Giants use 2nd round pick to bring in center John Michael Schmitz

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Giants used their second-round pick to select center John Michael Schmitz from the University of Minnesota.

Schmitz was in his hometown of Homewood, Illinois when he got the call that he would be Big Apple bound. The Giants had been in need of a center following the departures of Jon Feliciano and Nick Gates in free agency.

“I mean I’m still shocked right now,” Schmitz said during a conference call after he was selected. “Just taking it all in with people that you love and family and friends. It’s been amazing.”

There had been a growing feeling that the Giants would look to go after a center on day 2, though Schmitz said that he hadn’t been fully aware that both of the team’s centers had left via free agency. Schmitz had been brought in by the Giants for a “Top 30” visit at the team’s New Jersey facility and he worked out with offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.

The now-Giants center spoke highly of the visit and the time spent with coach Johnson.

“I always thought it was definitely a possibility to go to the Giants,” Schmitz said. “I’m so happy to be part of this team. I’m ready to get to work. That’s what I told the coaches when we first talked, so I’m excited.”

Schmitz had been named a first-team Associated Press All-American and all-conference player this past season, in which he appeared in 12 games for the Golden Gophers. Pro Football Focus had given Schmitz a 92.3 overall grade and he had allowed just two sacks last season.

Schmitz has been described as an excellent run blocker and there had been a growing feeling heading into Friday night that the Giants could opt to go for the offensive lineman. He’s also been known to have “lateral quickness for reach blocks in outside zone,” according to his NFL.com prospect page.

It had been noted that one of Schmitz’s weaknesses was his range was good but not great.

Still, Schmitz was one of the top centers in the draft this year along with Joe Tippmann, who was selected by the Jets. Schmitz was given a prospect grade of 6.4 by Next Gen Stats, along with a production score of 80 and an athleticism score of 74.

“Nasty, tough grit factor definitely,” Schmitz responded when a reporter asked if he would describe himself as nasty.