2023 NFL Draft: Gang Green Goes with 'Big Joe' Tippmann in Second Round

The Jets made Wisconsin's 6-foot-6 center the No. 43 overall pick

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Apr 28, 2023 9:27 PM EDT

In this story:

New York Jets

Wisconsin Badgers

With D'Brickashaw Ferguson present, the only thing more appropriate may have been selecting a tackle.

As the New York Jets legendary left tackle announced the second-round selection on stage, Gang Green chose Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann at No. 43 overall in the 2023 National Football League Draft.

Tippmann, who was projected as a Round 2 pick, was ranked as a top-two center in the draft class with some arguing for Minnesota's John Michael Schmitz.

"Fired up to add Big Joe to the team and his Wisconsin Waterfall - probably the best mullet in the Draft right now," said Jets' general manager Joe Douglas during a press conference on Friday evening.

Douglas, who is in the midst of shaping his fourth draft class as the Gang Green GM, quickly rattled off the traits that make Tippmann such an exciting prospect.

"Excellent size, excellent feet, can bend, great on the move. I feel like he’s a natural fit for our offensive style," surmised Douglas.

The 6-foot-6 Tippmann owns a larger frame than most pros at his position with his wingspan exceeding 80 inches.

“Max Unger was a taller center. Ethan Pocic, currently with the Browns, but they come in all shapes and sizes,” said Douglas.

Tippmann, a three-time Big Ten Conference All-Academic Team honoree, earned 10 starts at center in 2021 before holding the job throughout the entire 2022 campaign.

Last fall, Tippmann accounted for the team's best run blocking grade (78.0) in Pro Football Focus' assessments. He was charged with only one sack and five pressures over 338 pass blocking snaps.

"He’s played in a pro style offense. He’s started a lot of games in the Big Ten [Conference] played against a lot of high-level interior defenders,” said Douglas.

The Jets used the Draft to add to their interior offensive line only two days after re-signing 30-year old veteran center Connor McGovern.

“Everyone’s competing,” said head coach Rbert Saleh.

JETS' 2023 DRAFTEE

ROUND 2 (No. 43 overall)

Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

Ht: 6060 | Wt: 313 | Hand: 1068 | Arm: 3268 | Wing: 8038 | 40: 5.02e

NFL Draft Bible Excerpt: "An athletic, powerful center who excels at framing blocks and climbing to the second level, Tippmann is a converted high-school tackle with a high-end athletic profile. He has the athleticism and speed to land blocks on linebackers and defensive backs as a puller. His balance raises some concerns as he ends up on the ground a fair amount."