NFL Draft: Jets take Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann on second day
Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Tippmann looks to make a block during the second half of an NCAA football game against Iowa on Nov. 12, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. Credit: AP
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Jets got Aaron Rodgers more protection on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
They addressed the offensive line on Friday, drafting Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann in the second round with the No. 43 overall selection.
The 6-6, 313-pound Tippmann is a good depth piece and likely will eventually supplant veteran Conner McGovern — perhaps even this year. The Jets just re-signed McGovern on Monday to a one-year deal. The two will compete for the center job in training camp.
“Everyone’s competing,” coach Robert Saleh said. “It doesn’t matter where you get drafted, it doesn’t matter what you get paid. You’re coming in to compete. So it’s going to be an open competition.”
Tippmann played guard and tackle on the scout team when he first got to Wisconsin, but he started 22 games the past two seasons at center. He allowed only one sack and five quarterback pressures in 338 pass-blocking snaps.
The Jets needed to strengthen the line. They were expected to do it in the first round, but the top four tackles already had been drafted by the time they picked. They went defense and took former Iowa State edge rusher Will McDonald IV at No. 15.
Tippmann, who was coached by former Jets offensive lineman Jason Fabini from fifth grade through high school, was the first center taken in the draft and projects to be a long-term starter in the NFL.
“I’m a physical, dominant player, athletic as well,” Tippmann said. “Someone who’s hopefully going to get out and pull. As far as the Jets, first things first, I have to earn the trust and respect of the rest of my teammates before anything.”
The Jets still need to grab more tackle depth. They have picks 112, 143 and 170 on Saturday.
Snap decision. The Jets signed long snapper Thomas Hennessy to a four-year contract extension. Hennessy, the longest-tenured Jet, is entering his seventh season, all with the Jets.
Second round, 43rd overall
Joe Tippmann
OL, Wisconsin
6-6, 313
R-Junior
An athletic blocker who can pull and move with ease despite his larger frame … A smart, natural center and two-year starter at Wisconsin who handled all of the line of scrimmage communication for the Badgers … Was named “Mr. Football” for Indiana in high school where he also played defensive line … One of eight children in his family. —Tom Rock
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
