Position:

2 John Michael Schmitz

Description: Often times, you’ll hear scouts say that the center position is more mental than it is physical. Luckily, John Michael Schmitz has the physical tools to project a high floor at the next level, as well as the experience and intelligence to command a line. He has started 36 games in college. The most impressive part of his film in the running game is his lateral quickness to reach and wall off a defensive tackle to create a massive lane for the running back. His mobility, strong punch, and overall power allow him to be scheme-versatile, whether in an inside zone scheme or between the tackles power run scheme. In pass protection, he has a strong anchor and sinks his hips well, playing with proper pad level, to avoid being shoved backwards into his QB’s lap. He needs to be careful in wide zone rushing attacks to not over extend himself and get off balance. If he can avoid getting his weight out over his toes, while being agile enough to reach defenders, he can solidify himself as an outside zone center as well. He is an incredibly high-floor starting center, but the limited athleticism could cap his ceiling a bit.