Which centers were drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft? Who were the teams that drafted those centers, and how does the 2023 class compare to previous years?
Which Centers Were Drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin | New York Jets
Round 2, Pick 43
Joe Tippmann was graded as a late Day 2 prospect coming into the 2022 season but visibly improved his footwork and hand usage and became more consistent with his angle management and diagnosis ability. All of those technical improvements only served to insulate his elite physical skill set.
Few centers have the physical foundation that Tippmann has. Though his size could cause issues with leverage, his combination of size, athleticism, functional strength, and power capacity is rare. Tippmann is explosive off the snap, rangy as a pulling blocker, and delivers great force and physicality at the point of attack. When he’s latched, it can be very hard for defenders to break free.
Despite being a second-round pick, Tippmann performed like a first-rounder as a rookie. He took over as the starter in Week 3, playing a total of 14 games. In those games, he allowed just three sacks.
John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota | New York Giants
Round 2, Pick 57
At times, there’s some hesitance that comes with prospects who exhaust their eligibility at the collegiate level. Some CFB veterans lack the physical tools to leave early for the NFL and thus have reduced ceilings when they declare. That’s not the case with Schmitz.
Schmitz has the awareness, football IQ, footwork, and tenacious physicality that you’d expect from a tenured offensive lineman. But he’s also surprisingly explosive and fluid in congested areas, and his functional strength is a near-elite trait to build around. He’s not quite an elite athlete, but Schmitz has more than enough mobility to function both as a puller and in condensed spaces.
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The Giants made Schmitz their starter immediately. He played 100% of the snaps in all 12 games in which he was healthy.
Schmitz wasn’t terrible, but he did allow the sixth-most pressures and five sacks. Still, there was enough to believe he could become one of the better centers in the league.
Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas | Washington Commanders
Round 3, Pick 97
There’s not much to say about Ricky Stromberg’s rookie season. He played a total of 26 offensive snaps before a knee injury ended his season.
If there is a positive, it’s that Stromberg has starting experience at both guard spots. Having versatility along the interior offensive line is a big plus for young players entering the NFL. Hopefully, Stromberg can stay healthy and prove he belongs in his sophomore season.
Rounds 3-7
4) Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan
Round 5, Pick 154 | Seahawks
5) Luke Wypler, Ohio State
Round 6, Pick 190 | Browns
6) Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame
Round 6, Pick 201
7) Alex Forsyth, Oregon
Round 7, Pick 257 | Broncos