When training camp begins for the Seattle Seahawks in late July, two of the team’s most competitive position battles are expected to take place along the interior offensive line.
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At center, it’s shaping up to be a two-man competition between third-year pro Olu Oluwatimi and second-year pro Jalen Sundell.
And at right guard, third-year pro Anthony Bradford and second-year Christian Haynes appear to be the front-runners after splitting most of the first-team reps this spring. Head coach Mike Macdonald said second-year pro Sataoa Laumea could also factor into the right guard mix, while also leaving open for the possibility that a rookie – perhaps sixth-round draft pick Bryce Cabeldue – could make a push once pads come on next months.
“There’s a lot of competition,” Macdonald said. “We haven’t settled some of the spots, and that means we have a lot of guys that are options, so it’s exciting.”
One factor that could play a large role in the two O-line battles is new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s wide-zone blocking scheme. The scheme requires linemen to move and make blocks in space, which could favor linemen who are more agile and athletic.
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That’s something that was particularly evident to former NFL linebacker Dave Wyman during the Seahawks’ OTA and minicamp practices earlier this month.
“If you’re an offensive lineman on this team, you need to be able to run,” Wyman said on Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob. “(I was) watching them do those drills where these offensive linemen are just running (sideways) – they’re blocking and trying to push north and south, but they’re doing it while they’re running east-west. So it’s just a certain kind of skill.
“And so let’s say Olu just doesn’t do that well and Sundell does, then he’s gonna get the job. So it’ll be interesting to see how this style fits different players.”
Listen to the full Wyman and Bob conversation at this link or in the audio player at the bottom of this story. Tune in to Wyman and Bob weekdays from 2 to 7 p.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.
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