The New York Giants were mocked to go in a number of different directions at pick No. 25 in the months leading up to the 2023 NFL draft.
One of the more prevalent names connected to the Giants was Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz, who the team scouted and met with several times.
When Schmitz was still available in the second round, you know general manager Joe Schoen was ecstatic. And he wasted no time handing in the card and making Schmitz a Giant.
The Giants received high praise and high draft grades for their 2023 class and JMS is a big reason why. In fact, Schmitz is being recognized as one of the biggest steals in the draft by Pro Football Focus.
NEW YORK GIANTS: C JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ, MINNESOTA
PFF Big Board rank: 35
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.
Many considered JMS as the top overall center in the draft and with many giving him a first-round grade, Giants fans were hyped to get him 57th overall.
JMS will have a chance to come in and make an immediate impact on a youthful line that includes former first-round picks Evan Neal (2022) and Andrew Thomas (2020.)
The Giants are hoping that JMS can improve the offensive line and make life easier for quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley for years to come.
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