The Seattle Seahawks have already announced who will make up their starting offensive line in 2025. Fans likely could have assumed those starters at the beginning of the preseason. Each player had a very good training camp.
The real games might change how 12s view the new O-line, but the unit promises to be its best edition in years, especially as rookie left guard Grey Zabel seems as good as advertised. He will make mistakes as all rookies do, but he will likely also be an upgrade at his position.
So might his college teammate, Jalen Sundell. Both played at North Dakota State. While Zabel was a first-round draft pick in 2025, Sundell was signed as an undrafted free agent last season. He saw limited time last season, but was solid when he did.
The Seattle Seahawks clearly like Jalen Sundell, no matter where he plays
His versatility is the kind that general manager John Schneider loves. Sundell can play center or guard, and he might be needed to do so. Head coach Mike Macdonald said as much on Monday when he was asked about the team's backup plan at guard should something happen to starters Zabel or right guard Anthony Bradford.
Part of the issue is that presumed right guard back Christian Haynes is beginning the season on injured reserve, and he will miss the first four games. The Seahawks also released Sataoa Laumea from their practice squad this week to make room for safety D'Anthony Bell. Laumea started six games at right guard last season as a rookie.
If something happens to Bradford or Zabel, Macdonald's plan is to move Sundell over to guard, a position he has experienced practicing in with Seattle, and elevate Olu Oluwatimi to center. At the beginning of training camp, the center was between Oluwatimi and Sundell, but Oluwatimi suffered a back issue.
Plus, Jalen Sundell was very good in the reps he received at center. Even a healthy Oluwatimi shouldn't have beaten him out at center.
In other words, the Seattle Seahawks really like Sundell, no matter where he plays. When he was forced to come in to play center in Week 15 of 2024 against the Green Bay Packers, Sundell didn't allow a quarterback pressure. He didn't allow one in the preseason, either.
The most promising part of his game is that it is still evolving. Sundell should only get better with more playing time, and he will be a benefit for the Seahawks, no matter if he plays center or guard.