Plenty of questions remain unanswered along the offensive line for the Los Angeles Rams heading into 2023, after the unit was devastated by injuries last fall. The left tackle spot is one to watch and veteran Joseph Noteboom should be a key member of the competition at that position.
The 28-year-old had been tapped as the Rams’ Andrew Whitworth successor on the blindside and began the 2022 campaign as the team's starting left tackle. Noteboom suffered an Achilles tear, however, which ended his campaign and added to the injury woes along the O-line for Los Angeles. He continues to rehab the injury and his performance upon return could go a long way in determining his usage in 2023.
The former third-rounder will have competition in the form of Alaric Jackson, who was himself limited to eight contests last year. The pair drew similar evaluations in terms of Pro Football Focus grades in 2022 and is set to take part in an open competition for the left tackle role. Depending on how that plays out, Noteboom could find himself occupying a different position.
Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic writes that the TCU product is not guaranteed to continue at left tackle (either as a starter or backup) moving forward (subscription required). A position change could be possible, one which might see Noteboom move to either right tackle or left guard. He has experience at both spots at the NFL level, but much more so in the latter role. His most recent LG snaps took place in 2020, though that position is likely earmarked for second-round rookie Steve Avila.
As Rodrigue notes, the Rams appear committed to retaining Noteboom on the books after he signed a three-year, $39M deal last March. That pact raised expectations for him entering the 2022 campaign, but his Achilles rehab – along with the presence of Jackson – could threaten his first-team standing come the regular season. At the left tackle spot (and others), the Rams’ positional battles in the summer will be worth monitoring.
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