The New York Giants need the anchor of the offensive line to take a big step in 2025.
Former second-round pick John Michael Schmitz faces a crucial season as he enters his third year in the NFL. If the Giants want any chance of putting together a stable offense, Schmitz must step up.
What New York will get from the Minnesota product remains to be seen, but Pro Football Focus’ Jonathon Macri believes Schmitz is a viable candidate to break out this season.
“After a poor rookie season in 2023 as the lowest-graded center in the league, Schmitz showed important improvement in 2024, playing nearly 1,000 snaps and moving up to 31st (of 43) in offensive grade for his position. Schmitz improved mostly as a run blocker, ranking 17th at the position (67.0) after ranking 34th (of 37) as a rookie, Macri wrote. “As a pass blocker, Schmitz was more effective, allowing fewer pressures and just one more sack on 162 more pass-blocking snaps. Year 3 is often important for offensive linemen, as most will have their best season to date, and Schmitz is on the right track to follow suit.”
With Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor likely working at left and right tackle, respectively, in 2025, the Giants have some question marks along the interior.
Though the guard spots remain largely unsettled, Schmitz can provide some stability on the interior if he can take a big leap during his third season.
Schmitz will be working with a new quarterback after Daniel Jones’ midseason departure last year. The Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency while trading up to grab Jaxson Dart in the back of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Giants offense has some intriguing playmakers to work with this season, and a breakout campaign from Schmitz would go a long way for the entire unit.
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