Despite being moved to left tackle late in the process, there have been nothing but good reports about how Joel Bitonio has played at his new position.
The Cleveland Browns made the decision to move Joel Bitonio to left tackle less than a week ago. He has not had much time at the position, if any, since he entered the NFL in 2014.
But even with the limited time at the position, Bitonio seems to be transitioning well to protecting the blindside of Tyrod Taylor.
Watching #Browns practice, it’s interesting to hear how well Joel Bitonio has done at left tackle. The word is Myles Garrett hasn’t gotten near the QB while battling Bitonio the last few days.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 7, 2018
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For having limited time at the position, Bitonio is getting great prep-work going up against a talented and dynamic pass rusher like Myles Garrett.
The biggest concern with moving Bitonio from guard to tackle was if he can adjust to playing on an island. He was able to do it in college, but he is almost five years removed from doing it every time he took the field.
The expectation is that Bitonio trying to get comfortable doing it in the NFL would take him longer than training camp and the preseason would allow. But even Garrett, who has been going up against Bitonio the past week, has said good things about Bitonio is playing at tackle – via Matthew Florjancic of WKYC.com.
"“I think he fits out there,” Garrett said. “I don’t think the change has really made him any less of a great player. I think he can go out there and handle any of the top rushers.”"
Not only does Garrett feel that Bitonio can handle any of the league’s top rushers, but he also believes that he is the right player to get him ready.
"“I know he’s going to be facing some quality rushers, and I know we have some of the best coming pretty soon in the season,” Garrett said. “I know I’m going to give him everything I’ve got because if I do, he’ll be able to handle them. I don’t think there’s much difference between me and the guys at the very top.”"
If Bitonio can maintain the level of play at tackle that he had when he played guard, this was certainly the best move that the Browns coaching staff could have made at left tackle. He may not have had a lot of time to be prepared to play tackle, but he seems to be much more prepared than a lot of people anticipated.
Playing Bitonio at tackle and rookie Austin Corbett at left tackle will also give the Browns a strong pair of run blockers on the left side. With the Browns expected to rely on their run game this season, having a strong side of run blockers could push the team’s rushing attack to the next level.
Should Bitonio play well at tackle the rest of camp, Cleveland could have the left side of their offensive line set for a long time. It is still too early to tell if Bitonio can play at tackle for the rest of the season, but it is looking like a good situation for the Browns.