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Jalen Sundell

Jalen Sundell Player Profile

Summary

Jalen Sundell went undrafted in the 2024 Class out of North Dakota State University. Sundell is a promising young interior offensive lineman whose biggest strengths are versatility, mobility for his size, strong run‑block potential, and a winning background. His developmental tasks include refining his center‑specific technique, improving consistency in pass‑protection, and proving durability. If he continues his upward trend, he could become a key fixture on Seattle’s offensive line for years to come.

Strengths

  • Versatility & adaptability: Sundell has shown the ability to play multiple interior line positions (center and tackle at college, and guard flexibility in the NFL) which increases his value to the team. Field Gulls

  • Athleticism for a big body: At 6′5″ and 301 lbs, he combines size with good mobility—allowing him to reach second‑level blocks, execute reach blocks, and handle movement in space better than many interior linemen. Field Gulls

  • Strong run‑blocking performance in flashes: Film review noted strong run‑block ratings, including a game with a 91.1 run‑block grade and 92.4 overall offensive grade when he was given a chance. Field Gulls

  • Championship & winning background: At North Dakota State, he played on multiple FCS‑champion teams and earned First‑Team All‑American honors, showing experience in winning systems.

  • Work ethic & learning curve: His quick rise from undrafted rookie to starting center reflects strong coachability, film study, and grasp of the offensive scheme. Field Gulls

Weaknesses

  • Less experience at center in high‑level competition: Though versatile, most of his college experience was at left tackle; still developing fully at the center position in the NFL. NDSU

  • Injury/availability risk: He suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for multiple weeks, which raises concerns about durability and continuity. ESPN.com

  • Pass‑protection consistency still developing: While he showed strong run‑blocking in some games, earlier film showed lower run‑block grades and sheeted performance under pressure; his pass‑protection against NFL elite interior rushers remains a work in progress. Field Gulls

  • Physical ceiling questions vs top defenders: As a young center, he may have to overcome opponents with elite strength, length or speed—areas where his game is still developing in terms of finishing blocks and battling heavy bull rushers.

Fit & Outlook

Sundell fits best in a scheme that values athletic, mobile interior linemen in a zone‑running, up‑tempo offense—precisely the type of system Seattle runs. His ability to step into the starting role early suggests the coaching staff has confidence in his ability to lead the line, make calls, and handle multiple alignments. In the short term, he projects as the starting center for the Seahawks when healthy. Over the long term, if he improves his pass‑protection consistency, stays healthy, and maintains technique against elite rushers, he has the potential to develop into a high‑quality multi‑year starter. His floor is a dependable starting center; his ceiling is a cornerstone lineman capable of anchoring the interior offensive line. The key will be his continued growth in pass‑protection and staying available.