The Las Vegas Raiders logged a respectable offensive line grade via Pro Football Focus in 2022, but there is still plenty of work needed to improve the unit. Thankfully, Joe Tippmann is the upgrade the front office is searching for. He will put on a show at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
Joe Tippmann 2023 NFL Draft Profile
Joe Tippmann was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended Bishop Dwenger High School and won Indiana Mr. Football as a senior, an award bestowed upon the best high school player in the state.
In lieu of a successful high school career, Tippmann earned a four-star rating on the recruiting trail. He spurned offers from Iowa, Purdue, and Cincinnati, instead committing to the Wisconsin Badgers.
Tippmann followed the pipeline of Wisconsin linemen, becoming the full-time starter at center in 2021 and 2022. In 22 starts at center, Tippmann led the way for one of the most feared rushing attacks in the country. On top of that, he only allowed one sack in his entire Badger career (625 pass block reps).
Joe Tippmann Heads to NFL Draft Scouting Combine
One thing you might not expect from Tippmann is how freaky of an athlete he is. According to Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, the Badger star recorded a 1.65 10-yard split, which he says would have been faster than any recorded at the 2022 Scouting Combine.
Tippmann’s strength is otherworldly, as well. He is a workout warrior, but the strength shows up in his play each snap. His grip strength is top-tier, and he plays with consistent leverage, allowing him to neutralize bigger assignments in the trenches.
The agility of Tippmann pops up on the tape. His ability to change direction, re-set, and recover is special and will benefit him when facing faster defenders coming from the interior. Tippmann’s high IQ also allows him to identify and pick up the blitz, highlighted by his one career sack allowed.
Potential Fit with the Raiders
Joe Tippmann is the ideal day-two selection for the Raiders. He is an instant starter on the offensive line, either at center or guard. As a center, Tippmann projects as one of the best in the NFL in the near future. He is athletic, strong, and supremely savvy — and he will flex all of these traits at the Combine.
Tippmann displays infectious energy, which will help him win over the locker room as a rookie. Andre James isn’t cutting it, and Dylan Parham lacks the anchor to be anything more than average at center. The Wisconsin brawler is a massive upgrade in the passing game and lives for the trench fighting in the run game.
The Raiders need more of a mean streak on offense. Sitting at No. 39 in the second round and No. 71 in the third round puts Vegas in a tricky situation. I expect Tippmann to split the difference and go somewhere in the middle of this range.
A player with All-Pro potential — regardless of position — is worth a day-two pick every time. It ultimately doesn’t matter how Tippmann gets to the Raiders, just as long as he does. He is exactly what the unit needs.
*Top Photo: Dan Sanger/BadgerBlitz.com Photographer