2023 NFL Draft Prospect: C John Michael Schmitz

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• In college football, true centers, those with the ability to lead the offensive line are rare. When John Michael Schmitz steps onto a field this fall, he should walk right into that group. The former Minnesota standout, Schmitz brings truckloads of talent along with enough accolades to match. In 2022, the six-foot-four, 301-pound Schmitz simultaneously earned All-Big Ten and All-Americans awards. In leading the offensive line during his four complete seasons, Schmitz set the tone, playing an aggressive style blended with a cerebral approach to the game.

Strengths

From the snap, Schmitz jumps not just off the screen but from the snap. The prospect uses a powerful first step to engage the defender. When the former Gopher locks on, he uses excellent strength to either steer or drive the opponent away from the play. More importantly, the nastiness when battling in the trenches jumps out. Not to mention, the elite intellect exhibited by the prospect. Schmitz made all the line calls and protections and wasn’t afraid of letting teammates know what to do. Additionally, the prospect thrives at finishing the first block, then picking out a defender at the second level, punishing them. Granted, most NFL centers are smarter than most players. Yet, Schmitz’s intellect rates even higher than that. He sees the field with a combination of instinct and the physical traits to succeed.

Weaknesses

While he excels in the run game, Schmitz needs a bit of work in the technique department. If he faces a quicker three-technique, the prospect with get caught just a step or two behind. The prospect needs quicker hands versus faster defenders. Not every defensive lineman will use power on every single snap. As a result, you will find the former Gopher pawing in spots, missing a block, or not catching the opponent flush. Sooner than later, teams will send a blitzer behind the lineman. What does the prospect do, especially when the initial block isn’t complete? As mentioned, Schmitz is highly intelligent. Occasionally, versus an athletic rusher, a prolonged thought process occurs. Basically, it embodies the phrase ” study long, study wrong.”

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Ideal Role

Regardless of the tenure of the quarterback, Schmitz will start for the first game. If the prospect lands on a veteran team, he will learn by playing, with the sense to be quiet and watch. On the other hand, a young quarterback will enjoy the fact no that pressure from up in the middle and the ability to run between the tackles exists. At the same time, no line scheme will serve as a misfit for Schmitz. If a team runs a zone scheme, Schmitz fits in, being able to operate well. Some NFL teams will draft John Michael Schmitz and let him play anywhere between six years or more as the centerpiece of the line.

Potential Fits

In all honesty, at least a dozen NFL teams could benefit from Schmitz. However, one team makes sense for the most reasons. The Illinois native would fit in best with the Chicago Bears. First, in front of a quarterback in Justin Fields that loves to move the pocket and loves to run, a center that mauls would be tacklers feels like the perfect fit. Next, the Bears need a center to be the leader of the offensive line. Schmitz plays similarly to former Bears Pro Bowler Olin Kreutz, with a hard-nosed approach with leadership capabilities. On a superficial level, the Midwest native is adept at inclement weather. The Bears need building blocks at all levels.