Rams Coach Sean McVay 'Super Pleased' with OL Joe Noteboom; Starter?
The Los Angeles Rams' offensive line endured a difficult 2022 season, allowing the third-most sacks in the NFL with 59 amidst a campaign that was marred by injuries.
Among those who went down was starting left tackle Joe Noteboom, who was having a rocky first full year as a starter prior to suffering a torn Achilles in Week 6.
Per Sharp Football, Noteboom allowed a 10 percent pressure rate during his six starts, which ranked No. 34 out of 35 qualified left tackles, while Pro Football Focus credited the 2018 third-round pick with five sacks allowed.
Now looking for a bounce-back season, Noteboom's training camp hasn't exactly gone according to plan, as he's missed time with an injury that coach Sean McVay said isn't related to his Achilles.
But things are trending up for the 28-year-old Noteboom, who was back on the field for the Rams during Wednesday's joint practice with the Denver Broncos.
"Joe just got some individual (work)," McVay said. "We'll probably still be smart, err on the side of caution with him."
Better yet, McVay added that he believes Noteboom has played like one of Los Angeles' five best offensive linemen, which then leads to the question of where he slots in.
Primarily a tackle, Noteboom has received some snaps inside at guard this summer, and McVay is motivated to find the best five ... which has led to the former TCU standout expanding his versatility and impressing his Super Bowl-winning coach along the way.
“I've been super pleased with the camp that Joe has had," McVay said. "I think he's played outstanding at tackle and guard. When he gets back then we'll have to figure out which one of those spots do we want to be able to rep him at? But in the midst of his absence, I've been really proud of the guys that have stepped up.”
And so, with an ascending Noteboom close to being fully healthy and an offensive line showing signs of growth, there's plenty of optimism surrounding the Rams' front five.
But ultimately, while there's uncertainty about where Noteboom will slot in this fall, there appears to be little doubt that he's poised for a much improved 2023 ... and may just do so at a new position on a revamped offensive line.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @ByDanielFlick
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