Joel Bitonio
G, Nevada · 2014 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #35 (CLE)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, position, availability. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
G (OL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 59.3% of the time (919 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 178 of ~197 possible regular-season games from 2014 through 2025 (~90%).
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #31 (#6 at his position), close to where he went (#35). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Nevada: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.92 40-yard dash at 302 lbs: faster than 96% of OLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 178 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 11 |
| Pro Bowls | 7 |
| First-team All-Pro | 2 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 75 |
| Defense | 3 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
The 2014 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2014 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Position OL | 59.3% n=919 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 4", 302 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.92 s |
| Bench press | 22 reps |
| Vertical | 32" |
| Broad jump | 114" |
| 3-cone | 7.37 s |
| Shuttle | 4.44 s |
| Arm / hand | 33.7" / 9.5" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #31 overall (#6 G) |
Picked around him 2014 redraft
| 32 | Teddy Bridgewater | redraft #23 |
| 33 | Xavier Su'a-Filo | redraft #69 |
| 34 | DeMarcus Lawrence | redraft #8 |
| 36 | Derek Carr | redraft #4 |
| 37 | Ra'Shede Hageman | redraft #123 |
| 38 | Austin Seferian-Jenkins | redraft #121 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.