Center Joe Tippmann Earns Gang Green a 'B' for Round 2 Choice

Sports Illustrated writer graded the New York Jets' second-round selection in real time

That's a B for "Big Joe."

The New York Jets added to their offensive line by selecting Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann at No. 43 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft order and the pick was worthy of a "B" grade from Sports Illustrated's Matthew Verderame. 

Leading SI's national draft coverage, fellow scribe Gilberto Manzano and Verderame delivered instant assessments of every selection during Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday night.

Referred to as "Big Joe" by Gang Green general manager Joe Douglas, the 6-foot-6 Tippmann features a wingspan that exceeds 80 inches. He logged 22 starts as Wisconsin's center over the past two seasons.

43: New York Jets, Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

"Arguably the top center in this draft, Tippmann is massive for the position at 6'6" and 314 pounds. With Aaron Rodgers in tow, the Jets needed to upgrade their offensive line and did so with one of the better interior pass blockers in the country. The Jets still have a need at tackle, but Tippmann takes care of a huge need." — M.V.

Grade: B

The Jets were one of 16 teams to receive a "B" mark or better from SI for their second-round choice. Douglas, however, sounded like he aced Round 2 while speaking at a Friday night press conference. 

"Fired up to add Big Joe to the team," said Douglas kicking off the media session. "Excellent size, excellent feet, can bend, great on the move. I feel like he’s a natural fit for our offensive style."

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

The @nyjets got a good one to protect their QB in #75 @JoeTippmann . 👏#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/qnN3EmqgRj

— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) April 29, 2023

The three-time Big Ten Conference All-Academic honoree is a weight room warrior who shows above-average athleticism on the field. Scouts have praised Tippmann for a high football IQ and his ability to lead the front five.

"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.

READ MORE:

Jets' Draft Tracker: Logging the Picks as They Happen 

Gang Green Goes with 'Big Joe' Tippmann in Round 2

SI Gives Gang Green Average Real-time Grade for Round 1 Choice

Jets Bolster Defensive Pass Rush in Round 1

Bills' Von Miller Talks Rodgers, Stacked AFC East on 'Draft Kickoff Live'