Shortly after being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft, center John Michael Schmitz joined the New York Giants for rookie minicamp.
During camp, Schmitz was seen using the dead ball snap technique — something he learned at Minnesota and used during Senior Bowl week.
Seems the Giants & Bobby Johnson are allowing John Michael Schmitz stay with the “dead ball” snapping technique. pic.twitter.com/LeQcSHIO0S
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) May 5, 2023
The question was then posed to Schmitz: Will you keep using that technique or make a change if quarterback Daniel Jones requests it?
“I mean, it’s whatever is comfortable for Daniel in the back in the quarterback position. I’m flexible doing the dead ball snap or the regular snap. Doesn’t change a thing for me,” Schmitz said at the time.
On Thursday, following the team’s third practice of organized team activities, Jones was asked about Schmitz and the dead ball snapping technique. Will they keep it?
“It’s been good,” Jones told reporters. “I’m good with it. He’s accurate.”
Jones revealed that Schmitz did ask him if he wanted a more traditional snap but the quarterback is perfectly fine with the way things are. And that’s likely music to the ears of Schmitz, who prefers the dead ball snap.
“Honestly, I felt it was a lot more controllable with that position, the dead snap. Just felt comfortable, kind of just came natural when I kept doing it over and over again,” Schmitz said earlier this month.
As far as his first impressions of Schmitz, Jones likes what he sees.
“He’s been great too. He’s been great. He’s a smart guy. Been in here working hard. He’s on it every day, working to learn and understand what we’re doing in protections, what we’re doing in the run game. Obviously, this is more of a passing camp. So, a lot of that run stuff’s happening in meetings and then walkthroughs out here. But he’s doing a great job, and it’s been fun working with him.”
Giants head coach Brian Daboll had previously said Schmitz would have to battle for the starting job but so far, the rookie has taken all first-team reps.
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