It's hard to believe the New York Giants have already played four games in the 2025 season, but here we are. A quarter of the way into the season, one thing is very clear: third-year starting center John Michael Schmitz Jr. is struggling just as much ever... if not more.
The Michael Schmitz struggle bus is gassed up. It somehow looks like his play gets worse with each passing week. Pro Football Focus' advanced metrics do him dirty: 52.6 run-block grade | 55.2 pass-block grade | 52.1 overall grade, ranking 45th out of 48 eligible centers. That's objectively brutal.
Related: Brian Daboll’s blind loyalty to struggling draft pick could doom Giants’ season
It's becoming crystal clear that he's not the long-term answer for the G-Men. And with his rookie contract nearing its end next year, now is the perfect time to start thinking about potential 2026 replacements via the draft. Here are four names to keep an eye out for on college football Saturday.
Giants must consider these 4 center prospects to fix John Michael Schmitz problem
Lew is doing his best to stake his claim as the No. 1 overall center in the 2026 Draft. He teeters between late first round and early second. Big Blue knows a thing or two about drafting a center in the second round, but this sophomore Tiger could sway New York to look past their 2022 JMS selection.
The 20-year-old is best in pass protection, which is exactly what the franchise should be looking for to help out their next franchise quarterback, Jaxson Dart. Lew is a high-IQ player with great lateral quickness and balance. He's a three-year starter in the SEC, so he's battle-tested and might just be the perfect option to replace (upgrade) JMS.
Much like his last name would suggest, Jake Slaughter does a number on opposing defensive linemen. The 22-year-old is bigger than most centers, making him an even more interesting prospect. The name of the game for Slaughter is toughness, competitiveness, and accountability. He's a smart and physical player, who looks like a strong Day 2 pick.
He's no perfect prospect. He relies a bit too much on his upper-body strength and doesn't always block through the whistle, but that can all be overlooked with his proven production in the SEC. The Giants lack interior toughness, and this Gator brings plenty of it.
No way, another prospect from the SEC? Not-so-surprisingly, yes. Parker Brailsford is the smallest prospect on this list by a considerable margin, but don't let his size fool you. The 21-year-old is probably the most mobile center in the class, allowing him to climb to the second level to seal off running lanes.
The sophomore holds up well in pass protection, but his fire and run-blocking ability separate him from Slaughter and Lew. Think: very good selection for Dart’s protection, and even better for Cam Skattebo’s head-first, run-through-anybody running style. Brailsford is looking like a Day 2 selection, with a floor around the mid-third round and a ceiling in the mid-second.
Affectionately known as "Poncho," Iapani Laloulu's calling card is brute strength and natural leverage (due to his shorter stature). Versatility is the Hawaiian's best quality, playing time at all three interior offensive-line positions. He's got great hands and a strong football IQ.
He's not the most athletic, and his run-blocking could use some work, but for a Day 3 pick, it could be much worse.
It's becoming clear as day the Giants need a change. It's early, but keep tabs on these prospects come April.