There was a time when securing every NFL draft pick with their rookie contract was an ordeal for teams.
Ever since the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement introduced slots for players selected in the draft, the negotiating process has been simplified.
Still, it is noteworthy that on Tuesday the Giants locked in their entire seven-player 2023 draft class when center John Michael Schmitz signed his rookie deal.
Schmitz received a four-year deal worth $6.3 million as a second-round pick, selected No. 57 overall.
Schmitz, along with cornerback Deonte Banks (first round), wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (third round) and the other rookie draft picks are participating this week in Phase 3 of the offseason workout program, with the start of organized team activity practices.
Schmitz, of course, will not be handed anything, but the Giants anticipate he will compete and eventually capture the starting center job.
Coach Brian Daboll admitted as much when he and general manager Joe Schoen were discussing how the second round of the draft was proceeding back on April 28, trying to figure out if the team should select Schmitz or Hyatt.
Daboll reasoned he would be fine with either player, saying at the time, “One is fast and the other will start at center. It’s all good.’’
Schmitz spent six seasons (one redshirt year) at Minnesota, playing in 57 games (35 starts).
He was named a first-team All-America player and voted first-team All-Big Ten.
Offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste was at the Giants facility on Tuesday visiting with the team.
Cajuste, 27, did not develop as expected in New England after the Patriots in 2019 made him a third-round pick out of West Virginia.
Cajuste missed his first two NFL seasons with injuries and appeared in only 17 games (five starts) before the Patriots put him on waivers last week.
Cajuste visited with the Jets on Monday.
Credit: Source link
