Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen are expected to step in as starting offensive linemen this season, replacing Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan. They have big shoes to fill, but the Rams will do everything possible to prepare them to be starters.
That includes having them face Aaron Donald.
After all, they won’t go up against a better defensive lineman or pass rusher than Donald this season – or possibly ever. The Rams will use that to their advantage in training camp and practice, preparing Noteboom and Allen for the talent they’ll face in 2019.
“It’s outstanding having Aaron here and the more reps that Joe and Brian can get, the better off they are,” Sean McVay said after practice Saturday. “We’re going to intentionally challenge them throughout the course of this camp, finding ways to create some stressful situations and I think so far they are putting themselves in a position to do a great job.”
Noteboom and Allen haven’t officially been named starters on the offensive line, but it’s certainly trending that way. They both took first-team reps in OTAs and opened training camp as the starters, too.
The Rams don’t have stiff competition behind them on the depth chart, which gives the two second-year offensive linemen the advantage right now. That doesn’t mean things can’t change or that they’re prepared just yet.
McVay made it clear that there’s still a long way to go for both of them.
“I think it’s too early to really say that,” McVay said of whether they’re where they need to be. “I think we’re confident in them. I think like anything else, really, for those guys up front especially, putting the pads on is the best indicator. Their understanding of what we’re trying to get done – Brian’s communication and then just physically, Joe’s looking like he’s in a really good position. Feel good about those guys knowing that there’s a long way to go, but there’s a reason why we have a lot of confidence in them, but they certainly have to earn it every day.”
There isn’t a better way for each player to earn their place on the offensive line than facing Donald every day in practice.
