Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: New era edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Olusegun Oluwatimi
- Offensive Line | Michigan Wolverines
Ron Rivera recently stated how happy he was with the improvements made across the offensive line. Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie could upgrade their respective positions, with the promise of one or two more contributors from the college ranks only heightening the sense of expectation around a position group that flattered to deceive in 2022.
Even though he could be seen as a work in progress, Olusegun Oluwatimi has enough intangibles to become a starter over time. However, it’s important for the prospect to be given enough leeway to develop at his own place wherever he ends up.
Oluwatimi might be raw from a technical standpoint, but his cerebral approach and quick reactions are a solid foundation from which to build. The former Michigan star has enough flexibility to keep opposing pass-rushers at bay, which can also be useful on the move or at the second level, where the lineman goes looking for work.
As is the case with most prospects taken on Day 3, there is plenty of work ahead of Oluwatimi in pursuit of putting his athletic attributes to better use. The prospect’s hand placement is sometimes suspect and there is a tendency for the linemen to lunge rather than solidify his base at the point of attack.
Oluwatimi spent the majority of his college career at the center spot. However, his physical traits indicate he could transition smoothly to a guard position if the Commanders saw fit.