Right now, a lot of NY Giants fans are focused on who general manager Joe Schoen will take in the first round of the NFL Draft. There's no question that there's going to be a ton of pressure on the second-year GM to get things right.
However, there are going to be some absolute studs still on the board for the Giants when they're up at No. 57 overall in the second round. With a starting center for the future still needed, Minnesota's John Michael Schmitz will most definitely be a player to watch out for.
In his latest NFL Mock Draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the G-Men going with cornerback DJ Turner in the first round. In the second round, he thinks Schmitz will fall to the Giants and that Schoen will send his name in.
Kiper's latest mock has the @nyjets taking Wisconsin center Joe Tippman at 43 with John Michael-Schmitz still on the board and eventually going to the Giants at 57.
— Glenn Naughton (@AceFan23) April 11, 2023
2023 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper's predictions for Rounds 1 and 2 (https://t.co/dHLzoK7y7q)
Mel Kiper thinks the Giants will land John Michael Schmitz in the second round
Checking in at 6-4, 320 pounds, Schmitz has tremendous size and he's also known for his fantastic footwork and hips. He was a stud at Minnesota, earning First Team All-Big-Ten honors in 2022, plus being an AP First Team All-American - the list went on for the talented hoss.
This offseason, the Giants saw Jon Feliciano sign with the San Francisco 49ers, while Nick Gates inked with the Washington Commanders. This left the Giants without a true center on the roster. Schoen signed JC Hassenauer for some OL depth, but he's not a standout by any means.
The same can't be said for Schmitz. He's an exciting young player and he could be just what this offensive line needs to help out quarterback Daniel Jones. If he's still available when the Giants are on the clock in the second round, Schoen shouldn't waste a second in picking him. Schmitz is that good.
READ MORE: Day 2 linebackers for the NY Giants to consider in the NFL Draft