NY Jets rookie Joe Tippmann is one of the best guards in the NFL

Joe Tippmann might be the Jets' best offensive lineman right now

Justin Fried

NY Jets, Joe Tippmann / Jim McIsaac/GettyImages

The NY Jets' offensive line is starting to make strides after a difficult start to the 2023 season, and rookie offensive guard Joe Tippmann is a large reason for that.

The Jets didn't plan for Tippmann to play this season. He entered the year as a developmental backup center behind Connor McGovern, but following an injury to left tackle Duane Brown, the Jets were forced to shift their offensive line room around.

In fact, if not for an injury to veteran Wes Schweitzer in practice, Tippmann wouldn't even have been in the starting lineup. Now, two weeks later, he's essentially irreplaceable.

Tippmann graded out as the Jets' best offensive lineman in their Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, per Pro Football Focus. He's led the team in PFF run-block grade in each of his two starts thus far.

Tippmann isn't just playing like arguably the best offensive lineman on his own team, however. His performance ranks among the best guards in football.

NY Jets rookie Joe Tippmann is playing at a Pro Bowl level

Among offensive guards with at least 120 snaps played, Tippmann's 76.6 PFF grade ranks fourth-best in the NFL. His 80.1 pass-block grade ranks fifth, while his 76.5 run-block grade ranks sixth.

He's legitimately playing at a Pro Bowl level. The only three guards with higher PFF grades through four weeks have been Cowboys standout Tyler Smith, Falcons Pro Bowler Chris Lindstrom, and arguably the best guard in football, Zack Martin.

Tippmann has allowed just one pressure (no QB hits or sacks) on 122 pass-block snaps this season. He's one of only three qualified guards with one or fewer pressures allowed.

It's a small sample size, sure. Tippmann has only played in two games. Still, the results have been obvious. The Jets' offensive line is much better with him on the field. More specifically, the unit is much better with him and Alijah Vera-Tucker controlling the right side.

The Jets may have drafted Tippmann to be their long-term starting center of the future, but he's been outstanding at guard. Perhaps the plan is still for him to take over at center in the future, but right now, the team should have no plans to move him.

The Jets' offensive line is playing well, and they have their rookie second-round pick to thank for that. Joe Douglas found a keeper.

Justin Fried

Justin Fried is an editor for FanSided who has over seven years of experience covering the NFL and various other sports. A diehard Jets fan since birth, Justin has served as the editor for The Jet Press since 2019, interviewing athletes such as Sauce Gardner, Curtis Martin, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe Klecko, and many others. Justin has also worked closely with brands like Red Bull to help highlight the niche sectors of the sporting world. His four-part series on the sport of breaking remains one of his proudest pieces of work. In his spare time, Justin is an avid pro wrestling fan who is fortunate enough to have traveled to nearly 30 different countries.