Olu Oluwatimi
Summary
Olu Oluwatimi was selected in Round 5 (#154 Overall) in the 2023 Draft out of University of Michigan. Oluwatimi is a highly intelligent, technically sound interior offensive lineman whose strongest traits are his hand technique, leverage, mobility for the position, and pre‑snap awareness. He brings considerable experience and production from his college career. His developmental areas include improving his power when isolated against top‑tier defenders, enhancing his lateral mobility and anchor strength, and maximizing his physical tools. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could become a foundational piece at center; even if he doesn’t reach star status, he offers significant value as a starting‑caliber lineman in the NFL.
Strengths
Cerebral play & pre‑snap recognition: Oluwatimi has been praised for his ability to process defensive fronts, make line calls, identify stunts and blitzes, and adjust accordingly. Bleacher Report
Hand technique & leverage: He uses good hand placement, strong wrists, and solid leverage to latch on and sustain blocks. NFL Draft Buzz
Mobility for his size: While not a freak athlete, Oluwatimi shows enough movement ability to pull, reach and work on the move in the run game. Shows impressive range and the ability to get out and land blocks on the move. NFL Draft Buzz
Experience & production: He started many games, played 49 college games and thousands of snaps, and was part of an elite offensive line unit at Michigan. Maize n Brew
Weaknesses
Anchor & power vs. bull rushes: Struggles when isolated against heavy defensive tackles or when defenders get movement on him and will get stood up and flattened at the point of attack when asked to uproot or reach defensive tackles without help. Bleacher Report
Length & frame concerns: Arm length and overall physical dimensions are average/less than ideal for dominating at the NFL interior line—this can be a disadvantage in leverage battles. Maize n Brew
Kick‑slide / lateral mobility: While he is mobile, his lateral quickness and set‑up in space could be improved. His kick slide is inconsistent, and he’ll often set too high. NFL Draft Buzz
Ceiling relative to elite prospects: Though very good, some analyses indicate his ceiling may be somewhat lower because he lacks “elite traits” compared to top interior linemen. PFSN
Fit & Outlook
Oluwatimi fits best as a team’s starting center in a scheme that values intelligence, technique, and reliability over sheer brute physical dominance. His ability to process defensive alignments, make calls, and provide steadiness in the middle makes him a strong fit for the Seahawks’ offensive line structure. In the early years of his career, expect him to compete for the starting job and contribute as a high‑quality backup if not immediately the full‑time starter. Over the longer term, if he continues to improve his anchor strength, maintain his technique, and adapt to the increased physicality of the NFL, Oluwatimi has the potential to become a dependable, multi‑year starting center. His floor is solid—a reliable starter; his upside is a long‑term starter who could be viewed as one of the better centers in the league if he refines his technique and compensates for some physical limitations.