John Michael Schmitz DRAFT PROFILE – 2023 NFL DRAFT

John Michael Schmitz NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT INTRODUCTION

John Michael Schmitz, a former student at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, was 3-star recruit. Then he made the decision to join the University of Minnesota. Since then, Schmitz has demonstrated a consistent and reliable performance as a Golden Gopher, playing as an offensive lineman.

During his freshman year in 2018, Schmitz only participated in 5 games and played in a total of 17 snaps, which made his impact on the field quite limited. However, he demonstrated impressive skills as he allowed no QB hurries, no QB hits, and no sacks while playing sporadically.

Schmitz’s performance in his sophomore year in 2019 showed significant improvement as he played in 12 games and a total of 452 snaps. He conceded only one QB hurry, one QB hit, and no sacks, indicating his growth as a player.

In 2020, Schmitz played in 6 games as a junior and totaled 422 snaps while playing as a center. Despite playing fewer games, he was still able to show off his skills and gave up 4 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and no sacks.

The following year, as a senior in 2021, Schmitz played in 13 games and played a total of 837 snaps for the Golden Gophers. During this period, he allowed 5 QB hurries, no QB hits, and no sacks, indicating a reliable and consistent performance on the field.

In 2022, Schmitz continued to demonstrate his prowess as a fifth-year senior, playing in 12 games and a total of 767 snaps. While he allowed 5 QB hurries, one QB hit, and 2 sacks, it is important to note that he played against challenging opponents, and his performance should still be considered quite commendable.

Overall, Schmitz has shown steady growth and a reliable performance as a player throughout his time at the University of Minnesota. His consistent performance has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches, and he has established himself as a valuable asset to the team.

ZACH HARRISON DRAFT PROFILE

John Michael Schmitz is a center with exceptional power and a build that would make him an ideal asset in a running system that utilizes inside zones and between-the-tackles gaps. As a run blocker, he is highly effective, with the ability to generate the required wash in the front to allow lead blockers and running backs to confidently hit gaps. His solid anchor in pass protection makes him a force to be reckoned with, as he can successfully shut down both interior blockers and second-level pressure players by quickly slamming the door shut and sitting down on his hips to prevent any collapse into the quarterback’s lap.

Schmitz’s ability to execute cut-off and reach blocks is particularly impressive, as he has showcased surprising lateral mobility and exceptional hand techniques that twist and manipulate defenders, allowing his guard to push and release to the second level with ease. He is a cerebral player with excellent timing and strike accuracy, making it easy for him to create a solid stun punch or deconstruct defenders and get them off their base at the point of attack. As a multi-year starter at center, Schmitz can quickly identify pressure opportunities, process front movement accurately, and maintain patience to ensure action doesn’t fold back his way before committing and pushing off his landmark to transition into a help blocker.

However, there are concerns about Schmitz’s suitability for wide and outside zone concepts, as he may struggle to execute these with regularity. His functional athleticism appears to be a limiting factor, and he tends to overextend himself when stringing out the point of attack. This can cause him to lose his balance, lunge, and miss contact. Additionally, quick-footed interior defenders have tested him at times when climbing, and consistency in his angles is an area where he could improve. While he has some tightness in his core, this does not prohibit him from playing effectively at the point, but it may limit the variety of assignments he can execute in space.

Despite these limitations, Schmitz’s physical profile allows him to handle A-gap defenders with ease and maintain a clean pocket or push. He has the ability to process NFL information quickly and efficiently, and he is poised to be a starting player on the offensive line soon. Although his versatility is not a strength, he has the potential to play guard due to his build, and he played tackle in high school, which adds some flexibility to his resume. Overall, Schmitz’s power and skill set make him a valuable addition to any team.

 

John Michael Schmitz 40 YARD DASH- 5.22 SECONDS

 

SCOUTING REPORT- STRENGTHS

John Michael Schmitz’s athletic prowess, combined with his impressive 6-4, 320lb frame, makes him an exceptional player on the field. He stands out for his ability to execute reach blocks, displaying remarkable initial quickness and flexibility to seal off the backside. Schmitz’s exceptional football IQ allows him to quickly recognize and respond to twists and stunts up front, while also demonstrating excellent timing on combo blocks.

One of Schmitz’s greatest strengths is his ability to overpower defenders at the point of attack, consistently keeping his feet moving and driving opponents backward. He is a true mauler in the run game, playing with an aggressive and determined approach that showcases his snap-and-punch quickness. In fact, he has been graded as the top run-blocking center for the past two years.

Schmitz’s skills are particularly impressive in the run game, where he explodes off the line of scrimmage and is able to get to the second level with ease. His size and power make him a formidable force in the run game, creating movement and openings for his teammates.

SCOUTING REPORT- WEAKNESSES

John Michael Schmitz’s early career may be marked by some difficulty in dealing with speed-to-power pass rushers, which could make him a liability at times. Although he is elite as a run blocker, his pass protection skills are merely good. Unfortunately, Schmitz has a bad habit of lunging and grabbing instead of trusting his athleticism to get him into position, which may result in frequent flags for holding.

One of the areas where Schmitz could improve is in playing lower during pass protection. Defenders can often get under his pads and win the leverage battle, which is a significant issue. Additionally, he has good-but-not-great feet, which could pose a problem when dealing with speed on the edge. This is particularly relevant because Schmitz is more comfortable moving forward as a run blocker than retreating as a pass protector.

Another factor that could impact Schmitz’s draft stock is his age. He will be 24 when he takes the field to start his pro career, which is slightly older than ideal for most prospects.

Despite these concerns, Schmitz remains an intriguing player with exceptional run-blocking skills. If he can improve his pass protection technique and work on his footwork, he has the potential to be a valuable addition to any team. His age may be a minor drawback, but his experience and maturity could be an asset in the locker room. Overall, Schmitz’s potential makes him a player to watch as he continues to develop his skills and adapt to the pro game.

John Michael Schmitz DRAFT SUMMARY

Overall, John Michael Schmitz is an exceptional player, demonstrating athletic prowess, football IQ, and strength on the field. His performance as a run blocker makes him a valuable asset to any team. While there is always room for improvement, Schmitz’s continued development and potential make him a player to watch in the future.

He’s our 45th ranked prospect on our 2023 NFL Draft big board.

Plus Side:

• Mauler in the run game
• Great snap and punch quickness
• Great football IQ

Negatives:

• Pass protection skills are lacking
• Tendency to lunge and hold
• Average footwork