Rodger Saffold leaving in free agency created a huge hole on the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line. He was a Pro Bowl-caliber left guard who absolutely dominated in the run game and performed well in pass protection.
Unfortunately, he simply priced himself out of Los Angeles by signing a four-year, $44 million deal with the Titans. The Rams prepared for his eventual departure by drafting Joseph Noteboom and Jamil Demby in 2018, but neither player can truly replace Saffold on the field or in the locker room.
Noteboom is expected to slot in as the starting left guard right now, but that could change in a few weeks. The Rams have been looking into offensive lineman prospects throughout the pre-draft process and could select a guard 31st overall in the first round.
If that were to happen, Les Snead would be comfortable keeping Noteboom as the No. 3 tackle and eventual replacement for Andrew Whitworth, just as he was drafted to be.
“Joe would be the heir apparent at this particular time,” Snead said, via ESPN. “Now you could go into the draft and all of a sudden you draft a guard at 31, maybe that’s the starter and Joe’s the third tackle, which is still very valuable.”
Noteboom is viewed as the heir to Whitworth, who’s returning for the 2019 season. However, given the fact that he’s 37 and considered retirement this offseason, it’s fair to expect Whitworth to retire after next season ends. Noteboom fits better at tackle than guard as he doesn’t possess the power many like to see on the inside, but he can certainly play either spot.
Another option for the Rams is drafting a left tackle to take over for Whitworth in 2020, keeping Noteboom inside at guard. Either way, they need to find another offensive lineman at some point to shore up the depth along the front.
