John Michael Schmitz has quietly become the New York Giants’ most improved player, turning a shaky start to his NFL career into a stabilizing force on the offensive line, most notably posting a 98.1 pass‑blocking efficiency with just one sack allowed across 343 pass‑blocking snaps, and climbing into the top 20 among centers in that sample size.
The turnaround in plain terms
John Michael Schmitz entered the NFL with high expectations after being a second‑round pick in 2023, but his first two seasons were inconsistent, culminating in a year where he allowed six sacks, the most among NFL centers, raising real questions about his development. In his third season, however, Schmitz has made measurable, game‑impacting strides: elite pass‑protection efficiency, far fewer pressures allowed, and improved run‑blocking grades that together mark him as the team’s most improved player.
The statistical evidence shows clear improvement: his pass‑blocking efficiency rose, sacks allowed fell to 1 from 6 (a -5 change), and pressures dropped from 28 to 12 (a -16 reduction). These gains came across 343 pass‑blocking snaps, and his run‑blocking grade climbed to 62.8, placing him 16th among centers, an overall upward trend.
These numbers show a clear shift: fewer pressures and sacks, a high efficiency rating, and a run‑blocking grade that ranks him among the better centers with sufficient snaps, concrete proof that his play has improved, not just his reputation.
How JMS improved: Technique, Processing, and Consistency
Schmitz’s gains aren’t accidental. The SI analysis highlights cleaner hand placement, quicker punch timing, and better mirror work in pass sets, small technical fixes that reduce pressures and sacks and compound positively over a season. Coaching continuity under their offensive line, Carmen Briscillo, and a clearer role on the line have allowed him to focus on fundamentals rather than rotation or position uncertainty, which accelerated his development.
Why this matters for the Giants
A center who can consistently protect the quarterback and anchor the run game changes play‑calling and reduces pressure on the rest of the line. Schmitz’s improvement stabilizes the interior, helps the guards and tackles play more aggressively, and gives the Giants a foundation to build around in free agency and the draft.
For a team that struggled with interior pressure in prior seasons, his progress is a direct upgrade to offensive efficiency and quarterback protection. Their biggest needs on the offensive line heading into the offseason include mostly guard and tackle, pending whether they re-sign Jermaine Elumenor. The top priority is fixing the defense, but also making sure Jaxson Dart is well protected again in 2026.
John Michael Schmitz’s leap from a high‑variance young center to a dependable interior lineman is the Giants’ clearest development story this season. The statistical turnaround, the improvement in his pass‑blocking efficiency, one sack allowed, and a top‑20 standing among centers were showcased in 2025. This is paired with tangible technical improvements, making a strong case that he is the team’s most improved player and a cornerstone piece moving forward.
