In a precautionary move, the New York Giants limited center John Michael Schmitz to individual drills today due to a minor shoulder issue. According to reports, this decision was more cautionary than a sign of serious concern.

In Schmitz’s absence, Jon Runyan was shifted to the center position to maintain the flow of practice and provide continuity for the offensive line.

The team is hopeful Schmitz will make a full return soon, ensuring the line’s stability heading into the season.

Stay tuned for more Quick Notes! We aim to keep you updated with timely and frequent insights on all things New York Giants. Check back often for the latest updates

The post John Michael Schmitz Limited in Training Camp Due to Shoulder Issue first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

The 2024 NFL season is fast approaching, and Giants fans are buzzing with excitement. With training camp set to kicking off on July 24th for the veteran players, let’s dive into the Giants’ Offensive line room as the team gears up for camp.

Andrew Thomas

Andrew Thomas is among the top offensive linemen in the NFL. Despite a freak hamstring injury sidelining him for seven games last season, he remains a cornerstone of the Giants’ offense.

After returning to the field, Thomas quickly regained his dominant form. The 6-foot-5 tackle allowed only four sacks and 17 total pressures on 376 pass-blocking snaps. Impressively, he gave up just one sack and six pressures in the final five games of the season. His performance earned him Pro Football Focus’ 10th-highest pass block grade among all offensive tackles in 2023.

Bottom line: if Thomas stays healthy, he’ll perform as one of the best left tackles in football. This will significantly boost the Giants’ offensive line, making it much better than the 2023 group.

John Michael Schmitz

Center John Michael Schmitz Jr., heading into his second season, has the potential to transform the Giants’ O-Line. Despite his lackluster rookie performance, there’s reason for optimism due to his leadership, intangibles, and physical abilities.

Schmitz was widely regarded as the best center in the draft and immediately secured a starting spot. He will remain the starting center this season. Schmitz should improve in Year 2, especially with more stability on both sides of him, new coaching, and additional opportunities.

Evan Neal

It’s hard to sugarcoat Neal’s performance so far; he’s been a first-round disappointment through his first two NFL seasons. However, with new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo in charge, there’s hope he can develop Neal, a task former O-line coach Bobby Johnson struggled with.

With veterans reporting for camp and the first practice session of the summer approaching, the Giants have released their initial injury report. Unfortunately, Neal has been placed on the PUP list to start. The former No. 7 overall pick is still recovering from winter ankle surgery and is clearly not ready for full participation in practice.

Jon Runyan 

Runyan spent the 2023 season with the Green Bay Packers, finishing the final year of his rookie contract after being a sixth-round pick in 2020. Over his 1,009 snaps, he earned a run-blocking grade of 53.2 and a pass-blocking grade of 62.4.

Runyan was one of the Giants’ best signings this offseason, securing a three-year contract worth $30 million and is almost certain to start at guard. I anticipate he will make a significant impact on the Giants in 2024, especially with the addition of Coach Bricillo and the moves made on the offensive line.

Jermaine Eluemunor

Many fans see Eluemunor, who followed his former offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo from Las Vegas to New York, as a clear replacement for Evan Neal if Neal struggles this season. He has started games at both left and right guard and became the full-time starter at right tackle over the last two seasons with the Raiders. 

The belief has always been that the Giants would not move Eluemunor to right tackle, but with Evan Neal on the PUP list, that has changed. The Giants hoped to stabilize an offensive line that was in flux for most of last season, but now there are renewed questions about how the line will shape up at the start of the 2024 season.

Joshua Ezeudu

A 2022 third-round pick, Ezeudu boasts impressive athleticism, mobility, and strength—qualities that are highly sought after in an offensive lineman. However, Ezeudu’s biggest challenge through his first two seasons has been his technical skills. He has struggled with consistency in his technique and, at times, with maintaining his confidence.

The Giants seem to be taking a step back with Ezeudu to allow him to develop his game. Hopefully, he can grow and benefit from the better talent that has been brought in.

Aaron Stinnie

Former Buccaneers guard Aaron Stinnie brings veteran starting experience to the table and is set to compete as one of the primary backup options along the offensive line. His experience and skills make him a valuable asset for depth and versatility, potentially stepping in when needed to support the line’s performance throughout the season.

Austin Schlottmann

The New York Giants have demonstrated a strong preference for versatile linemen who can fill multiple roles along the starting front. In his two NFL tenures, Schlottmann initially played 449 snaps at right guard for the Denver Broncos before being moved to the practice squad for most of the 2021 season. He then joined the Minnesota Vikings, where he served as a rotational center.

Schlottmann will need to compete fiercely for a depth spot on the Giants’ roster.

Matt Nelson

Matt Nelson was one of five offensive linemen the New York Giants signed in free agency this offseason. After playing defensive end at Iowa, Nelson signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Although he was initially cut at the end of training camp, he was re-signed by the Lions in mid-December.

From 2020 to 2023, Nelson appeared in 43 games with 14 starts for the Lions. He could potentially emerge as the Giants’ swing tackle.

Marcus McKethan

The Giants selected McKethan in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 173rd overall, with the intention of developing him as a guard. Unfortunately, his progress was interrupted by a season-ending torn ACL sustained during the 2022 Blue and White Scrimmage at MetLife Stadium.

Due to his limited practice reps—none with the starters during training camp—McKethan’s performance fell short of expectations. He started five games and had significant playing time in a sixth, but his impact was underwhelming. McKethan will need to make a strong impression to secure a backup position.

The Others

There may be some additions to the practice squad, including Jake Kubas, Jimmy Morrissey, Jalen Mayfield, Yodny Cajuste, Marcellus Johnson, and Joshua Miles. Most of these players seem to be on the outside looking in and will need to demonstrate their potential to remain with the Giants.

The post New York Giants Training Camp OL Room 2024 first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

John Michael Schmitz’s rookie season did not go as planned

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

As a rookie last season, Schmitz struggled to live up to expectations. The Giants’ second-round draft choice last year had “plug-and-play” expectations entering his rookie campaign, but wound up ranking among the NFL’s worst centers.

Schmitz recorded a 41.4 overall Pro Football Focus grade last season, which ranked dead-last among all centers in the NFL. He surrendered 30 total pressures and five sacks and committed four penalties across 755 snaps this past season.

To be fair to Schmitz, he was hampered by an injury throughout the season and even missed four games due to the ailment. However, staying healthy and improving his play will be a major point of emphasis in 2024.

• Giants could bolster secondary with All-Pro safety surprisingly still available in free agency
• Should the Giants be concerned about their 2nd-year center after rough rookie season?
• Giants pass-catcher’s attendance at Tight End University 2024 offers promise for his season outlook

The Giants need JMS to take a step forward

Nov 5, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) warms up with New York Giants guard Marcus McKethan (60) before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants’ offensive line is being reshuffled this season. They brought in two new starters on the interior with guards Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor. They also have to wait and see with Evan Neal at right tackle. If he can take a step forward this season, he’ll maintain his starting job. But if he continues to struggle, further changes could come.

But finding one starting configuration for the offensive line will be important for Schmitz. He dealt with a revolving door of guards surrounding him last season. Additionally, he suffered at the hands of poor coaching with offensive line coach Bobby Johnson having been fired at the end of the season.

With improved talent around him, improved coaching behind the scenes, and hopefully improved health in 2024, Schmitz should be able to take a developmental step this season. That will be crucial for the Giants as they hope to get early returns on their investment after taking Schmitz in the second round last offseason.

The post Should the Giants be concerned about their 2nd-year center after rough rookie season? first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

As a die-hard Giants fan, I’m buzzing with excitement. With the 57th pick in the 2nd round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the New York Giants Draft OL John Michael Schmitz, an offensive lineman from Minnesota. This move has the potential to significantly strengthen our offensive line. Let’s break down what this means for the Giants.

Strengthening the Offensive Line

The Giants have struggled with offensive line issues for years. Drafting John Michael Schmitz could be a game-changer. Schmitz, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 320 pounds, brings size and strength. His college performance shows he’s a reliable and powerful blocker.

The offensive line is crucial in football. It protects the quarterback and opens lanes for the running game. With Schmitz on board, Daniel Jones should have more time in the pocket. Saquon Barkley could also find more openings to exploit. Schmitz’s addition brings hope for a more solid and consistent offensive line.

A Leader with Experience

John Michael Schmitz isn’t just a big body; he’s also a leader. At Minnesota, he was known for his work ethic and leadership. Schmitz was a team captain and started in numerous games, displaying consistency and reliability. His experience and maturity will be valuable assets to the Giants’ offensive line.

Leadership is vital, especially in a young team. Schmitz can guide his teammates, set the standard, and bring a winning mentality. His presence will be felt both on and off the field. This leadership can be the difference in close games, providing that extra edge the Giants need.

Versatility and Potential

Schmitz offers versatility on the line. He primarily played center in college but has the skills to adapt to other positions. This flexibility gives the Giants options and depth, which is crucial over a long season.

His potential is sky-high. Under the right coaching, Schmitz can develop into a cornerstone of the offensive line. The Giants’ coaching staff, known for nurturing talent, can help him reach his full potential. This pick isn’t just about immediate impact but also about building for the future.

Final Thoughts

Drafting John Michael Schmitz with the 57th pick is a solid move by the Giants. It addresses a key need and brings a player with talent, leadership, and potential. As a Giants fan, I’m optimistic about what Schmitz can bring to the table. Our offensive line just got a lot stronger. Here’s to hoping he becomes a pivotal part of our future success. Go Giants!

Giants Draft OL John Michael Schmitz was written by Bleedbigblue.

The post Giants Draft OL John Michael Schmitz first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.