Cleveland Browns: Joel Bitonio open to playing left tackle
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns have struggled to find a replacement for Joe Thomas since his retirement, but the man that played beside Thomas is willing to step in.
Having to replace a future hall of fame player at any position is no easy task. The Cleveland Browns are learning that this off-season as they try to find the man to replace to Joe Thomas at left tackle.
The Browns have options to replace Thomas, just none of the options appear ready to claim the position yet.. The man that appears to be the leading the competition heading into training camp is Shon Coleman. Coleman was the starting right tackle for Cleveland last season, but lost the job when the Browns signed Chris Hubbard during free agency.
The Browns also drafted Austin Corbett with the 33rd overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. Being drafted so high, it seems that the Browns plan on Corbett being the future of the left tackle position. But since Coleman or Corbett have not taken a firm grasp on the job, the Browns also signed the 2014 NFL Draft second overall selection Greg Robinson to add even more competition.
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With the uncertainty at the position, Browns left guard Joel Bitonio has said that he is open to moving to left tackle if the team needs him to – via Dan Labbe of cleveland.com.
"“Anything they need I’m willing to give a try,” he said, “but I think right now the plan is to find a guy to play left tackle, and I’m going to stick right at left guard.”"
The Browns have given Bitonio some snaps at left tackle during the off-season program, but Browns offensive line coach Bob Wylie thinks that left tackle is the best position for Bitonio – via Labbe.
"“Just because you’re the best guy doesn’t mean you’re in the best spot,” Wylie said. “Joel is an elite left guard. Could he play tackle? Sure, but it would take a while for him to learn the nuances. If he’s the best lineman, is he really the best left tackle? Not necessarily.”"
Bitonio played left tackle during his college career at Nevada. But ever since he joined the NFL in 2014, Bitonio has been the team’s left guard. Since Bitonio has not played the position consistently for four years, it may be hard for him to get used to position the again – or at least fast enough to be ready for the 2018 season.
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Although Bitonio is willing to move to left tackle, it seems very unlikely that the Browns coaching staff is comfortable in moving him from left guard. When healthy, Bitonio is one of the best guards in the NFL. The Browns may feel they are in a better position by keeping Bitonio at guard and having him help whoever they decide to put at left tackle.