John Michael Schmitz named Giants’ best value pick

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. feels center John Michael Schmitz was the New York Giants’ best value pick in the 2023 NFL draft and others agree.

The New York Giants and general manager Joe Schoen got a lot of value during the 2023 NFL draft — arguably the most of any team in the league.

But of their seven total picks, which netted them the most value?

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently broke down his list of the best value picks from the draft and he settled on Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz in Round 2 for the Giants.

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.

After Nick Gates signed in Washington, there was a big hole at center. And this Giants line wasn’t all that spectacular to begin with, save for tackle Andrew Thomas. New York was No. 29 in pass block win rate last season (52.6%), so this should be a big boost. Schmitz allowed just one sack over nearly 1,000 career pass-block snaps. Nice work by the Giants in getting difference-makers at a few key weak spots.

Warren Sharp of FOX Sports didn’t break down individual picks like Kiper Jr. did, but he did compile a chart displaying overall team value. And guess who topped the list?

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Matt Miller also raved about Schmitz, listing him as the best prospect-to-team fit in the NFL.

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.

Miller’s colleague, Jordan Reid, didn’t agree. He felt the best prospect-to-team fit was cornerback Deonte Banks.

Either way, the Giants win.

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