The Senior Bowl kicked off this week in Mobile, Alabama, with representatives from all 32 NFL teams on the ground. A lot happens in Mobile, from coaches looking for their next gig, free-agent rumors and plenty of draft talk.
For the Washington Commanders, there will be plenty of eyes on the offensive line this week. You could make the case that Washington could upgrade every position on the offensive line next season. Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. is solid, but the other four positions should be up for grabs.
The Commanders have a good center in Chase Roullier, but Roullier has suffered leg injuries each of the last two seasons. Can Washington count on Roullier in 2023? It’s not just Roullier; Washington has gone through four starters at the position in both years. There are also financial implications. Roullier has a $12.4 cap figure in 2023.
One player who impressed on day one of practice Tuesday was Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz. The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder stood out in a big way on Tuesday.
Minnesota's John Michael Schmitz shoots his hands, regathers, anchors and adds a little sauce on the end. pic.twitter.com/1Z38IF5v1f
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) February 1, 2023
The following snap was even more impressive and something that could help take Washington’s running game to another level.
Watch center John Michael Schmitz here. Fires of the ball and Eric Gray follows right behind him. JMS showing some good power here. pic.twitter.com/RX6JDPulyC
— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakDTR) February 1, 2023
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein of NFL.com offered his thoughts on Schmitz’s first day:
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.
Picking at No. 16 overall, one of the top tackles may not fall to Washington. While No. 16 may seem a tad high for Schmitz at the moment, you take the player you like. Or, perhaps Washington could move back later in the round and select Schmitz. It worked for the Commanders in landing Jahan Dotson last season.
Washington needs plenty of offensive line help, and a young center is a good place to start.
