OT Joel Bitonio, rSr, Nevada Scouting Report
By Justin Partlow
Measureables: 6’4” 302 lbs
Strengths:
- Very athletic OT, who matches up well against all players
- Feisty player who plays until whistle blows
- Refined technique player who reads plays well
- Has shown ability to project well to multiple positions in NFL
- Very good player who has shown success for extended period of time
Weaknesses:
- Doesn’t possess ideal length to stick directly at OT
- Concerns will arise over level of competition for Bitonio
- Allows himself to get over-extended due to length issues
- While feisty, still can get a bit lazy and get beaten off ball
Analysis:
Joel Bitonio was a bit of an unknown still to people, but after a very successful 2013 season, including a very good game against Florida State, has shown the ability to be a successful starter in the NFL. While Bitonio doesn’t produce the ideal length to remain at LT, he does provide the position versatility to play at the guard position or even move to the center position in NFL.
Bitonio provides NFL teams what is coveted highly right now, pass protection. Bitonio uses his high end athleticism to mirror and pass protect well, and will be successful in the NFL due to that. Bitonio due to his length, could see to slide a bit in the NFL Draft, but should come off the board somewhere in round 3.