John Michael Schmitz named among biggest steals of draft
The Giants earned strong marks from NFL analysts for their seven-man 2023 draft class.
Among those selections was offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz.
The center out of Minnesota was taken with the 57th overall pick in the second round of the draft. Following his dominant performance in 2022 that led to him being named First-Team All-American by the Associated Press, Schmitz was ranked among the best at his position heading into the weekend.
After the draft was complete, many experts from across the NFL landscape named Schmitz among the biggest steals of the draft.
Here is what the experts had to say about the Giants' second-round pick.
Pro Football Focus - 11 biggest steals of the draft
"If the Giants had made this pick in the first round, nobody would have really batted an eye. He led all centers with a 92.3 PFF grade in 2022 and graded well both on zone and gap plays. He's a big guy but can really move and was a four-year starter at Minnesota. Simply put, he is one of the best run-blockers at the position to enter the draft in recent years."
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks - 10 perfect player-team fits
"The Giants have become a blue-collar squad under the direction of head coach Brian Daboll. 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."
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. - Favorite picks from Day 2
"The Giants landed my top-ranked center in Schmitz late in Round 2. That's a steal. He fills an immediate need. I was surprised he lasted that long."
CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin - NFL Draft's biggest Day 2 steals
"You can't go wrong beefing up the trenches, and you definitely can't go wrong spending a late second (No. 57) on a technically sound center who's even drawn some Creed Humphrey comparisons. Schmitz is leaner (6-4, 301) but solid in all aspects up front, and he already projects as an instant upgrade as a starting center for a surprise playoff contender. And if you don't love the idea of using a premium pick on a center, just know Schmitz has the goods to transition to guard as well."
ESPN's Todd McShay - Giants' best value pick
"The Giants wasted no time in attacking their needs, and as much as I really liked the Deonte Banks (Maryland CB) and Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee WR) picks on Days 1 and 2, respectively, this one is clear for me. It's Schmitz, who will be a 10-year starter for New York. He was my No. 2 center and a top-50 prospect, and his tape is a treat to watch. Schmitz has the mirror-and-slide quickness to take away interior bull rushers and the power to open lanes in the run game. I know running back Saquon Barkley is happy about this pick -- Schmitz takes great angles as a zone blocker at the second level."
The Athletic's Dane Brugler - Favorite Giants pick
"This is one of those picks that I helped will into existence – I did two multi-round mocks in April and had Schmitz landing with the Giants at No. 57 both times (despite Twitter telling me there was "no way" he'd fall that far). While he's not a top-tier athlete, Schmitz is a rock-solid player who can be a productive starter when his hands and feet stay on the same page. This is a Day 1 NFL starter."
ESPN's Matt Miller - Favorite prospect-to-team fit
"The middle of the line needed an upgrade, and Minnesota's Schmitz is the perfect fit given his mobility and accuracy blocking in space and on the move. He'll be a plug-and-play upgrade with Creed Humphrey-like early-impact potential."
CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso - Best Giants pick
"Instant starter at center. Large but nimble. Reach blocks galore on his film. Recovery ability is there too. Not dominant but simply blocks everything. Fills a major need."
View the top photos of offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz's career at Minnesota.
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) calls out a blocking coverage against Penn State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Schmitz Jr John Michael
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) plays against Nebraska during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Minnesota defeated Nebraska 20-13. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
John Michael Schmitz (60) NCAA Football: Rutgers at Minnesota
Schmitz Jr John Michael
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) during warm ups prior to an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz plays during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) looks for someone to block against Penn State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) looks for someone to block against Penn State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) plays against Nebraska during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Minnesota defeated Nebraska 20-13. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) leaves the field following an NCAA college football game against Penn State , Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) prepares to hike the ball against Nebraska during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Minnesota defeated Nebraska 20-13. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) calls out a blocking coverage against Penn State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz warms up before playing in an NCAA college football game against Nebraska Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) waits for the next play against Nebraska during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) chats with teammates Axel Ruschmeyer (65), Tanner Morgan (2) and Nathan Boe (66) between plays against Nebraska during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim (24) celebrates with offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) after Ibrahim scored a touchdown against Colorado during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) looks for someone to block against Penn State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) t warms up for an NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) looks to block Penn State defensive tackle Coziah Izzard (99) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota running back Ky Thomas (8) is congratulated by teammate John Michael Schmitz (60) after scoring a touchdown against Indiana in the first half during an NCAA college football game in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) talks with officials against Penn State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) calls out a blocking coverage against Penn State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) looks for someone to block against Penn State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim, left, greets offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz, right, prior to an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) hikes the ball to quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (8) on the line of scrimmage against Nebraska during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Minnesota defeated Nebraska 20-13. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) calls out a blocking coverage against Penn State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
American offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz of Minnesota (74) during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz of Minnesota (74) during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz of Minnesota (74) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz of Minnesota (74) during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz of Minnesota (74) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz of Minnesota (74) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Currently on Giants.com
View photos of the Giants' draft picks touring the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
CB Deonte Banks
Brian Daboll Head Coach, John Michael Schmitz (61), Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
John Michael Schmitz (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt
New York Giants defensive back Deonte Banks poses for a photo with head coach Brian Daboll and General Manager Joe Schoen on Friday April 28, 2022 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
John Michael Schmitz (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt
John Michael Schmitz (61)
CB Deonte Banks
John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer, WR Jalin Hyatt, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
John Michael Schmitz (61)
New York Giants defensive back Deonte Banks poses for a photo with head coach Brian Daboll General Manager Joe Schoen and CEO John Mara on Friday April 28, 2022 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Jalin Hyatt
John Michael Schmitz (61)
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, WR Jalin Hyatt, Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants defensive back Deonte Banks poses for a photo with his family on Friday April 28, 2022 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
Brian Daboll Head Coach, John Michael Schmitz (61), Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
CB Deonte Banks
New York Giants defensive back Deonte Banks poses for a photo with CEO John Mara on Friday April 28, 2022 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
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CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
New York Giants second round draft pick John Michael Schmitz poses for a photo after talking to the media on Saturday April 29, 2022 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
WR Jalin Hyatt
CB Deonte Banks
John Michael Schmitz (61)
CB Deonte Banks
John Michael Schmitz (61)
New York Giants second round draft pick John Michael Schmitz talks to the media on Saturday April 29, 2022 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks
New York Giants second round draft pick John Michael Schmitz talks to the media on Saturday April 29, 2022 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks
New York Giants second round draft pick John Michael Schmitz poses for a photo after talking to the media on Saturday April 29, 2022 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Jalin Hyatt
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
John Michael Schmitz (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt, Daniel Jones (8)
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
WR Jalin Hyatt
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer, WR Jalin Hyatt, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
CB Deonte Banks
CB Deonte Banks
New York Giants second round draft pick John Michael Schmitz poses for a photo after talking to the media on Saturday April 29, 2022 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Jalin Hyatt
John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer, John Michael Schmitz (61), Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
John Michael Schmitz (61)
John Michael Schmitz (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt
John Michael Schmitz (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt
New York Giants second round draft pick John Michael Schmitz talks to the media on Saturday April 29, 2022 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Jalin Hyatt
WR Jalin Hyatt
WR Jalin Hyatt
WR Jalin Hyatt
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, WR Jalin Hyatt, Brian Daboll Head Coach
WR Jalin Hyatt
WR Jalin Hyatt, Daniel Jones (8)
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