2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Joe Tippman





  • Joe Tippman, 6-6/317

  • Guard/Center

  • Wisconsin


  • Joe Tippman Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Large size
  • Intelligent
  • Excellent technique
  • Hand placement
  • Recoverability
  • Awareness
  • Sustains blocks
  • Keeps his feet moving
  • Reliable pass blocker
  • Can torque defenders in the ground game
  • Ties up defenders to keep them from getting to ball carriers
  • Scheme versatile
  • Intelligent
  • Football I.Q.
  • Position flexibility; could play guard or center




  • Weaknesses:
  • Needs to improve leverage
  • Gets in trouble when he stands up too high
  • Will lunge after defenders
  • Can lose his balance
  • Some teams prefer shorter interior blockers

  • Summary: Wisconsin has been a factory for NFL offensive line talent, and Tippman will continue that tradition in the 2023 NFL Draft. Tippman was a 2-year starter at center for the Badgers. While the program suffered a decline, Tippman was a reliable and effective blocker over those two seasons.

    In pass protection, Tippman is generally reliable. He has the size to engulf defenders as well as handle bull rushes, plus his length helps him ward off speed rushers. However, Tippman could stand to improve his leverage because he is a tall blocker and gets in trouble when he stands up too high. That leads to him lunging and leaving himself open to defenders being able to control him by getting into his chest. Standing up too high also can lead to issues with his balance. Tippman needs development as a pass blocker for the NFL.



    In the ground game, Tippman can generate movement as he will lean on defenders, get within their frames, and push and manipulate them. Tippman has the power to push defenders out of their gaps and open holes. As a run blocker, Tippman consistently packs a punch off the line, sustains his blocks with strength, and moves defenders the direction he wants them to go.

    Tippman could end up being a second-day pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has starting potential for the NFL at either guard or center.



    Player Comparison: Rob Havenstein. Tippman reminds me of Havenstein when he was playing guard for the Rams. Havenstein was a tall interior blocker who had to play with good leverage to be an effective pro. It took some developmental time, but Havenstein has become a solid starter for Los Angeles. Havenstein was a second-round pick out of Wisconsin in the 2015 NFL Draft, and Tippman could go in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2023 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2023 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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