The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the John Michael Schmitz 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Offensive Guard/Center
School: Minnesota
Size: 6-foot-3 1/2, 301 pounds
Class: Redshirt Senior
2022 Stats: First Team All-American
John Michael Schmitz was able to get a ton of experience during his college career at Minnesota. Now, he is in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a three-star prospect out of Illinois, Schmitz decided to sign with Minnesota in the class of 2017. He redshirted his first season on campus and then played mostly on special teams in 2018. In 2019, he played in 13 games and started four. His play helped the Golden Gophers go 11-2 that season and win the Outback Bowl. Schmitz started six of seven games in 2020, as Minnesota won three out of their seven games. For the 2021 season, Schmitz started all 13 games and made the All-Big Ten Second Team (coaches). The Golden Gophers had a 9-4 record and on the Guaranteed Rate Bowl that year. In 2022, Schmitz started 12 games and was named a First Team All-American. He helped the team reach the Pinstripe Bowl with an 8-4 record.
Following the regular season, Schmitz decided to opt out of the Pinstripe Bowl and declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is a projected day two pick.
Schmitz is extremely intelligent and aware as a center. He makes the calls at the line of scrimmage to get his protection in order. His experience of playing so much in college has given him an edge over other prospects in the class. He recognizes stunts and twists, while knowing how to pass players off to his teammates.
He has enough agility and mobility to play well in space. Schmitz has the ability to complete reach blocks, get to the second level or pull. He is likely going to play well in a zone scheme, where he can move with the play and open up holes for ball carriers.
Schmitz does solidly in pass protection because he has a really strong anchor. He holds his ground well and doesn’t let defensive linemen push the pocket. In addition to his solid anchor, he also has solid recognition of blitzers and is able to pick them up in order to protect the quarterback.
Schmitz does move well laterally, but he isn’t the most athletic center. He lacks flexibility and can be ridgid, which could give him trouble when going up against NFL competition. Schmitz tested decently well at the NFL Combine, but it needs to also be on his tape. His athleticism is put to the test when he gets to the second level and defenders elude his blocks.
While he is a talented run blocker, Schmitz will not be someone who moves players completely out of the way. He can execute his assignment, but it may be hard for him to clear huge holes. This likely makes him a better fit for a team who runs a zone blocking scheme.
Especially because he has just decent power, Schmitz needs to make sure he keeps his pad level low. He stands too upright and loses his leverage along with his power too often. If he stays low, his power could hold up at the NFL level.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick
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