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5 Best Cleveland Browns second-round picks since 1999

By Matthew McFatridge

14 Nov 1999: Kevin Johnson #85 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates his touchdown during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Browns defeated the Steelers 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport
14 Nov 1999: Kevin Johnson #85 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates his touchdown during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Browns defeated the Steelers 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 01: Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 01: Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

3. Joel Bitonio, Guard (2014)

Joel Bitonio was selected with the 35th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft. Bitonio makes this list as the third-best second-round pick for the Browns since the 1999 season because of his durability and flexibility to play multiple positions.

Following an impressive 39 game started streak his final three seasons at the University of Nevada, Bitonio was seen as one of the highest regarded offensive tackle prospects in the 2014 draft class. After falling to the Browns at the top of the second round, Bitonio was moved to the left guard position. He started all 16 games his rookie season, before injuries cutting his 2015 and 2016 seasons short.

Since 2016, however, Bitonio has not missed a single start for the Browns. He is consistently ranked near the top of the league as one of the best guards in football. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) graded his 2019 season at 74.2, which ranks pretty highly among eligible guards. He also only allowed three sacks in 2019, as well as only committing three penalties, according to PFF.

Browns fans should triumph that they have Bitonio locked up for the next several years on a relatively team-friendly deal. He should continue to be a strength on the offensive line, while the team looks to bolster the positions around him.

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