Joe Schoen talked about a couple obvious things in Mobile, Ala., this week.
Yes, he is negotiating with running back Saquon Barkley’s agent, as Schoen tries to determine if Barkley will return to the Giants in 2023. And no, Schoen has not yet begun negotiations with quarterback Daniel Jones’ agent — which is less pressing, because Jones will be back for sure.
BUY NFL TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETSMARTER, TICKETMASTER
The main takeaway: While Barkley could depart in free agency, Schoen will use the franchise tag to retain Jones if he can’t finalize a long-term contract before March 7. Jones will be with the Giants in 2023 — and perhaps well beyond that, if he indeed gets a second contract this offseason.
Those were pretty logical assumptions even before this week’s Senior Bowl action in Mobile.
The less obvious developments happened during Senior Bowl practices, Tuesday through Thursday. Schoen — the Giants’ second-year general manager — got a chance to evaluate prospects. And while he isn’t going to share his honest opinions of them with reporters, at least one intriguing player emerged this week.
Yes, the actual Senior Bowl game has yet to happen. That’s on Saturday. But GMs regard the three practice sessions in Mobile as particularly valuable. And in those practices, Schoen got a chance to see one of this Senior Bowl’s more impressive players — Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz.
Could he wind up being Jones’ center for years to come?
Well, here’s a Senior Bowl scouting report on Schmitz, via NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein:
Schmitz came into the week with a chance to challenge for the title of top center in the draft. He might leave Mobile with that title and put himself squarely in the conversation for Round 1. He impressed me the most of all the prospects I was able to see on Tuesday. Schmitz showed off plenty of core strength and leverage to battle against stronger players. He might be more than just a zone-scheme center — the ability to play in multiple schemes would elevate his draft stock.
Bottom line for the Giants: They need consistency at center.
There’s a chance Jon Feliciano, who is about to turn 31, leaves in free agency. Nick Gates — a pending free agent who is four years younger than Feliciano — can play center and is probably worth retaining, for the right price. But Gates was effective at left guard in 2022, so maybe Schoen likes him better there.
Gates was going to be Jones’ center in 2021 — as he was in 2020. But then he suffered a horrific leg injury in Week 2. So Billy Price took over at center. He was a short-term answer, which might wind up being the case for Feliciano. In 2019, when Jones was a rookie, he had another short-term solution center — Jon Halapio. Four centers in four seasons for Jones.
A young quarterback ideally needs stability at that spot. Would drafting Schmitz provide that for Jones and the Giants? Well, Schmitz first would have to fall to the Giants’ position in Round 1. Schoen picks 25th overall — and then doesn’t pick again until the 26th pick of Round 2. Schmitz probably will be gone by then, if he’s not gone before No. 25 in Round 1.
Pro Football Focus currently rates Schmitz as by far the best center in this draft. He is 53rd in PFF’s overall prospect rankings, well ahead of the next-closest center — Ohio State’s Luke Wypler (94th).
Want to bet on the NFL?
See the best NJ Sports Betting sites
Obviously, Schoen needs to give Jones more weapons this offseason, in terms of bolstering the Giants’ wide receiver room. But don’t overlook the importance of stability at center when you’re assessing just how Schoen can properly build around Jones.
As for free agent centers, the most notable names this offseason are Connor McGovern (Jets), Garrett Bradbury (Vikings), Bradley Bozeman (Panthers), and Ethan Pocic (Browns).
Yes, the Eagles’ Jason Kelce is a pending free agent, but he’s 35. And though he’s still playing at a very high level, he almost certainly won’t be signing with the Giants for 2023.
As for the other four guys, there are some intriguing options. Pocic was third in PFF’s center ratings in 2022 (one spot behind Kelce), while McGovern was 10th, Bradbury 11th, and Bozeman 18th. Bradbury also is friends with Jones from their high school days in Charlotte, N.C.
So he’s one to watch, especially since he’ll be just 28 when next season begins, compared to 30 for McGovern, and 28 for both Bozeman and Pocic.
If Schoen signs one of these centers, he surely wouldn’t draft Schmitz. But Schmitz has definitely given GMs a lot to think about this week in Mobile.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com.
Ad Choices