Quick Hits: Giants Round 2 Draft Pick John Michael Schmitz

Coach Gene Clemons takes a look at the Giants' newest center.

After addressing a legitimate defensive need in round one, the New York Giants turned to the most pressing need on the team, and one in which it's been years since there was stability: the center position.

And so, with the 57th pick, the Giants selected John Michael Schmitz, the perfect pick. According to Pro Football Focus, Schmitz was the top center on many evaluators' boards and was the highest-graded center.

There were a lot of arguments that Schmitz should have been the team's selection in the first round, but grabbing him in the back half of the second round is a win for Joe Schoen.

Schmitz is a plug-and-play center with extensive collegiate experience after spending six seasons in college. Let's take a closer look at his game.

Giants Land OC John Michael Schmitz in Round 2

What Schmitz Does Well

Schmitz is a leader at center. He is used to making all of the line calls for the offense. That is important in the NFL, where the center's ability to alleviate one responsibility from the quarterback can help the team be more effective on offense. His football intelligence is evident based on the number of games he has played in college. He can consume the playbook quickly and get up to speed sooner rather than later.

Schmitz is a highly effective run blocker who can wall defenders in base blocks. He is effective in outside zone blocks because of his consistent footwork. He also uses a strong outside hand in reach blocks necessary in toss and sweep plays. He consistently finishes blocks well and exhibits patience when working in combination blocks and climbing to the second level to cover up linebackers and safeties.

Schmitz has great balance in pass protection and does a good job of passing off or receiving defenders in defensive line twists. He also does a good job of moving his feet in one on one pass protection situations and understands how to anchor down against the bull rush.

Refuse to lose 😤 pic.twitter.com/Djxn2Ay9uL

— New York Giants (@Giants) April 29, 2023

Slight Concerns

Schmitz does not have the longest arms, which can sometimes get him in trouble. One way is in pass protection, where longer-armed defensive linemen can keep him from covering them up. That results in Schmitz being more aggressive in his pass protection and getting beat with secondary moves. He can sometimes open his hips and allow rushers to get on his edge and turn him open, allowing penetration up the middle.

He is also 24 years old and has been in college for so long that the Giants may be getting a guy with little room for growth. He may be a finished product, however, so what the team sees early from him may be what they should expect to get for the rest of his career.

Emory Hunt of Football Gameplan had this to say about Schmitz in his annual draft guide:

One of the best at duo blocks in the draft class. Almost consistent at pushing vertically and then moving on to the next target. Functional strength is where you’d like it to be. He knows how to anchor well and does a solid job of redirecting the defender. Read and recognition skills are A+. He rarely gets fooled; if it does happen, it won’t happen twice. Solid on both ends of offense and is coming off an outstanding Senior Bowl performance.

Overall, Giants fans should be ecstatic about a guy who can come in and assume the responsibility at the center position right now. Schmitz is that guy. 

---

• Get the latest breaking news and analysis on the New York Giants
• Follow and like us on Facebook
• Submit your questions for our mailbag
• Check out the Giants Country YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe and like the LockedOn Giants YouTube Channel
• Sign up for our FREE message board forums
• Get your Giants tickets from SI Tickets!