For far too long, the Seahawks have been held back by the play of their offensive line. But for the first time in a long time, there’s a real sense of optimism in the trenches. Can the group deliver on growing expectations?

For months, Olu Oluwatimi appeared to be the strong favorite to retain the starting center job for the Seahawks. But that ship may have sailed over the past few weeks with the veteran ceding the opportunity to his top competition to steal the gig.

Even in a preseason setting, the Seahawks have showcased several staples in Klint Kubiak’s run game, using a variety of schemes to rush for almost 270 yards against the Chiefs on Friday night.

From Sam Darnold’s first game snaps to Nick Emmanwori possibly playing with his two veteran safety counterparts, there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines heading into the Seahawks’ second exhibition contest against the Chiefs.

In a back-and-forth practice where the Seahawks’ defense started fast and the offense finished strong, Jalen Milroe kept rolling with his new favorite target and answers regarding offensive line competitions continue to slowly emerge.

Though the Seahawks weren’t on the practice field quite as long as usual on Saturday, the intensity ramped up, particularly in 11-on-11 drills with Sam Darnold and the quarterbacks executing quite well on decisive fourth downs.

Seeking a downfield threat to help replace DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks may have found a possible solution in ascending rookie Tory Horton, who became the latest member of the 2025 draft class to shine in his first training camp.

Bringing back the pads after an easy Wednesday, the Seahawks got after it with a physical, highlight-filled practice with big plays on offense and defense, though miscues from the pivot position put a damper on the session overall.

A beacon of versatility and consistency between the lines who commands the respect of coaches and teammates, Jalen Sundell has quietly forced his way into not just one, but two competitions for starting jobs on the Seahawks offensive line entering his sophomore season.

Only so much can be learned about an NFL team in non-padded practices, but that doesn’t mean some questions about the Seahawks weren’t answered over the past three weeks during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, including having a ways to go for the offense to level up to the defense.

The Seahawks continued to struggle in the trenches on offense last season, but with a young core returning a year older and a proven veteran offensive line coach now in town, the team hopes to see the unit take a big step forward this spring.

As the Seahawks launch the final phase of their offseason program with OTAs, these non-contact practices carry plenty of importance heading into the upcoming season, starting with a lot of new pieces on offense from both a personnel and coaching standpoint.

Learning the value of hard work behind the support of his parents and siblings on the family farm, Grey Zabel has leaned on three foundational cornerstones to pave his way to success, and he will get to continue enjoying one of those as the latest first round pick for the Seahawks.

Due to limited supply of quality players available, the Seahawks have been far from the only NFL team struggling to assemble a cohesive offensive line in recent years. But this year’s class may present a unique opportunity to bolster the interior line with built-in continuity as an bonus.

Center has been a revolving door for the Seahawks for the better part of a decade. With a new coordinator at the wheel, could a dark horse be emerging to potentially bring that door to a halt?

When it comes to competing for an NFC West title and a return to the postseason, all eyes will be on Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp as newcomers filling big shoes. But the Seahawks will only go as far as their most maligned unit, which looks largely unchanged, performs under a new coaching staff.

As a six-year starter in the NFL, Garrett Bradbury possesses experience and athletic traits that the Seahawks would love to have at the center position in Klint Kubiak’s offense. But would it be worth it to take a flier on him following his release from the Vikings?

Poor offensive line play has been a signature problem for the Seahawks over the years, but John Schneider will be counting on a revamped coaching staff and a new scheme to help turn the tide up front.