By: Michael Higgins

School: Minnesota (Senior)

Position: IOL

HT: 6’4

WT: 320 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #38

John Michael Schmitz was a consensus 3-star recruit out of Illinois, where he played at an All-State level, before committing to the University of Minnesota. He is an experienced player who is viewed as a pro-ready prospect due to his years spent at Minnesota.

John Michael Schmitz is a prototypical interior offensive lineman. His measurables and above average athleticism for the position allow him to seal off interior rushers effectively. At the Center position, Schmitz has an exceptional football IQ that allows him to be the leader of not only the offensive line, but the entire offense as a whole. Schmitz has a firm anchor when he plants his feet that prevents rushers from knocking him back into the quarterback’s lap. He has an innate ability to use combo blocks in gap running schemes to create free lanes for the ball carrier. Schmitz has excellent speed for his position as well as a good change-of-direction ability that allows him to climb to the second level of the defense and block the free running linebackers. He is able to use his hands efficiently and violently after the snap to get into the chest of interior rushers to halt their momentum at the point of attack. Schmitz has been at the University of Minnesota since 2018, he is a smart player and has had a lot of time to grow and develop as a player.

While he is a smart player who has developed well over time, he will be a 24 year old rookie. He is going to be drafted at the age when most players have had 2 or 3 seasons in the league. Schmitz is not overly versatile in terms of what he can do, while he is fast he doesn’t offer above average physicality or bend at the position. Faster and quicker defenders give Schmitz problems as his footwork can be a little bit delayed or slow. These faster guys can beat Schmitz on either shoulder with a speed to power move. Occasionally, you will see him want to put those violent hands to use too early or at inopportune times. This sort of greed results in him over extending his arms and lunging forward. These large lunges forward and the over extension of his arms results in Schmitz getting knocked off balance before even engaging at the point of attack.

John Michael Schmitz offers undeniable leadership and a “no plays off” mentality that any organization would love to have. He climbs to the second level of a defense quickly after finishing his blocking assignment and is always looking for work. He will be a Day 1 starter for whoever drafts him and he should be ready to meet the moment, as he is a 6-year senior and will be a 24 year old rookie. While his age and lengthy college career may make him more NFL ready, it also may hurt his draft stock. Schmitz had an interview with the Tennessee Titans in which he stated that he understands that he has been in school for a while and how that could mean he brings a certain element to the table that other prospects do not have.

Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile

Ideal Role: Center

Best Team Fits: LVR, MIN, NYJ

Player Comparison: Ben Jones

Player Grade: 81.3