2023 NFL Draft Profile: OL Joe Tippmann

• Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Tippmann brings the Badger pedigree with a slight twist. Tippmann brings an air of extreme nastiness to the huddle. The six-foot-six blocker earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten twice. Not to mention, he added two Academic All-Big Ten awards as well. The two-year starter in Madison anchored an offensive line for a team that lacked any offensive cohesion and stability. At the next level, he will bring that sense of violent calm to a deserving team.

NAME

Joe Tippmann

POSITION

Offensive Lineman

HEIGHT

6’6″

WEIGHT

318 pounds

SCHOOL

Wisconsin

Strengths

Possesses absolutely brutal, game-changing strength, enough to stand up to powerful rushers. When Tippmann engages a target, especially in the run game, he makes an immediate impact. With a jarring thud of an initial punch, the prospect will drive back the defender. Meanwhile, in pass coverage, the former Badger standout stays and blocks his target with freakish grip power and the ability to steer defensive tackles out of the way. Granted, the Academic All-Big Ten selection brings a high level of intelligence and savvy that helps him negotiate tempo and make the blocking calls. Most importantly, despite his size, Tippmann’s athleticism will lend itself to playing guard or even tackle, if needed. Imagine seeing him pulling around the corner, laying waste to the first approaching defender barreling toward him.

Weaknesses

In all honesty, Tippmann’s flaws center around one particular aspect: his height. Six-foot-six could become a problem for him staying at center. At the next level, Tippmann could be oversized. First, the prospect too often plays with his pad level way too high. As a result, defenders will burrow under those pads, win the leverage battle and crash the pocket. Next, that size will see an overreliance on his power, choosing to remain stationary, Granted, Tippman possesses phenomenal power. However, most tackles in the NFL can also bring the lumber during the play as well. Additionally, the willingness to occasionally stand and slug instead of getting low and moving downhill.

Ideal Role

This is where things get interesting for Tippmann. With his experience at center, conventional wisdom says to start him there. However, with his athletic profile, including excellent footwork, teams could view him as a potential perennial Pro Bowl guard. If he does slide in next to the center, how will the prospect fare? Relying on his experience in line calls could benefit teams that play fast. Plus, any offensive line coach really doesn’t need to place limits on the prospect. A very lucky team could enjoy a mauler with dancing bear feet and the ability to dominate a defender.

Potential Fits

Brian Daboll led the New York Giants to a playoff spot and a victory in the postseason. With all of that positivity, the need to keep building a monster up front. Playing in the NFC East means that you’re facing six games versus opponents that all possess formidable front sevens. Under those circumstances, the Giants need to fortify any weakness and make absolutely sure that they can move the ball with either the run or pass. Plus, those brutal Jersey winters need a brutal offensive line to navigate the rigors of the most contentious division in the NFL. Joe Tippmann checks all the boxes.