Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Draft: Ryan Poles proves rumors to be true in full mock draft

Chicago Bears Pick No. 71: Joe Tippmann, C - Wisconsin

I have Joe Tippmann ranked 41st overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. That's a solid ranking for a center. He is only one of two to fall inside my top 50. Tippmann would be a very long center as he stands 6'6" and is lean at 315 pounds. His arms are on the shorter end which is probably why he isn't a tackle.

Tippmann plays with some violence -- something Ryan Poles and his staff like to see at other positions. I'm sure it is a positive factor when grading out Tippmann as well. He is solid in both the running game and the passing game. He could step in and compete for the starting spot and honestly might allow Ryan Poles to move on from Cody Whitehair early. Let's not forget that cutting Whitehair after June 1st would save the team over $9 million. They don't need it as they are still trying to get to the cash floor, but it is an option should they want to allocate those funds differently.

Whitehair could also be an insurance policy for Teven Jenkins who continues to struggle with injuries. If you cannot count on Jenkins, it would make sense for Whitehair to stay as the starting left guard while Nate Davis locks up the right guard spot. No matter what, this is the time to grab Tippmann as he typically goes in the second round of other mock draft simulators.