Bucky Brooks among experts that laud John Michael Schmitz fit
Offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz has garnered a lot of praise since being selected with the 57th overall pick in last month's NFL Draft.
The latest to do so is NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks, who recently listed his ten favorite player-team fits from the 2023 NFL Draft. On the list was the Giants' new offensive lineman.
"The Giants have become a blue-collar squad under the direction of head coach Brian Daboll," wrote Brooks. "Schmitz gives them another rugged frontline blocker who specializes in paving a clear path for runners at the line of scrimmage. New York appears committed to running the ball with Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones, and Schmitz has a chance to make his impact as a tone-setter at the point of attack, thanks to his combination of athleticism and nastiness."
After redshirting in 2017, Schmitz went on to play five seasons at Minnesota. He saw his first extensive action in 2021 when he started 13 games at center and was named Second-Team All-Big Ten by the conference's coaches after surrendering zero sacks and just five hurries on 317 pass block snaps (according to Pro Football Focus).
The 6-foot-4, 310-pound lineman continued his breakout this past season when he started 12 games and allowed just two sacks and eight total pressures on 302 pass block snaps. He was named First-Team All-American in addition to First-Team All-Big Ten.
"In addition to Schmitz's finishing ability as a blocker, which showed up consistently during Senior Bowl workouts, it's the zone-run fit in Brian Daboll's offense that sticks out," ESPN's Matt Bowen said after also naming Schmitz among the best team fits of the draft. "This is where the 6-4, 320-pound rookie center can reach, combo, climb and cut off second-level defenders. He's an instinctive and detailed technician here, and that opens up more running room for Saquon Barkley to get vertical on inside and outside zone schemes."
"As a four-year starter for Minnesota, Michael-Schmitz shouldn't look lost in the early parts of his NFL career," PFF's Trevor Sikkema added in his own best player fits article. "In fact, he's in a great environment to start at center on the Giants' interior offensive line. Michael Schmitz, at 6-foot-3 ½ and 300 pounds, is one of the bigger and stronger centers in the class, which will gel well with the guys already entrenched on the Giants offensive line. New York nailed its first two selections, leaving little projection needed to envision impact starting roles for both Banks and Michael-Schmitz. "
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