New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz, who was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, had a disappointing rookie season. He missed four games due to injury and was classified as the worst center in football.
But it wasn’t all Schmitz’s fault. Injuries have consistently forced players to play guard, which has been made worse by similar problems at tackle.
Ultimately, the Giants finished the 2023 season with the second-worst offensive line in NFL history, allowing 85 sacks and all three quarterbacks suffering injuries.
In recent years Rankings from Pro Football FocusSchmitz was ranked as one of the worst players in the league.
26. John Michael Schmitz Jr., New York Giants
Schmitz struggled as the Giants’ starting center in his rookie 2023 season, earning the lowest overall grade and worst pass-blocking grade at the position. The circumstances surrounding him have been less than ideal, and the Giants will be hoping the former second-round pick improves in year two.
In an effort to address some of the issues that plagued them a season ago, the Giants brought in veteran guards Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor to start on either side of Schmitz.
“It was amazing to play next to John Michael. If I came here without knowing his background, I would have thought he was a five-year veteran. He comes here and takes it seriously. He’s on top of his stuff. He makes very few mistakes and keeps everyone on the offensive line,” Runyan said.
“It’s really great to have a center like this. It benefits all five people. It was really important to have John Michael in there because he helps the quarterback and he helps the running back when everyone is ready.”
Even though Schmitz had a rough rookie season, the Giants expect him to take a big leap in his development this season.
