The New York Giants’ offensive line has been in flux for what feels like a decade. Even when it looks halfway decent, one injury—usually to Andrew Thomas—and it all crumbles. That’s why this offseason has been focused on adding bodies, versatility, and depth.
So far, the front office has done just that, signing swing tackles Stone Forsythe and James Hudson, and bringing back Aaron Stinnie and Greg Van Roten.
There's still a lot of work left to do. Unfortunately that's typically the case when teams finish third-worst in yards per game, and second-worst in points per game—shocker. One lineman in particular is being held under the microscope, and it's not looking great. NY's John Michael-Schmitz just hasn't taken that leap.
Those expecting a breakout last season should be thoroughly disappointed in the results. Per Pro Football Fous, JMS posted a 50.2 pass-blocking grade, ranking 54th out of 64 centers. His run-blocking numbers were better, but still only good enough to end with a 61.4 overall grade, ranking 34th out of 64. The lack of a consistent O-line completely wrecked whatever plans Big Blue was trying to incorporate. If only there were a way to fix that...
Well, howdy-do Jake Majors, the highly cerebral center from Texas. Per Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Giants met with Majors at the Longhorns’ Pro Day, joining the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and others.
Jake Majors would give the Giants some much-needed O-line help
Majors isn’t going to maul people in the run game. That’s not his strength. But what he does bring is poise, processing, and technical excellence in pass protection—everything Schmitz has struggled to deliver consistently. Majors played over 50 games at center, set protections for two different QBs, and allowed zero sacks in his final two seasons. He’s not flashy. He just gets it done. And that's what you want out of your center.
His tape against SEC competition backs it up. Whether it was identifying blitzes or stoning interior rushers, Majors looked like a guy who could play in the league yesterday. He’s also drawing comps to Green Bay's Zach Tom and Las Vegas' Jackson Powers-Johnson, and it’s not hard to see why a team like the Giants would be intrigued.
This doesn’t mean Schmitz is automatically out. But if Majors is available in the third or fourth round and the Giants pull the trigger, the competition will be stiff. Schmitz has been average at best, and with no long-term investment in anyone behind him, the Giants can—and should—explore upgrades.
Thomas being healthy will mask a lot. But adding a high-IQ, pass-pro specialist like Majors in the middle? That might finally give the Giants something they haven’t had in years: a line that can protect no matter who’s under center.