His ability to learn and implement the coaching staff’s strategies will be critical in determining his role on the team. Every snap in training camp and every preseason game is a chance for Oluwatimi to show that he can protect the quarterback and anchor the offensive line.

Oluwatimi’s journey is emblematic of the NFL’s competitive nature, where even promising draft picks must continually prove themselves. His development is crucial for the Seahawks, who have struggled with consistency on their offensive line. The protection of the quarterback, especially one as pivotal to the team’s success as Geno Smith, hinges on having a reliable center who can handle defensive schemes, snap accuracy, and blocking assignments.

The presence of Nick Harris adds pressure but also serves as a source of learning for Oluwatimi. Competing with a seasoned player can push him to elevate his game, but it also means that he has less margin for error. The coaching staff will be closely watching this competition, evaluating not just physical performance but also mental acuity and leadership qualities.