2023 NFL Draft: Bears doing their due diligence on intriguing center prospect

The Chicago Bears’ need at center remains near the top of their 2023 NFL Draft priorities. The addition of guard Nate Davis in free agency will allow veteran Cody Whitehair to kick inside to center, but it’s unclear whether the Bears view him as a long-term solution at the position.

The Bears can add a promising young center in the second round of the NFL draft if they feel the need is big enough. Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz is the top-ranked center in the 2023 class, he should hear his name called at the beginning of the second round. Other highly ranked centers include TCU’s Steve Avila, Ohio State’s Luke Wypler, and a player the Chicago Bears appear very interested in: Wisconsin’s Joe Tippmann.

Longtime NFL scout and former Bears Director of College Scouting Greg Gabriel shared this nugget on Twitter this week:

Interesting piece of info I got from a scout friend today. Bears had 2 people at the Wisconsin Pro Day just to watch center Joe Tippmann

— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) April 12, 2023

It’s common for NFL teams to send multiple scouts to a pro day. The fact the Chicago Bears had two at Wisconsin’s to evaluate Tippmann doesn’t mean he’ll be a Bear. But it is interesting intel that could indicate how much work the Bears are doing on this year’s center prospects.

Sending 2 people does not mean the Bears are going to take him. It says they wanted questions answered. It’s doing due diligence, which they do with several players. Don’t get all excited, way to soon https://t.co/Y8M75e3LYe

— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) April 12, 2023

Chicago Bears could use a second-round pick on Tippmann

Joe Tippmann ranks just outside the top 50 prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Most big boards have him slotted somewhere around the class’s No. 3 or No. 4 center. After back-to-back honorable mention All-Big 10 seasons, Tippmann, a 23-game starter, appears destined for first-team reps early in his career.

“Tippmann is taller than your average center, but he can bend enough to neutralize at the point of attack,” NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein wrote. “He’s a fluid move blocker who can make wide pulls, climbing cut-offs and adjustments to moving targets in space. He’s recognized for his football intelligence in the pivot and is an effective communicator. He needs to play with better posture and tighter hands to stay mirrored in protection and to improve his body control through engagement. Tippmann’s size, strength, smarts and athleticism should help him become a starter in the NFL.”