A five-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and the first center off the board in 2023, John Michael Schmitz anchors the Giants' interior line.
John Michael Schmitz Jr. arrived in New York as the highest-regarded center in the 2023 draft class after a decorated career at Minnesota. He has started regularly for the Giants since his rookie year, though durability and consistency have been ongoing challenges as he works to establish himself as a long-term answer up front.
Path to the league
Schmitz was a standout at Minnesota, earning All-Big Ten and All-American honors in 2022 while also being recognized as a five-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. Entering the 2023 draft as Pro Football Focus's top-ranked center, he was the first center selected when the Giants took him with the 57th overall pick in the second round.
Career highlights
At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Schmitz was drafted to fill an immediate need after the Giants lost both Jon Feliciano and Nick Gates in free agency, and he stepped directly into the starting lineup as a rookie. His combination of size and technique made him an early steal of the Giants' 2023 draft class in the eyes of many evaluators.
2025 season recap
Schmitz remained the Giants' starting center in 2025 but missed four games due to injury, part of a pattern that has seen him sit out 11 games total across his first three seasons. He earned a 60.8 overall PFF grade for the year, ranking 29th among 40 qualified centers, while surrendering five sacks and 23 quarterback pressures.
Sources
- Wikipedia: John Michael Schmitz
- Pro Football Reference: John Michael Schmitz
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Center
- Group
- offense
- College
- Minnesota
- Hometown
- Flossmoor, IL, USA
- Age
- 27
- Status
- active
Team
