5 players 49ers should be watching in the 2023 Senior Bowl

4 of 5

John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota Golden Gophers, O'Cyrus Torrence, Florida Gators

American offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence of Florida (56) practices with American offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz of Minnesota (74) Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /

2. player. 852. . Center. Golden Gophers . John Michael Schmitz

49ers prospect No. 2: Center John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota

The 49ers got better-than-expected production from perennial backup center Jake Brendel over the course of 2022, and it might be in the Niners’ best interest to re-sign him on the cheap and worry about the full-time need later on.

However, San Francisco might look in the 2023 NFL Draft for a long-term option.

This year’s class of linemen isn’t particularly great or deep, but there are a few likable options out there, including Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz, who earned the following review during Senior Bowl workouts from Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline:

"There were so many things to like about his practice — blocking fundamentals, football intelligence, and the nastiness in his game. Schmitz does a great job bending his knees and blocking with leverage. The former Minnesota center does a phenomenal job quarterbacking the offensive line and making the calls. He opened up the middle of the line for ball carriers to plow through."

Schmitz is likely a day-two pick, possibly slipping down toward the latter end of Round 3 where the Niners are projected to have three compensatory picks.

If that happens, San Francisco should be more than interested.