RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesAfter what feels like an eternity, the New York Giants are finally on the verge of having an elite offensive line.
With the selection of Francis Mauigoa , the return of Jermaine Eluemunor , and, of course, All-Pro Andrew Thomas still anchoring the left tackle position, the G-Men have the most exciting group of offensive linemen in quite some time.
However, to truly get over the hump, fourth-year center John Michael Schmitz Jr. must live up to his Round 2 standards. He also must make a convincing case for receiving a second contract.
John Michael Schmitz’s Underwhelming Start to Career
After New York selected him in the second round in 2023, the expectations were through the roof.
From 2020-2022, Daniel Jones was sacked 111 times, the fifth most in the league, according to StatMuse . Though Jones was far from perfect, he played behind disastrous o-lines, consisting of draft busts and washed, mediocre veterans.
Instead of helping repair the issues of the offensive line, JMS joined the problem. Per PFF , he allowed five sacks, 23 hurries, and 30 pressures in his rookie season. His fellow interior starters, guards Ben Bredeson and formerly retired Justin Pugh , certainly contributed to the disastrous season. The two guards combined allowed 13 sacks, 60 hurries, and 76 pressures in 28 games.
The Giants OL posted a PFF pass blocking grade of 43.4 in 2023.
That's the worst OL grade of any team in the last 5 seasons. pic.twitter.com/lRtOwjsHt2
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) January 18, 2024
After the forgettable rookie season, the center has shown flashes the past two seasons — especially in 2025. Last season, JMS was actually a part of an encouraging group of linemen; they tied for 10th in pass blocking grade for PFF.
Though he hasn’t excelled at any one trait, he has shown multiple glimpses of stardom. His ability to get to the second level on screens and pulls, his one-on-one wins against nose tackles, and deterring stunts all still give Giants fans hope for a 2026 breakout.
Good job by JMS on that pop out block but ball thrown away instead to Wan'Dale pic.twitter.com/raUFdQTXt2
— Firilight (@Firilighffi) December 15, 2024
Mauigoa Selection Puts JMS in Perfect Opportunity
Another reason for the hopeful breakout from Schmitz is No. 10 pick Francis Mauigoa.
Mauigoa will replace right guard Greg Van Roten , arguably the line’s weakest link. Van Roten’s 26 pressures allowed were tied for second on the team (PFF). Mauigoa’s dominant size and strength, along with great footwork, should make him a positive day-one starter.
Miami OT Francis Mauigoa Last Season:
576 Pass Block Snaps 1 Sack Allowed 1 QB Hit Allowed @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/Rf7Dkk8tBk
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 9, 2025
Since his start with New York, JMS hasn’t had an absolute positive at either guard position. In fact, Jon Runyan , who actually led the team in pressures allowed in 2025, remains at left guard. Nevertheless, the center is still in the best spot he’s ever been to show his full potential.
In years prior, there have been countless outside reasons for the lack of improvement from Schmitz. But this season, it all lies on him. If he does show abundant growth, the Giants’ line should be nothing short of phenomenal. This turnaround would be more than enough for him to get a second contract.
But if he is more or less the same, the group will likely remain in top-end mediocrity, and much of their power run scheme could be left underbaked.
Simply put, John Michael Schmitz is the line’s x-factor and could turn the tide in either direction for the group.
The post John Michael Schmitz Will Make or Break Giants’ Offensive Line appeared first on The Lead .
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