One of the biggest needs the Seahawks have this offseason is finding a new starting center. One year ago today, they signed Austin Blythe, but he announced his retirement a couple of weeks ago. That opened up another hole in the middle of an offensive line that’s already uncomfortably weak on the interior. Good news, though – apparently Seattle is seriously interested in the best center prospect in this year’s draft class.
According to Tony Pauline H/T Chris Cluff, the Seahawks have been eyeing Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz for the longest time and became enamored with him during the Senior Bowl.
Per @TonyPauline, the #Seahawks have been "eyeing" Minnesota C John Michael Schmitz "for the longest time and became enamored with him during the Senior Bowl."
Pauline talks about first round. Schmitz is No. 45 on @TheAthletic consensus big board.
— Chris Cluff (@CHawk_Talk) March 16, 2023
Schmitz (6-foot-4, 320 pounds) is the consensus top-ranked center in the 2023 class.
At this point in the offseason, it’s difficult to sus out legitimate interest in the cacophony of draft rumors. However, Seattle did meet with Schmitz at the Scouting Combine, so there’s at least some fire under the smoke.
When to target Schmitz is the toughest question. No. 5 overall is too early for interior linemen, no matter how good they are. Schmitz should still be available when they’re on the clock at No. 20 overall, but after that it’s a gamble if he’ll still be on the board in Round 2.
