The Cleveland Browns moved Joel Bitonio, the team’s starting left guard since 2014, to left tackle Wednesday, mere days after offensive line coach Bob Wylie said such a move would be “plan Z” for the organization.
The decision to move Bitonio came following an evaluation by head coach Hue Jackson and his offensive coaching staff during the team’s off day on Tuesday.
“We made the decision that maybe our best five right now is putting Joel out at left tackle, putting [Austin] Corbett at left guard and going from there,” Jackson said.
Jackson was not pleased when he was asked about Wylie’s comments.
“I make those decisions,” Jackson said. “Those are none of our coaches’ decisions. Those are mine. I never said ‘Plan Z’ so here we are. We are going to play the best five guys.”
Bitonio has started 47 games at left guard since being drafted 35th overall in 2014.
“I was a little shocked,” Bitonio said.
Bitonio wasn’t crazy about switching positions to begin with but he’s also now being tasked with replacing future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas.
“It’s an unknown,” Bitonio said. “You’re always scared of the unknown and I don’t know how it’s going to go at left tackle. I kinda know how it’s going to go at left guard, so I’m going to go out there and give it my best shot and try and help the team win.”
Jackson understands why Bitonio was hesitant to make the move.
“This guy is one of the best left guards in football. That is how he has earned his money and his reputation. I get it,” Jackson, who spoke with Bitonio Tuesday, said. “The conversation was good. He got a chance to tell me how he felt. I told him how I felt.
“Was he reluctant? Yeah, I would be, too. He plays a position, and he is really good at it, but for his teammates, for his coaching staff and for all involved, he knows that is the best place for him to be right now.”
Bitonio takes the place of third-year lineman Shon Coleman, who was given the first opportunity but struggled the first week of camp.
“Shon is still a young player,” Jackson said. “These guys are trying to replace one of the best guys who has ever played it. Shon needs time; it is time. I know that you are saying inconsistency. I think that there are a lot of things that Shon did well. When I look at it, overall for where we are, that position has to play better for us. This is the decision that I made.”
Bitonio took most reps at the position with the first-team offense during 11-on-11 work Wednesday while Coleman worked with the twos.
“I want to help the team win, and Coach Jackson wants to put the best five offensive linemen out on the field, and right now, he thinks that’s with me at left tackle, so I’m going to try and be the best left tackle I can be,” Bitonio said. “If something happens where I’ve got to go play left guard again, then I’ll try and be ready to do that as well. It’s just what’s going to help our team win the most games.”
Bitonio’s first assignment Wednesday? Slowing Myles Garrett.
“Yeah, that’s always fun. He’s a great test,” Bitonio said. “I’ve said it about our tackles before. If you can block that guy, you’re going to be able to block a lot of guys on Sunday, so for me, I’m ready to battle him and try to help me improve the most I can at tackle.
“It’s cool. They’re a little lighter out there. I’m used to moving some big 340-pound guys inside, but it was cool to get out there. I was a little winded. I’m not used to kicking back so far. I’m used to staying at the line, but it’s a different animal.”
While Bitonio is now plan A, Jackson left the door open for other options.
Gregg Robinson, signed late this offseason, is unavailable as he remains in concussion protocol after leaving practice last Friday.
“It is full speed ahead with Joel, but Greg will factor into that,” Jackson said. “He has not practiced enough. I do not know enough about him yet to say if he can or if he can’t. We have to give him a chance to get out there, get back healthy and compete.”
With Bitonio now kicked outside, rookie Austin Corbett, selected 33rdoverall in April, worked with the first-team at left guard.
“I think that he is our next best guard on our team so let’s put him there and give him a chance to play,” Jackson said.
Thomas' retirement already presented one significant challenge up front, but now the Browns have two of them because of Bitonio's inexperience at left tackle and a rookie is now at left guard.