Importance of Health and Continuity on the O-Line

[blackbart]

I don't really look at Bruss as a 3'rd round pick, he was chosen at #104 overall, and prior to the compensation era, that was a 4'th rounder. No question that he was overhyped, mostly a result of wishful thinking as we'd gone so long without adding a proper offensive lineman to our starting roster, ... he was to be our savior. He required developmental time which was overlooked in our rush to get him out there. While he'll get a little more time in training camp, he's still a rookie for all practical purposes, and his supposed starting job at RG shouldn't necessarily be considered a slam dunk for 2023, not with Anchrum, Brewer, Aboushi, Toner and a draft pick competing with him in camp.

Other NFL players have played with blood disorders besides Jackson, until I hear something official, I'll consider him remaining a Ram. As mentioned, Noteboom likely won't return until Oct/Nov, but Nsekhe, Acuri, Zach Thomas, a mid-round draft pick & Jackson should be able to hold down the fort until Noteboom returns.

Allen could be cut, but the CAP savings only amounts to a paltry $2.6M, his depth value for 2023 might be worth holding on to him for one more season. It would be nice to see Skura in action at Center as he's been primarily used as an OG, not the position he was best known for, but if Skura were to show well at C, making Allen history would be easier.

The OL with all our returning players along with those newly drafted will be very competitive next season, the camp reports should be fascinating.
jmo.

It’s so hard to judge things in camp and preseason. McVay doesn’t play anyone, there is no chance to see the teamwork or build any cohesion. September effectively becomes the preseason but the games count. Greed reigns.

 

[Kupped]

It’s so hard to judge things in camp and preseason. McVay doesn’t play anyone, there is no chance to see the teamwork or build any cohesion. September effectively becomes the preseason but the games count. Greed reigns.

It’s ridiculous that they charge full price. Period.

That being said? I love preseason this way.. gives you a real chance to get as many reps as possible for young players trying to land a job and young backups looking to improve.

 

[BonifayRam]

It's a shame Nsekhe is 37. He's improved a lot. Also I like Shelton at center. Seems like every time he plays the pivot we get a good run game but that may be my impaired memory. He definitely is very quick sealing guys off.

Ty Nsekhe was a long-term developmental OT when he came into the NFL in 2012 & it took a long time for him to get where he is today in his skill level. Ty has learned to use his extra-long large frame to his advantage now. Ty Nsekhe didn’t allow any pressures Christmas evening,

In his case, he might just be a Whitworth/ Peters type LT who can be effective at this advanced age of 38 next yr. IMO Ty's on-field play level is as good as Noteboom's was in his 6 gms. this season. Ty is larger bigger than Whitworth was. He can back up both LT & RT. Ty's only real problem is his tendency to get injured much like #70 & #55.

If they sign Ty at an easy economy$ contract for the 2023 season It's a move to strengthen the OL. Rams need insurance @ LT with #70 & #77 health problems.

Ref. your #65 Coleman Shelton thoughts...he is much more reliable to remain uninjured than #55 Allen. Why would the Rams continue with #55 as the starter with his awful injury history?? Keep #65 as starting center sign #64 Skura as the main relief & draft a center for our future. Need to remember Rams have also signed veteran former starting center/OG #50 Cole Toner who is protected. #50 is in his 6th season & has started a hand full of gms for the Chargers & Texans. He might figure in the future @ backup OC too.

Possible Future Center Unit Prospects:
Coleman Shelton
Matt Skura
Cole Toner
Brian Allen
Jeremiah Kolone

When Coleman Shelton plays OC, the LA Rams can run

In LA Rams News: The Rams roster is viewed by many as needing offensive linemen. But when Coleman Shelton plays OC, Rams RBs can run for 100+ yards

ramblinfan.com

 

[BonifayRam]

Rams’ offensive line earns respect through stability​

Mayfield and Akers praise their blockers for the rout of the Broncos, but Havenstein credits linemate Shelton​

By GILBERT MANZANO | gmanzano@scng.com |
PUBLISHED: December 28, 2022

Rams’ offensive line earns respect through stability

Baker Mayfield and Cam Akers praise the blockers up front for the rout of the Broncos, but tackle Rob Havenstein credits versatile lineman Coleman Shelton.

www.dailybreeze.com

THOUSAND OAKS — Rams running back Cam Akers credited the offensive line for his three-touchdown performance against the Denver Broncos last week. Quarterback Baker Mayfield did the same for his efficient passing day with no turnovers and only four incompletions during the 51-14 victory over the Broncos.

It starts with those guys up front, they said.

But Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein declined the credit and put the spotlight on versatile offensive lineman Coleman Shelton, who has started games at both guard positions and at center this season.

“I just want to say specifically for Coleman, how awesome it is to have a guy like that in our room, on our line, who can flip over to play guard and then seamlessly take a glove off and now he’s playing center,” Havenstein said. “He’s locked in to playing guard, but he’s still locked in to playing center. The preparation that he goes through is awesome. I just wanted to highlight that because that’s a true testament to him.”

After the Rams lost starting center Brian Allen to a season-ending calf injury, it seemed the offensive line was heading back to its sluggish ways. The Rams’ offensive line allowed five sacks and nine quarterback hits in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers, a game in which Allen left after two offensive plays, forcing Shelton to move from right guard to center.

But the offensive line quickly recovered six days later and delivered one its best performances of the season after not allowing a sack versus the Broncos’ stout defense. In fact, Mayfield was hit only once.

The Rams’ Week 16 offensive line combination consisted of Havenstein at right tackle, Shelton at center, Oday Aboushi at right guard, Matt Skura at left guard and Ty Nsekhe at left tackle. Only Havenstein and Shelton were Week 1 starters, but Aboushi, Skura and Nsekhe have played plenty this season because of injuries, which forced the Rams to play 12 different offensive line combinations during the first 12 games of the season.

With the constant offensive line shuffling, the Rams’ overall offense struggled with starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, who hasn’t played since Week 11 because of a neck injury. The Rams, however, found some stability after they started the same offensive line combination of Nsekhe, Skura, Allen, Shelton and Havenstein between Weeks 12 and 15.

Havenstein credited Shelton for being the glue, but he also highlighted practice repetitions and familiarity for the crisp run blocking and flawless pass blocking versus the Broncos. Akers contributed 118 of the Rams’ 158 total rushing yards, and Mayfield went 24 of 28 for 230 yards and two touchdowns, and opened the game 11 of 11.

“You always want to have one offensive line kinda rolling the whole time,” Havenstein said. “Obviously, that hasn’t been our story this year, but being with guys, the same similar kinda flow of guys in and out, finally got a good amount of time in practice, how guys want to hit blocks, how guys see things, talk through details in meetings.”

The Rams’ offensive line depth was on the verge of being tested again after Aboushi was suspended one game for a postgame altercation with Broncos outside linebacker Randy Gregory. But Aboushi and Gregory, who was also suspended a game, won their appeals and had their punishments rescinded to fines.

Aboushi will get to play Sunday against the Chargers, the team he played for last year. And most importantly for the Rams, they’ll have the same offensive line combination from their memorable performance against the Broncos.

“I thought the league handled it the right way,” Aboushi said. “Appreciate the opportunity there (with the Chargers). Thought I was playing some good ball there before everything happened (with the injury), but nothing but good energy toward them and I appreciate the opportunity.”

AKERS LOCKED IN​

Havenstein also deflected the credit back to Akers for his productive outing versus the Broncos. He provided a glimpse into what Akers does on the sideline to maintain a rhythm during games.

“I’m sitting next to him on the sideline most of the time,” Havenstein said. “You kinda hear him. I don’t know whether he’s talking to himself or if anybody is around listening, but he’s definitely a competitive guy. It’s fun to see those types of things. … Cam is getting in a flow of things and we are holding up our end of the bargain.”

REST DAY FOR HIGBEE​

Rams tight end Tyler Higbee, who had two receiving touchdowns against the Broncos, didn’t participate in the team’s walk-through workout Wednesday, but Rams coach Sean McVay said it was a veteran’s day off for him.

Nsekhe didn’t practice because of illness, but McVay expects him to start at left tackle against the Chargers.

 

[So Ram]

Thanks Bonify’d, that was all from Havienstien’s interview. Wish reporter would have ask him about both on & off the field when big Rob asked back about relationships with The Offensive Line.
I think Big Rob has taken over for Big Whit leading the game night dinner’s together? I think Shelton & Hav have been apart of it for a couple years now & have become tight. Big Rob appreciating Shelton because it’s not easy,but then again he is that perfect swing C/G type. I always thought the same with Austin Blythe who really set that stage for both Brian Allen & Shelton taken over from John Sullivan. I think that CORE goes back to the Big 5 days I called it. The development of relationships from the offensive line & what Big Whit & Sean Mcvay have created as The Culture of The Lockeroom.

—Spags in KC always talk the talk about that as The Rams HC & the Pillars.It’s a belief from The good coaches & you see it around the league.

The Hags
NINER’s
Steelers
NE
Tennessee
KC

I think those coaches have all established that with how they run their teams. I also think Ram Fans are lucky with what Sean Mcvay has built here in LA.

You look around The NFL & it shows what Sean Mcvay has built. V
Cinncy,Vikings,GB,SD Chargers,then his OC’s Walden,Phillips,& Evero as other examples
The Rams have had a lot of good coaches.
Then bring in the HOF or veterans that have come in through the door.
Suh,Matthews,Weedle,Miller,OBJ,Peter’s,Cook,Talib, ext… plus The Rams veterans of today. That makes for a solid foundation.

 

[So Ram]

It’s ridiculous that they charge full price. Period.

That being said? I love preseason this way.. gives you a real chance to get as many reps as possible for young players trying to land a job and young backups looking to improve.

Well you can get into The Rams game cheaper Sunday than a preseason game at SOFI

These last 2 games really help in that preseason thought,but The Rams get to play there veterans. Have already made some September cuts in its own way.

Weird but will Travon Howard play again as a Ram? Random thought. I did see C. Rozeboom get some reps.Like the angles he takes to get to the ball.Jake Hummel I’ll lock for on teams maybe? RR31 is a special teams guy only now a days

 

[Merlin]

I will say this is two years in a row now for Carberry where the OL has improved as the season went on. Last season they were rather shit in picking up stunts early on, but became very proficient at it as the season progressed and peaked in the playoffs. This season he has dealt with a crazy amount of change in lineups but we see the same effect where he is obviously coaching and improving the unit as we go.

My question with him is between he and Brown do the Rams have enough expertise in running the ground game to get consistent production. Because clearly both of them deserve to return next season all things considered. Ground game of late has been excellent, so can they finish out strong or will we see it wilt as it so often does for this offense.

And another question I have with him is whether he has an eye for talent. Because the Rams have not drafted OL well under Snead to date. Re: their pick last year of course the jury is out due to the injury.

 

[So Ram]

Yeah - Les Snead gets a LUCKY out. Those draft picks with insider information from team player I find to SUCK!! Greg Rob & Fishers boy as an example.

Sean Mcvay was all in on Bruss & wanted to trade up to get him.
(SCARY) That is how bad The Rams needed a OG. Oday was cut by the Chargers & will have a little EXTRA something something for them.He is playing for his career & to show the Chargers they made a mistake.Especially if The Rams D’ gets after Herbert?

 

[PARAM]

Ty Nsekhe was a long-term developmental OT when he came into the NFL in 2012 & it took a long time for him to get where he is today in his skill level. Ty has learned to use his extra-long large frame to his advantage now. Ty Nsekhe didn’t allow any pressures Christmas evening,

In his case, he might just be a Whitworth/ Peters type LT who can be effective at this advanced age of 38 next yr. IMO Ty's on-field play level is as good as Noteboom's was in his 6 gms. this season.

I have a question. In other discussions about OL, I've been told Noteboom was leading the league in sacks and pressures when he was injured. He allowed 3 sacks and 10 pressure vs Buffalo according to PFF. And the Buffalo game has been cited as evidence our O line sucked and would have continued to suck, even if they had remained healthy.

So I rewatched the Buffalo game.

On one sack, Noteboom's guy tried an inside move and he engaged him driving them into Edwards. Edwards guy looped outside and got the sack. I'm sure that could be a communication problem but had Noteboom got off his guy and blocked Edwards man, Edwards was too far forward to pick up Noteboom's guy and he would have sacked Stafford. But JN get the credit for the sack. On another of the 3, Stafford leaves the pocket and gets run down by Noteboom's guy yards away from the engagement but short of the LOS. Noteboom gets blamed for that sack. Of course he could have held him to prevent it! On one, he did allow Miller to bullrush him backwards and grab Stafford but that was the only sack I could have blamed JN.

Am I not seeing something?

 

[So Ram]

Carberry I have been calling for his head,until you see the smoke clear from the WRECK it’s hard to see what is the damage really is.

Like I said weeks ago about letting players play & see who steps up. ODAY was the player out when Shelton it Allen came back. Matt Skura got the start at LG. Oday was BENCHED!!

I guess can The Rams bring any of those 2 players back ? I’m different than most when it comes to The Offensive Line. I don’t like building through the draft with a lot of offensive linemen. My reasoning is YOUTH!! MEN vs Young men. Difference in Size & Speed in The NFL. There is a lot that goes into it.
—Then again you have to use the tools of the draft. IMO I wanted to trade up for Lance Dickerson.Then when Creed Humpries fell to The Rams THE VALUE WAS SO HIGH!! ESPECIALLY a POSTION of NEED!!

Right now I wonder about Matt Skura.He is a Bigger Center who can play Guard.That is a PLAYER-TYPE The Rams have been missing.He might be worth a basic FA contract that if nothing else cut & keep practice squad ??

Oday is a player that believes in himself,so he might be a fit until Bruss is ready.The thing is The Rams needed to stay 1 year ahead(2 years).

My point is going to be The Best way to structure The Offensive Line & not waste draft picks The Rams don’t have.

The Rams need to build a foundation from within now & let The Draft come to them.An example is even if it is a talent like A’Jackson. Picking up those players & developing them is KEY.
Ty Nseke could be a stop gap type of player.Sign him & try to DRAFT a LT/RT of the FUTURE!!

Basically The Rams need to Draft or find Big Rob’s replacement NOW!! What is Havienstien future with The Rams ?
Noteboom is so questionable & IMO A’Jackson is a RG who can play LT,but is not a every down LT.

Injuries happen,I’ve been filtering through this as weeks have been passing. The smoke is clearing & The Rams have 2 weeks left to let the Dust Settle for 2023 to see what’s what?

Carberry has (should)a handle on it Big Rob know his teammates & what the bond is like.Sometimes you don’t really need new parts.

 

[So Ram]

I have a question. In other discussions about OL, I've been told Noteboom was leading the league in sacks and pressures when he was injured. He allowed 3 sacks and 10 pressure vs Buffalo according to PFF. And the Buffalo game has been cited as evidence our O line sucked and would have continued to suck, even if they had remained healthy.

So I rewatched the Buffalo game.

On one sack, Noteboom's guy tried an inside move and he engaged him driving them into Edwards. Edwards guy looped outside and got the sack. I'm sure that could be a communication problem but had Noteboom got off his guy and blocked Edwards man, Edwards was too far forward to pick up Noteboom's guy and he would have sacked Stafford. But JN get the credit for the sack. On another of the 3, Stafford leaves the pocket and gets run down by Noteboom's guy yards away from the engagement but short of the LOS. Noteboom gets blamed for that sack. Of course he could have held him to prevent it! On one, he did allow Miller to bullrush him backwards and grab Stafford but that was the only sack I could have blamed JN.

Am I not seeing something?

Well Noteboom IMO gets heady & nervous sometimes.I will always remember yelling at Chris Garrett to get him. There was a little delay getting the playoff.I wanted to see what they bought had on a goal line situation. Making it more of an intense 1 on 1. Mcvay came over and sort of hit a Noteboom & was calling the play over & moved the team to another drill.
I really want to see that inter action up close.It was there,but that was the heart of what The Rams needed.

1. Knowing The O’Line was right
2. Was Chris Garrett a rOlb/DE

Von Miller went up against Noteboom so he was already up inside Joesph Notebooms head.
There was a lot of pressure on him because of that & how big of a game that was for him.

David Edwards seemed to struggle even in camp.Don’t think he was a 100% either ?

My question is going to be what The Rams think of all of this. Mcvay said he is going to get the health record from Reggie at the end of the season & go from there.

Sean Mcvay is a workaholic who will get his structure in place quickly before he really takes a break ???? I’m just going by how he doesn’t go to the combines anymore.He has to get his coaching staff in place.

 

[BonifayRam]

The Rams' offensive line is playing the best it has all season​

Cameron DaSilva /December 29, 2022 9:01 am PT

The Rams' offensive line is playing the best it has all season

The Rams’ offensive line has finally found some continuity, and it’s unsurprisingly playing the best it has all season

theramswire.usatoday.com

For the first 12 games of the season, the Los Angeles Rams had a different starting offensive line each week. Injuries absolutely decimated that position group, with every starter except for Rob Havenstein missing at least two games.

The backups started to go down, too, from Tremayne Anchrum Jr. to Chandler Brewer. The Rams even set a record for the most starting offensive line combinations in a team’s first 12 games

That’s why it’s hardly surprising that they were one of the lowest-graded offensive lines in the league for most of the season. That’s beginning to change, however. In the last four weeks, the Rams’ O-line has played better and more consistently than it has all season.

It’s no coincidence that during that stretch, they’ve actually had some continuity up front, which has led to improved play. Take a look at the chart below, which shows the Rams’ pass-blocking grade by week.

View: https://twitter.com/benbbaldwin/status/1607433151290265600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1607433151290265600%7Ctwgr%5E8eb4c7a6daa86b5bc7118e09d6009981001beb9c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheramswire.usatoday.com%2F2022%2F12%2F29%2Frams-offensive-line-improve-season-2022%2F

According to Pro Football Focus, the Rams had an 88.1 pass-blocking grade in Week 16 against the Broncos, by far their highest of the season. Their lowest grade in the last four weeks was 74.4, which is their second-highest grade of the season.

The run blocking hasn’t been on the same level recently, but their grades have been steady, ranging from 57.5 to 65.6 in the last four games. Currently, Ty Nsekhe, Matt Skura, Coleman Shelton, Oday Aboushi and Rob Havenstein make up the starting offensive line, though when Brian Allen is healthy, he lines up at center with Shelton at right guard.

This season may be lost for Los Angeles, but it’s good to see some improvement along the offensive line.

 

[PARAM]

According to Pro Football Focus, the Rams had an 88.1 pass-blocking grade in Week 16 against the Broncos, by far their highest of the season. Their lowest grade in the last four weeks was 74.4, which is their second-highest grade of the season.

Does that make sense? If 88.1 this past week was their highest of the season and 74.4 their lowest the last 4 weeks, how can it be their second highest of the season?

 

[bubbaramfan]

I still think Brewer should be starting ahead of Skura

 

[BonifayRam]

I still think Brewer should be starting ahead of Skura

Is that surgically repaired Chandler Brewer knee ready for full-time play?

Brewer injured that knee after two very good starts @ OG. One @ LG then one @ RG. Brewer was placed on the IR on November 15, 2022.

Brewer has been a Rams OL'er since the 2019 season. He sure looked comfortable starting in November. The Rams will have to fork up a 2 or more-year contract to keep him here any longer.

It would be just plain wrong IMO to not make an effort to retain this economy where a good amount of effort & time has been invested to groom this McVay-type OG for the future Ram OL.This over 6-6-320 plus lbs OG is the type of OL'ers the Rams must have in their OL duee to their ultra high end top heavy to 10 in the MR53 roster.

 

[BonifayRam]

Why Joe Noteboom could be a valuable trade chip for Rams in 2023​

As frustrating as injuries have been, a lot of teams need a left tackle
By Kenneth Arthur@KennethArthuRS Dec 30, 2022, 11:32am CST

Why Joe Noteboom could be a valuable trade chip for Rams in 2023

As frustrating as injuries have been, a lot of teams need a left tackle

www.turfshowtimes.com

As a Los Angeles Rams fan, you may think that the concept of trading left tackle Joseph Noteboom is an absurd premise. Noteboom signed a three-year, $40 million contract in the offseason, before having ever played a full season at left tackle, and he’s been out since a Week 6 injury which is not his first long stint on IR.

Rest assured that in spite of all those negatives, Joe Noteboom is easier to trade than you think and because the Rams have received anywhere from passable-to-good snaps out of A.J. Jackson and Ty Nsekhe, the cost savings and likelihood of recouping draft picks make a deal more likely than most assume.

Without making any Noteboom moves whatsoever, the Rams will have him back next season at a $15.5 million salary cap hit, which ranks 14th in the NFL among left tackles. That alone makes Noteboom a reasonable keep option for L.A., so long as he has a healthy and slightly above average season for the Rams. That’s not something that anyone should rule out. Noteboom looked very good in nine starts at left tackle in place of Andrew Whitworth in 2020.

That $15.5 million is broken down as an $8.5 million base salary ($5 million guaranteed), a $5 million roster bonus due in March, and a $2 million prorated portion of his signing bonus.

Let’s pretend that the Rams decided to cut Noteboom:

• They would save $8.5 million cash: $5 million roster bonus+$3.5 million of his base salary
• They would have to pay him $5 million of his base salary and then they would have to incur a huge hit on his remaining $2 million prorated signing bonus payments because L.A. added void years in 2025, and 2026
• Total cap savings: $2.5 million remaining
• They would still have dead money hits of $6 million in 2024, $4 million in 2025, and $2 million in 2026

Cutting Noteboom does not carry enough savings to justify cutting Noteboom. For $2.5 million in savings, why not just keep him and let Noteboom compete against Jackson for the starting left tackle role in August? By the end of camp, the Rams could still attempt to trade Noteboom if Jackson wins the job.

But trading Noteboom in March makes a lot of sense. I doubt that the Rams could get another team to pay his $5 million roster bonus, but that’s pocket change to Stan Kroenke’s team and it clears that way to recoup a decent draft pick or two for a player who plays a position of need.

And they wouldn’t have to pay Noteboom a $15.5 million cap hit in 2023, so that would actually make him one of the best bargains at left tackle in the NFL.

If the Rams decide to trade Noteboom after paying his bonus:

• They unload his $8.5 million base salary, including the $5 million guaranteed portion
• The Rams would be left with his $2 million prorated payments, but that was always going to be the case as soon as Noteboom signed on the dotted line
• The immediate savings could be minimal, but unloaded the $8.5 million base salary does clear the way for a player at another position of comparable value
• The team acquiring Noteboom only owes him an $8.5 million base salary in 2023 and they can decide if he’s worth a $10 million base salary in 2024

The team that acquires Noteboom will be paying him $8.5 million, which ranks outside of the top-20 left tackles in the NFL. He would be making less than Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas, a recent top-five pick entering his third season, so in a way it would be like having a player at the back half of his rookie deal. He’d be making less than the likes of Tytus Howard, Charles Leno, Jonah Williams, and Duane Brown.

Doesn’t sound so bad under those terms, does it?

Every year, plenty of teams are in the market for a left tackle and the scarcity of known quantities who become available should make Joe Noteboom a valuable commodity on the trade market. The Chiefs have an uncertain situation with star Orlando Brown, the Jets do not know what they have in Mekhi Becton but haven’t gotten anything out of Duane Brown, the Bears need a miracle for their offense and offensive line, the Packers have endless injury issues with David Bakhtiari, the entire AFC South could be in the market for a left tackle if the Texans part with Laremy Tunsil, the Steelers and Patriots could also be interested.

No shortage of suitors, especially not at $8.5 million.

If the Rams like A.J. Jackson enough, then it’s not a matter of if they can trade Noteboom, it’s only a matter of how high the bidding will go.

Perhaps with his injury history and undefined record of play on Sundays, the Rams wouldn’t secure a first or second round pick. Anything up to a third is not an unreasonable place to start negotiations.

Importance of Health and Continuity on the O-Line

The problem with Boom is building the roster where you are relying on him is not smart. Because you're rolling the dice on enduring another season like this one if he falls out. Jackson I was feeling real good about, up until the blood clots. And blood clots at his age... Not good. So I...

ramsondemand.com

 

[Merlin]

Valuable trade chip.

Maybe he can move us up a little in the draft if a LT they like gets close. But his value is swing OT until he demonstrates otherwise.

 

[BonifayRam]

I will say this is two years in a row now for Carberry where the OL has improved as the season went on. Last season they were rather shit in picking up stunts early on, but became very proficient at it as the season progressed and peaked in the playoffs. This season he has dealt with a crazy amount of change in lineups but we see the same effect where he is obviously coaching and improving the unit as we go.

My question with him is between he and Brown do the Rams have enough expertise in running the ground game to get consistent production. Because clearly both of them deserve to return next season all things considered. Ground game of late has been excellent, so can they finish out strong or will we see it wilt as it so often does for this offense.

And another question I have with him is whether he has an eye for talent. Because the Rams have not drafted OL well under Snead to date. Re: their pick last year of course the jury is out due to the injury.

You & I do not know what has been going on behind the scene late into this awful season with many of McVay's offensive consultants like Jay Gruden, Greg Olsen, Zac Robison, Jake Peetz, Zak Kromer & Thomas Brown.

The eye for proper fitting OL talent is one big unknown but someone got us this decent playing cadre of OL'ers now, from all over the NFL map.

I like your great question on this Ram team's lack of ability to ID good college OL talent & then its ability to get them up to speed during their 4 yr rookie contract time period so they are paying dividends to this team.

 

[BonifayRam]

Valuable trade chip.

Maybe he can move us up a little in the draft if a LT they like gets close. But his value is swing OT until he demonstrates otherwise.

I am not as sure as you that Noteboom has any value as an NFL team's Swing OT game-day reserve. In truth, Noteboom has little to no snaps @ RT. Can he even play RT, he was a pure LT in college. We also know another element Noteboom can not play OG post at an NFL level he was very bad @ it for 2 seasons. From my POV there is no "SWING" anywhere in Noteboom.

I see him now currently as a rehabbing event LT trying to get back to where he can begin to walk without any assistance from a medical device.

His NFL history is well documented. Noteboom can not avoid serious injuries if he is on the field starting the last 4 seasons. Noteboom may be the most injured LT in the NFL over the last 4 seasons. How can a player with this known history be a player of desire or value @ his cost?

 

[Allen2McVay]

...
I see him now currently as a rehabbing event LT trying to get back to where he can begin to walk without any assistance from a medical device.

...

Agree about Noteboom's lack of durability but he was on the sideline against Denver, and I didn't see a walking boot or wrap of any kind. Now he wasn't dancing, so I'm not suggesting he was without limitations.