2014 NFL mock draft: Colts select Joel Bitonio

With the 59th pick in Pride Of Detroit's 2014 NFL mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts select Nevada offensive guard/tackle Joel Bitonio. Jerrydlux is serving as the Colts' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.

In trading away their first pick in the draft for Trent Richardson, the Colts did not see an immediate return on investment as they had hoped. With that, the Colts decide to help out their run game and add some depth across the offensive line in the second round.

Joel Bitonio was a left tackle at Nevada but is projected as a guard with the ability to play all five positions across the line. He also posted the best 10- and 20-yard splits of any offensive lineman at the combine. He plays with a mean streak and doesn't give up on plays. He may need a little seasoning to move inside but in time could be a solid protector for Andrew Luck and open up some space for Richardson.

The Colts have had a bit of turnover on their line this offseason and drafted a couple of linemen in the third and fourth rounds last year, but Khaled Holmes played 13 snaps and Hugh Thornton was ranked as the 13th-worst guard in the league last year.

SS and WR were also considered, but none of the remaining prospects looked like they had the value of Bitonio. Both will probably be addressed with the Colts' later picks, as they are also positions of need.

--

Check out the 2014 POD Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.