Ranking the Top 10 Players from the 2014 NFL Draft

#7. Joel Bitonio

Drafted by the Browns with pick #35 overall in the second-round pick, Joel Bitonio has been an unwavering presence on their offensive line. His year-in and year-out consistency has garnered him 5 Pro Bowl nods, further solidifying his reputation as a linchpin of Cleveland’s offensive line.

Bitonio remains one of the top 5 guards in the league and is a large reason that the Browns have had such a dynamic rushing attack over the past few seasons. Bitonio’s contributions have been noteworthy in pass protection, but have been invaluable by establishing massive rushing lanes for the running game.

What separates Bitonio from most guards in the league is his elite athleticism. At the 2014 NFL combine, he posted an absurd 40-yard dash time of 4.97 seconds, which put him in the 97th percentile for guards. His broad jump was also a 97th percentile score for guards with 114”, per Mockdraftable. This athleticism is showcased on the field when Bitonio is pulling out in space. A man of his size should not move as easily as he does.

He has started in 112 games, which is 2nd in Cleveland’s history only behind Joe Thomas, per the Cleveland Browns. He has been one of the best and most reliable Cleveland Browns players over the past decade. Overall, Bitonio is an underappreciated star who deserves this spot.