In order to Protect Johnny, Browns add beef to line at pick 35.
BY Eric Szczepinski, Twitter: @CST_EricS
After hitting a grand slam with Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel on day one of the draft Ray Farmer was back at it Friday night. The Browns picking 35th overall or 3rd overall of the 2nd round added another opportunity to cash in on a instant starter. After reports and speculation leaked prior to the start of the 2nd round about the potential suspension of Josh Gordon everyone penciled in a receiver at the pick. Marquise Lee, Cody Latimer, Allen Robinson, and Jordan Matthews were some of the potential Wide Receivers available at number 35.
Sticking true to his draft board and realizing if Gordon is indeed suspended none of the available wide-outs could replace him. The Browns selected offensive guard, Joel Bitonio from Nevada. Bitonio is a 6-foot-4, 302 pound monster who is capable of playing guard or tackle. He is a natural fit for Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking running game. He is a plug and play kind of guy. He is an instant starter for the Cleveland Browns. He most naturally projects to play the guard position. Bitonio fits Head Coach Mike Pettine’s mold of “playing like a Brown”. He is big, mean and a tough football player. NFL.com had this to say about Bitonio “extremely tough and durable…..outstanding character-work ethic, leadership and responsibility and all exemplary” His only weakness is that he plays out of control at times and tends to grab on to defenders. His OL coaches will find he’s a really teachable kid ready to be a starter on day one. He is ready and determined to join a line already with Joe Thomas and Alex Mack to pave way for the Cleveland backfield.
