With the 35th pick in the draft, the Cleveland Browns bolstered their offensive line by picking Joel Bitonio from Nevada.
The 6-foot-4, 302-pounder is one of the more versatile lineman in the draft. A three-year starter for the Wolf Pack, started 26 games at right tackle and 12 at left tackle. It is widely believed Bitonio can play either guard or tackle at the NFL level.
The NFL Network's Mike Mayock gushed over Bitonio's film when he went up against UCLA's Anthony Barr, a first round pick on Thursday. Scouts have raved about Bitonio's footwork and balance, a key in the Browns up-tempo style running attack.
NFLDraftScouts.com reports in a span of 2,054 he allowed only two sacks and was penalized just five times. Several other scouting websites consistently mention Bitonio as a player with a mean streak, who will finish off every play.
He is a fundamentally sound player who will get instruction from Pro Bowlers Joe Thomas and Alex Mack. Bitonio will provide competition (Ray Farmer's favorite draft buzz word) to Mitchell Schwartz, John Greco, Jason Pinkston and the rest of the offensive line.
