'Wisconsin Waterfall' amongst Joe Tippmann's Impressive Traits
It was the first trait listed by New York Jets' general manager Joe Douglas in his post-draft assessment of center Joe Tippmann.
"Fired up to add big Joe (Tippmann) to the team and his Wisconsin waterfall. Probably the best mullet in the Draft right now," said Douglas to start his opening statement at Friday night's press conference that followed the second round.
Winning "Best Hair" amongst the 2023 NFL Draft class superlatives was not likely a deciding factor in the Jets making Tippmann the first center off the board, but his athletic profile most certainly played a role.
Center Joe Tippmann and the 'Wisconsin Waterfall'
Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"Excellent size, excellent feet, can bend, great on the move. I feel like he’s a natural fit for our offensive style," said Douglas describing the No. 43 overall selection. "He brings athleticism, he brings toughness, he brings intelligence and he’s going to be a good fit with our guys."
The 6-foot-6 Tippmann owns a larger frame than most pros at his position with his wingspan exceeding 80 inches. Still, the former high school tackle operates smoothly on the move.
"He has the athleticism and speed to land blocks on linebackers and defensive backs as a puller," according to NFL Draft Bible's Tippmann scouting report.
The man himself would likely agree with the above-stated assessments.
"I’m a physical, dominant player. Athletic as well. Someone who’s hopefully going to be able to get out and pull," said Tippmann speaking to reporters on a video teleconference.
The Wisconsin Badger earned 10 starts at center in 2021 before holding the job throughout the entire 2022 campaign.
"Going into that summer of my third season, Coach (Paul) Chryst and Coach Rudolph sat me down and told me they wanted me to take the starting center spot and I kind of just put my head down and worked," said Tippmann while sporting a neatly-trimmed beard and wearing a black cowboy hat over the "Wisconsin Waterfall."
Despite the bulk of his in-game experience being at center, Tippmann shows potential to move over a spot if needed according to Douglas.
"A guy that even though he’s only played center, with his size of 6’6”, 300 pounds, his athleticism, he can provide a lot of versatility to our interior which has been a hallmark of our interior," said Douglas.
RELEVANT LINKS:
Draft Tracker: Logging the Jets' Picks
Gang Green Goes with 'Big Joe' Tippmann in Round 2
Iowa State 'Cyclone Boys' Ready to Fuel Jets
Center Joe Tippmann Earns Gang Green a 'B' for Round 2 Choice
