Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz has some positive traits that show on tape. He’s fairly strong, shows good hand placement, and has a lot of experience he’s gathered over the last few years. Despite all of that, Schmitz looks like he has some slight issues to his game, and it might be on the mental side. Unless an NFL team thinks that he can become a starter quickly, Schmitz will be looked at as a valuable depth player because of his age and it will push him a good bit down draft boards.

John Michael Schmitz

C – Minnesota Golden Gophers

HT: 6026
WT: 320
Year: Super Redshirt Senior
High School: Homewood-Flossmoor (Flossmoor, IL)
Rating: 3-star (0.8412)

Projected Draft Grade: Potential Starter

Projection: 5th/7th Round

John Michael Schmitz scouting notes

Pros:

• Upper body strength looks good. 
• Anchor is above average. Shows good bend and can absorb some power. 
• Flashes some solid recovery. 
• Has solid hand placement. Does a great job locking in defenders with relative ease.
• Strong pass blocker. 
• Decent run blocking strength, can get downhill decently well. He will struggle to clear a lane against bigger interior defenders. 
• Does a great job reading the blitz, waiting for the defensive play to develop before settling into an assignment. 

Cons:

• Snap set is average. Takes him a moment to refocus and look for his assignment. 
• Lacks some lower body strength he could use to drive better.
• Doesn’t consistently work to the second level or acknowledge the existence of the second level.
• Run blocking technique could be better. 
• Just needs to react better when he’s left alone. Looks lost and is slow to react. Doesn’t read the second level well, is much too concerned with the defensive line. Leaves gaps open for linebackers to shoot through.
• 6th year senior who isn’t a solidified NFL starter. His age might play a negative role in his evaluation.