Giants Count on Young Offensive Lineman to Step Up

The New York Giants are heading into a crucial 2024 season with significant challenges on the offensive side of the ball. Their success largely depends on the development of a young offensive line that has struggled for over a decade. At the center of this effort is John Michael Schmitz , a second-year center expected to anchor the line.

Schmitz, a 2023 second-round pick, played 14 snaps in the Giants' preseason game against the Houston Texans . Despite a low grade from Pro Football Focus ( PFF ), he allowed no pressures, a positive sign as he recovers from a shoulder injury that kept him out for several months.

Schmitz emphasized the importance of building chemistry with his fellow linemen both on and off the field.

"Obviously, to develop chemistry, you’ve got to be out there. But it doesn’t only happen on the field,” Schmitz noted. “It happens in the film room. It happens off the field. It happens with the relationships. You’ve got guys going to dinner. It’s just little things like that—getting to know the person. When things get tough, this is what you do it for.”

As a rookie, Schmitz faced significant challenges, including being the lowest-graded starting center in the NFL, according to PFF. He allowed 30 pressures, five sacks, and committed four penalties over 755 snaps, but much of this was due to the constant rotation of guards beside him, disrupting communication and chemistry.

Related: Bricillo Earns Praise for Giants Offensive Line

The Giants are now relying on Carmen Bricillo , their new offensive line coordinator, to stabilize the unit. Bricillo, who previously led a successful offensive line with the Las Vegas Raiders, brings experience and a proven track record of developing cohesive line play. As the Giants enter the 2024 season, they are counting on Schmitz and the rest of their young offensive linemen to rise to the occasion. With Bricillo’s guidance, the Giants hope their offensive line will finally become a strength rather than a weakness.