As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at John Michael Schmitz.

Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: John Michael Schmitz (OC – Minnesota)

John Michael Schmitz (OC – Minnesota)

6’4″ – 320 lbs.

Background:

Redshirted, then started four games at center in 2019, playing a total of 452 snaps on the year. Has been the starter at center ever since, with a total of 35 career starts in which he allowed just two sacks (both this past season).

Positives:

Has extensive starting experience in one of college football’s best conferences. Very well-built center with a muscular build. Plays the game with the nastiness and killer instinct teams look for; relishes opportunities to put opponents in the dirt, and works hard to stay engaged through the whistle. Typically fires out with a low pad level to compete in the leverage battle. Has excellent power in his hands to jolt opponents on contact and the upper-body strength to generate torque and sling down defenders. Overall placement is consistently inside; has never committed more than three penalties in a season. Grip is very strong overall. Keeps his feet churning after contact to generate movement. Collapses the defense’s run fits when he attacks the outside shoulder. Some ability to climb up to the second level and engage. Technically sound in pass protection, with solid extension, balance, and knee-bend. Drops an early anchor against power with a stable base and excellent contact balance. Actively seeks out opportunities to help teammates when left unopposed.

Negatives:

Could conceivably play guard as well, but has never played an in-game snap at any position other than center. A better fit for gap-based blocking schemes than offenses based around zone concepts. Can be a little bit of a leaner when he gets into space. Climbs to the second level but wasn’t asked to pull much during the games reviewed, and short-area quickness is closer to average. Lateral quickness is adequate but relies primarily on his frame and technique to get the job done in pass protection.

Summary:

One of the safest linemen in this year’s draft class given his extensive starting experience, pro-ready build, excellent functional strength, and a nasty temperament, but he might appeal primarily to a relatively narrow subset of teams, namely those seeking a center for a gap-based blocking scheme. Other gap teams looking for a guard could certainly consider him, but zone teams may favor prospects with a little bit more quickness and athleticism. Nonetheless, looks likely to come off the board on the second day as a good bet to become a plug-and-play starter on the interior.

Projection: Round 2

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