Chicago Bears pick Joe Tippmann, OL, Wisconsin
Once again, Poles is going to try to put Fields in the best possible situation. That means finding him targets and protecting him.
After picking up one offensive lineman in the third round Poles finds another in the fourth. He picks up Joe Tippmann from Wisconsin.
Tippmann is a big mauler who makes an impact whenever he is on the field. He is 6-foot-6 and weighs 320 pounds and uses every bit of that body.
I may be off but I feel Poles is ready to part ways with guard Cody Whitehair. His body is breaking down and he isn’t as effective as he was earlier in his career. He could be a trade candidate so the Bears could pick up another pick or he could just get cut and the team could add about $9.9 million into the salary cap.
Poles stated his desire to have mean nasty guys on the line. That is what he got with Mauch and that is what he gets with Tippmann.
In high school, Tippmann was so dominant and was such a great leader that he was named MVP. That is just an example of the type of player and leader the Bears could pick up.
Tippmann was a good guard when he played there. He then moved over to center and he just dominated. He could be perfect to work with Fields. The QB/Center relationship has to be a great one and Fields and Tippmann could be a great duo.
Tippmann is a freak athletically. He has a 1.65 10-yard split. That would have led all linemen in the 2022 NFL Combine. What that stat means is that he can pull or get to the second level very quickly and blow up the defender. He can get to the linebacker, square him up, then obliterate him. That helps the running game. If he does that, the Chicago Bears’ rushing attack can be even better than in 2022.
While Tippmann’s athleticism and mobility are impressive, his strength is something to behold. He can maintain his anchor even if he is knocked off balance. When anchoring, he absorbs the rush. Additionally, when he gets worked back he has the recovery strength to keep the rush away.
Tippmann is a tall, athletic and powerful lineman who could be a cornerstone lineman for the Bears.