The Los Angeles Rams offensive line is in much better shape entering the 2023 season as they’ve got several returners coming back healthy.
The biggest name is Joseph Noteboom, who is fully recovered from a torn Achilles that he suffered in Week 6 of the 2022 season. Prior to his injury, Noteboom signed a three-year extension, a sign that the Rams value him and consider him a key piece of their o-line.
Noteboom was the starting left tackle before going down last season but has been getting reps at right guard in training camp. Sean McVay explained the move as a way for him and the coaching staff to figure out the best combinations.
“Because we feel like he’s one of our better players. We want to be able to move him around and just figuring out kind of the best way to mix and match. Joe’s the guy that can kind of play inside and outside so it’s one of those deals that we kind of had planned initially and he started at guard for us before. Whether or not he ends up doing that or playing tackle, we’re still kind of working through that.”
McVay also acknowledged that Noteboom could be competing for the right guard spot with Alaric Jackson pushing him at left tackle. “Everybody’s competing for their spots right now so you could say that.”
Lastly, McVay said he didn’t have a preference for whether or not Noteboom plays tackle or guard but did express confidence he could do either.
“No, I don’t have a preference. I think as long as… you’d like to be able to see him continue to earn his role with our team. We want to find the best five. But I think every one of those positions is incredibly valuable and really whatever we deem is the best fit for the five players at the two tackles, two guard spots and center. But I think Joe is a guy that can start at guard or tackle and he’s played at a high level so players like him are very rare that have the ability to do that.”
Noteboom’s versatility along the line could pay huge dividends as Los Angeles has got several players who can fill in at multiple positions. Even if Jackson wins the left tackle job, Noteboom could still start at right guard though he’s got competition there with Tremayne Anchrum and Coleman Shelton.
