2014 NFL Draft results: Joel Bitonio goes to Browns at No. 35
Joel Bitonio is going to the Browns at No. 35 overall, shoring up the offensive line in front of new quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns have drafted Nevada guard Joel Bitonio with the No. 35 overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. Bitonio came in at No. 40 on SB Nation's top 200 prospect big board and No. 4 among all guards, behind only Xavier Su'a-Filo, Zack Martin and Gabe Jackson.
Bitonio was an All-MWC selection as a senior in 2013. He played offensive tackle with the Wolf Pack, taking over the starting role as a sophomore and retaining it through his senior season. He was somewhat overshadowed by Jeff Nady at times, but when Nady left for the NFL, Bitonio earned headlines in his senior season. He started all 38 games between 2011 and 2013.
Despite flourishing at tackle with Nevada, Bitonio will almost certainly play along the interior at the next level. He’s been called a guard leading up to the draft and that’s likely where he’ll play. He’s somewhat undersized for the tackle position in the NFL, and would likely get dominated by some of the more powerful edge rushers.
NFL Draft
Combine results
Height: 6’4
Weight: 302 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.97 seconds
Bench press: 22 reps
Vertical jump: 32”
Broad jump: 9’6
20-yard shuttle: 4.44 seconds
3-cone drill: 7.37 seconds
Bitonio had a solid combine, and actually displayed more quickness than most offensive linemen, putting up a solid 40-yard dash time. This is ultimately unimportant for offensive linemen, however. Rather than be an undersized tackle, he’ll instead of a good-sized guard with above-average athleticism for the position at the next level.
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