Commanders Center Schweitzer Out, Senior Bowl Star In?

Wes Schweitzer is about to be a free agent, leading to natural speculation about a replacement. One buzzy idea: The Washington Commanders could look to draft standout Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz.

Schweitzer, the Commanders’ starting center last season, is now an unrestricted free agent, leaving the door open for the team to draft his heir.

Entering the Senior Bowl, Schmitz was widely regarded as one of the top interior offensive linemen in this NFL Fraft class.

Following Schmitz’s strong showcase this past week, he “potentially elevate[d] his stock into the first round," Bleacher Report said.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah was impressed by how Schmitz performed against the defensive tackles at the Senior Bowl, calling him "the most consistent player" there and noting that he had strong interviews with teams while in Mobile.

As a multi-year starter at the center position, Schmitz could enter the league ready to start early in his career.

Measuring in at 6-4 320 pounds, the Minnesota lineman has a strong frame and is said to be technically sound in both the run game and in pass protection.

The sixth-year senior played in 57 games and started 35 at center. He was All-Big Ten for three seasons and a 2022 AP All-American.

According to Pro Football Focus, Schmitz only allowed two sacks and eight pressures during the 2022 season. His pass protection would be a welcome addition to the Commanders roster, given that last season, Washington's offensive line was near the bottom of PFF’s offensive line rankings largely due to their low pass-blocking efficiency.

In addition to his pass protection, Schmitz was also PFF’s highest-graded college offensive lineman, recording the highest run-blocking grade (of OL to have played at least 20 percent of their team’s snaps).

Washington opens with the No. 16 overall pick and then owns pick No. 47 in the second round.

As we near the draft, expect Schmitz to hear his name called within the first couple of rounds and, if things fall just so, to be a candidate to potentially strengthen the Commanders’ offensive line.