OL talk

After key departures, is the Rams’ offensive line strong enough?

Vincent Bonsignore

https://theathletic.com/967128/2019/05/07/after-key-departures-is-the-rams-offensive-line-strong-enough/

As the Rams’ scouting staff evaluated defensive line prospects in the 2018 draft class, especially those playing in the Big 12, it was standard routine upon locking in on a particular player for someone to say: “Let’s see how he did against Joe.”

That meant TCU left tackle Joe Noteboom, who had emerged as a draft favorite of the Rams — and specifically offensive line coach Aaron Kromer — after a dominating performance at the Senior Bowl. So much so that he also became a measuring stick by which they assessed other prospects.

“Because Noteboom locked people down,” said Rams senior personnel executive Brian Xanders. “He repeatedly shut people down.”

The way the Rams saw it, if the prospect fared well against Noteboom, it was a pretty good clue he was legit.

The Rams are about to find out if all their conviction in Noteboom is warranted. After making him their first selection in the 2018 draft — in the third round, with the 89th pick overall — and then playing him sparingly during a rookie season in which he largely developed behind the scenes, the Rams are counting on Noteboom to take ownership of the left guard job vacated by Rodger Saffold, their longest-tenured player and a respected anchor on one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

Noteboom played only 79 non-special teams snaps last year, 46 of which came at left tackle in relief of Andrew Whitworth in the last game of the season. The others came in spot appearances across five other games.

Now he’s in line to replace one of the best guards in the NFL.

It’s one of two huge holes the Rams are trying to fill along an offensive line that enjoyed uncommon health and consistency the last two years and, not coincidentally, provided the sturdy foundation on which the highest-scoring offense in the NFL operated.

Jared Goff could count on a whole bunch of things while taking the field each week alongside one of the most dangerous offenses in football, not the least of which was being protected by one of the most-experienced offensive lines in the NFL. And overwhelmingly, it was the same five linemen each and every game.

That won’t be the case this year — at least in terms of experience.

In addition to losing Saffold to free agency, the Rams also released John Sullivan, their starting center the last two seasons. Sullivan’s level of play took a noticeable dip last year, but he still provided a dependable voice and much-needed wisdom inside the locker room and at the line of scrimmage, where he was responsible for communicating blocking calls. There was a nuanced value to Sullivan that isn’t easily replicated.

Brian Allen, a fourth-round pick out of Michigan State last year, will get the first crack at replacing Sullivan. He’s a wide, rugged, sturdy brawler whose base power holds up well at the point of attack. His strength and street fight should mitigate some of the pressure opposing defenses were generating along the interior of the line late last year, but there will be a learning curve relative to the intricacies of playing center.

And while there is hope that Noteboom and Allen will make seamless transitions to their starting roles — and expedite the transition process of replacing two-fifths of the offensive line — there is no getting around the fact that the departures of Saffold and Sullivan mean 19 years of experience just walked out the door.

To replace it, the Rams are counting on two players with a combined 116 NFL snaps.

And until Noteboom and Allen prove capable, it’s fair to wonder how much fire the Rams are playing with as they prepare to defend their NFC championship.

Here is a look at how the Rams offensive line looks heading into the summer.

The starters

The Rams caught a break when Whitworth announced he’d be back for another year, as it eliminated the potential need to either replace the entire left side of the line or make the difficult decision to let outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. walk in order to retain Saffold.

The Rams eventually will have to replace Whitworth — most likely by sliding Noteboom from guard back to his more natural left tackle position — but thankfully that’s a challenge for a different day. That means Goff’s backside will be protected by one of the best in the business in Whitworth, and Noteboom can ease into a starting role while playing alongside a dependable veteran.

In spite of battling through some injuries, Whitworth graded out even better last year than he did the season before, according to Pro Football Focus, and finished as the third-ranked tackle in the NFL. So while he’s approaching age 38 and his 14th NFL season, his level of play is holding up extraordinarily well.

Right tackle Rob Havenstein, whom the Rams rewarded with a long-term contract extension last summer, is coming off his best statistical season while finishing with the seventh-highest grade among tackles by PFF. No other NFL team had two tackles ranked among the top seven by PFF, and only the Saints had two within the top 10.

Austin Blythe, who beat out Jamon Brown for the right guard position last year, finished 2018 as PFF’s 12th-ranked guard. That said, Blythe has considerable room to grow and needs to develop more consistency. That was an issue across the second half of last season, and specifically in losses against the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and in the Super Bowl against the Patriots, when he yielded far too much ground to defenders in both the run and pass games.

Blythe’s challenge moving forward is to consistently replicate his divisional-round playoff performance against the Dallas Cowboys, arguably his best game of the year. If so, he’ll take a major step forward.

The uncertainty is at center and left guard, where Allen and Noteboom are being counted on to fill some very big shoes. The Rams drafted both players with this situation very much in mind, knowing Noteboom would fill a starting role at guard or tackle as early as 2019 and that Allen, a favorite of general manager Les Snead during the 2018 draft evaluation process, would be groomed to take over for Sullivan at some point.

While neither player got extensive playing time last year, they both played relatively well. Noteboom graded out much better as a pass-blocker than a run-blocker according to PFF — 88.8 to 62.7 in his 79 overall snaps — which is not surprising given he played in a pass-heavy offense at TCU. His task ahead is to improve his run-block mark, and he possesses all the necessary tools to be a formidable force in that part of the game.

Allen’s most-extensive action came in the regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers, when he played 18 snaps at center and graded out at a respectable 70.7 by PFF. Like Noteboom, Allen fared better against the pass than the run, but given his strength, skill set and competitiveness, he’s got a chance to develop into an effective run blocker. If he can conquer the mental aspects of the position, he’s got a chance to provide an upgrade over Sullivan in time.

“The really good thing about those two players in particular and the way we were able to do it is, we were able to draft them a year earlier than we expected them to contribute for us — and both of them did,” Snead said. “They both have played at this point in time. But the nice thing about that is it gives them a chance to get into Sean (McVay)’s system and then (Aaron Kromer) to do his magic developing them, so when you do ‘call their name,’ per se, they’re ready or more ready than they would’ve been as a rookie. So, that’s the benefit of being able to do that.”

Said McVay: “When you look at where we are at offensively, we feel really good about Brian Allen and Joe Noteboom stepping up into big-time roles this year.”

The reserves

The departures of Sullivan and Saffold and the expected promotions of Allen and Noteboom resulted in a major hit to the Rams’ depth. And it means they’ll be relying mostly on rookies and inexperienced veterans for backup support.

In fact, only G/T Jamil Demby, C/G Aaron Neary and G Jeremiah Kolone return from last year’s regular and practice squad rosters to compete for reserve roles in 2019. That means 2019 draft picks Bobby Evans (T, Oklahoma) and David Edwards (T, Wisconsin) have real opportunities to win jobs in training camp. The Rams also signed undrafted free agents Chandler Brewer (G, Middle Tennessee), Brandon Hitner (G, Villanova) and center Vitas Hrynkiewicz (Youngstown State) to add to the competition.

Of that group, only Neary has played a regular-season NFL game, and that was in 2017.

Given the fact that only three of their five offensive linemen — at this point — have starting experience in the NFL and the backups have appeared in just one game, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more inexperienced group from top to bottom in the NFL.

The coach

Even with this obvious level of inexperience along the offensive line, there is a reason the Rams aren’t freaking out. Well, three actually.

First and foremost, the starting group is bookended by two of the best tackles in the NFL in Whitworth and Havenstein, both of whom are willing and gracious veterans with a knack for helping teammates in the classroom, locker room and on the field. That will play well with a group as green as the Rams, and a starting unit that has to blend two new players into the fold as quickly as possible. Whitworth and Havenstein will be critical to that process in setting a tone of communication and accountability.

“I think the rapport that these guys play with up front — I know it’s not under-appreciated in our building – but, I think the continuity that we’ve been able to sustain has been really instrumental in a lot of the success that we’ve had,” McVay said. “You look at a Brian Allen and Joe Noteboom potentially playing at a different spot — and Coach Kromer does a great job moving guys around — but, it’s getting a feel if it’s playing that left guard spot, the rapport with Andrew Whitworth. It’s Joe getting a feel for playing next to Brian Allen or whatever it is. It’s Austin Blythe and Brian getting comfortable playing with one another, the communication the way that they work in unison.

“Those five guys are really a unit and their ability to work in coordination, to understand the calls, the different things that take place, really, outside of what we’re exposed to as coaches is something that’s going to be fun watching it evolve. I think what’s been special about that group up front is really the ownership that they’ve taken in terms of what we’re trying to get done offensively and then taking it to a whole new level. So just the experience factor is going to be big. It’s going to be something that we’ll get a feel for as it progresses. We have a foundational outline of what we want it to look like, but then really the players take it to the heights or the levels that you want it to, hopefully, when they take that ownership on.”

Just as importantly, the confidence the organization has in Kromer to identify and develop talent, and then mold that individual talent into an effective group, greatly reduces the level of angst. Keep in mind the 2017 hiring of Kromer, as respected a talent evaluator, teacher and tactician as there is in the NFL, coincided with the turnaround of the Rams’ offensive line from the worst in the league to one of the best. That is not a coincidence.

Aside from Havenstein, whose arrival pre-dated Kromer by two years, every lineman on the offensive line is here primarily due to a vote of confidence from Kromer.

That includes the members of this year’s draft and undrafted free-agent classes, all of whom come to Kromer as pieces of clay to be sculpted and molded over the next four months into potentially reliable contributors. That means not getting too locked into positions, either. When you learn under Kromer, it’s best to embrace mobility and versatility. He usually figures out the right place for you.

Havenstein and Brown flip-flopped positions during the 2017 offseason before Kromer settled on Havenstein as his right tackle. Saffold was moved up and down the line of scrimmage until Kromer came aboard and made him the full-time left guard. Blythe was a center in college and with the Indianapolis Colts during part of the 2017 season, but Kromer saw a potential starting right guard when the Rams claimed him off waivers. Demby and Noteboom have trained at both tackle and guard under Kromer. Allen has trained at guard and center.

“I always say, when you bring a guy to Coach Kromer, there’s no one position with him,” Snead said. “He may start at this position on the first series and then three series later, he went from right tackle to left guard. I think that’s a really great quality with Coach Kromer is he definitely throws them in the fire, allows them to get a feel for what it’s like getting in stances from different sides of the ball, whether you’re outside or inside and how you think in that. He gets a feel for who can truly, truly be a versatile lineman. The goal is to get those guys and be as versatile as possible.”

In summary

The Rams absolutely have their work cut out for them in getting Noteboom and Allen up to speed as full-time starters. They are both highly regarded inside the Rams’ building and possess all the necessary skills to be effective NFL players. But there are no guarantees it all works out. Given how lofty the Rams’ aspirations are for 2019, they are walking a bit of a tightrope.

Just as important, the Rams face a challenge making sure their inexperienced backups can step in and produce when called upon. That process kicks into high gear over the next month as the Rams continue their offseason program ahead of the start of training camp in July.

Nevertheless, they have established an effective infrastructure to help ensure their objectives are met.

One way or another, in a season of high expectations, it will be a fascinating subplot to keep an eye on.

Originally this was in a different thread but it belongs here.

Hanifan, Boudreau, Kromer … OL coaches & drafting linemen

I don’t know how much responsibility these guys had in particular drafts, but as a rule, OL coaches are heavily involved in picking linemen at draft time. I’ve said before that Kromer is good at it (and has been for a while) so let’s do the numbers.

With Kromer, I do his years as the OL coach in Oakland (2002-2004), New Orleans (2009-2012), Chicago (2013-2014), and Buffalo (2015-2016). That’s 11 years. I don’t do every year for Hanifan and Boudreau. With Hanifan, it’s with Washington (1990-96) and the Rams (97-2003)…which is 14 years. With Boudreau I do his first stint with the Rams (2006-7), his stint with the Falcons (2008-2011), and his 2nd stint with the Rams (2012-2016)…which is 11 years.

I count as hits players who became starters at one point and stuck in the league as starters. I don’t do career back-ups.

With that criteria I get this:

Hanifan, 21 OL drafted, 6 hits 28.6% (including Pace and Tucker…he was better w/Vermeil there).
Boudreau, 18 OL drafted, 7 hits. 38.9%
Kromer, 12 OL drafted, 9 hits. 75%.

Though with Kromer, in his last 4 years before the Rams–with Chicago and Buffalo (2013-2016)–he’s 100% (4 for 4).

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Rams are ‘counting on’ Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen as starters

Rams are 'counting on' Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen as starters

There weren’t many offensive lines better than the Los Angeles Rams’ unit last season, if any at all. The Rams won the Offensive Line of the Year award for their play up front in 2018, led by Andrew Whitworth, Rodger Saffold and Rob Havenstein.

Three of the five starters will be back in the mix next season, but two key players are no longer in the picture. Saffold signed with the Titans in free agency and John Sullivan was cut, opening the door for two second-year players to step in as starters.

Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen were drafted last year to be future cogs on the offensive line, which is exactly what they’re expected to be in 2019. Noteboom will likely step in at left guard, while Allen will replace Sullivan at center.

It appears there won’t be much competition at either position despite the Rams adding Bobby Evans and David Edwards in the draft, and also having Jamil Demby on the roster.

“There are some changes. We’ve got a little bit more continuity on the offensive side of the ball, but we’ve got two guys we’re counting on starting up front that need to do a great job of implementing themselves into the language, the vernacular, with Brian Allen and Joe Noteboom. You want to continue to see guys take steps in the right direction,” McVay said Tuesday.

Evans and Edwards were both tackles in college, but after the draft, O-line coach Aaron Kromer said both would work at tackle and guard. Those comments seemed to open the door for the rookies to potentially compete with Noteboom at left guard, or entice the Rams to plug one in at right guard and move Austin Blythe to center (if Allen struggled).

That may not be the case now as the Rams seem set on sticking with Noteboom and Allen inside, barring some real difficulty from either player in camp or the preseason.

Austin Blythe aiming to become ‘more physical, dominant player’

Austin Blythe aiming to become 'more physical, dominant player'

The Los Angeles Rams made a change to their offensive line last season, but not necessarily by choice. Right guard Jamon Brown was facing a two-game suspension to start the year, and so they had to find a short-term replacement.

Well, their interim right guard became the permanent one with Austin Blythe starting every game for the Rams last season. The center-turned-guard had a strong first season as a starter in 2018, but it was by no means perfect.

Blythe knows there are areas in which he has to improve in order to take the next step in 2019.

“Just being a more consistent football player,” Blythe said, via Vincent Bonsignore of The Athletic. “I think I started the season out strong last year but you know, down the stretch, like I said that I took for granted how my body was feeling, didn’t get the treatment and recovery stuff I needed. But number two, just being a more physical, dominant player both in the run and the pass. And having fun with it, too. Towards the end of the season, I probably put a little too much pressure on myself and I’ve just to remember I’m a good football player and I’m in the position I am because I’m a good football player. So just remembering that and having fun with it.”

Blythe mentioned that he thought his body was feeling good during the season, but he may not have been as healthy as he could’ve been.

“I thought I was feeling healthy, but looking back I think there are some things I can do to get in the training room — just small things — just recovery stuff and making sure I’m feeling great come day time,” he said.

The Rams did draft two offensive linemen in Bobby Evans and David Edwards, but that doesn’t put Blythe in danger of losing his job. He’s almost certain to be the starting right guard again and Sean McVay is looking forward to him becoming an even better player in Year 2.

“I think just continue to take steps,” McVay said of what he wants to see from Blythe. “He played really good football. I think when you look at just production in the run game, production in pass pro, having an understanding and a mastery of some of the things we’re trying to do specific to our identity offensively. He’s got great athleticism – when you want to measure some of the lengths and things like that, he plays long, he plays fast, he plays physical, and he was productive. And I think that’s a real credit to him.”

Blythe is entering a pivotal season, not only because the Rams are welcoming two new starters on the offensive line with Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen, but because it’s the final year of his contract.

The Rams rewarded Rob Havenstein last offseason before he played the last year of his rookie deal, and a similar approach could be taken with Blythe. However, it’s likely they’ll want to see a larger sample size from the one-year starter.

If he gets off to a good start, though, don’t be surprised to see the Rams extend a contract his way.

from The NFL’s balanced offensive linemen by PFF Grade from 2018

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-the-nfls-balanced-offensive-linemen-by-pff-grade-from-2018

Note: they are looking at which linemen scored best in BOTH run and pass blocking. they choose one player for each general position (OT, OG, OC) and then add 1 honorable mention per position. So they name 6 players total.

Honorable Mention: Andrew Whitworth, Los Angeles Rams

Andrew Whitworth earned a 78.4 run-blocking grade and an 86.1 pass-blocking grade with Los Angeles in 2018, both fifth among offensive tackles. He’s been nothing short of outstanding throughout his career, earning 70.8 or higher overall grades in all but one season in the PFF era (2006-18), including an 83.1 overall grade last season.

wv wrote:

I know Kromer has done good things, but my gut tells me the “Kromer-factor” is not gonna be enough.

I see Winter coming. I see body-parts all laid out in mysterious spirals. I dont see a wall that can hold up.

Darkly yours,
w
v

Well you have some legit question marks.

IMO Noteboom isn’t one of them though. Noteboom (6’5 321) is the same dimensions as Saffold (6’5 323). In terms of guards and LOTs playing each others’s spots, Saffold played left OT before he was a guard, and Whitworth started his career at guard (2006-2008) before moving to tackle (in 2009). So I don’t see any issues there.

Question marks, one at a time.

Blythe. I have hesitations about Blythe myself. But at the very least, they have a couple of guys behind him in Demby and Evans. Demby is getting good buzz so far and we know Kromer likes him. In fact I bet they could start Demby at guard this season and do fine.

Allen. It’s hard to replace Sullivan’s knowledge and experience, though this year the center does not make all the line calls. Some of that falls to Goff. Sullivan, however, had turned into a physical liability at the position, and Allen doesn’t have that problem. Of note: going back years, Kromer has always had a good center. And as often as not, his centers didn’t do as much either before or after Kromer was their coach. AND unlike Hanifan and Boudreau, Kromer can pick guys in the draft. The two teams before the Rams (Chicago and Buffalo) his draft picks are 100% hits. So if he sees something in Allen, I am inclined to trust that until something happens that undermines that.

Whitworth. Age. It was already something of an issue last year. So that’s a legit question.

WORST CASE SCENARIO: Noteboom goes to LOT, Demby to LOG, Blythe to center, Evans to ROG. I actually think that would be a good line.

If it were ME, I woulda kept Saffold and not signed Hav (even as well as he’s playing) and replaced ROT and would have kept Noteboom in depth for both guard and tackle. I would have suggested that to them but they stopped taking my calls.

Out of all those questions my biggest is Blythe, but as I said I trust Demby to step in if it comes to that.

So mine is the more optimistic view.

Yours sincerely, the 3-eyed Ram

Jamil Demby showing exceptional versatility, playing every O-line spot

Jamil Demby showing exceptional versatility, playing every O-line spot

The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line is undergoing a minor facelift this year. Rodger Saffold left in free agency and John Sullivan had his option declined, creating holes at left guard and center. Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen, two second-year players, are expected to step in as the replacements for those veterans, but their promotion also leaves the Rams needing backups.

They drafted Bobby Evans and David Edwards this year, and toward the end of last season, they poached Jamil Demby off the Lions’ practice squad. Demby was originally drafted by the Rams in Round 6 last year, but he was shockingly waived. Some regret must’ve set in because Los Angeles felt the need to get him back.

Now he’s become the Rams’ most versatile offensive lineman.

On Tuesday, offensive line coach Aaron Kromer said Demby is working out at every spot up front – even center.

“He had the opportunity last year to go away and come back and we both appreciate each other more from that separation and coming back and that has allowed us to grow at a faster rate,” Kromer said. “Jamil has played four or five spots, actually – he’s getting reps at all five at this point – so we feel strongly about what he’s done in this offseason. Obviously games are more important these practices in no pads, but we feel really good about him.”

At the moment, the Rams don’t have a clear-cut backup at center. Austin Blythe played the position in the past, so there’s a chance he could slide over to center in a pinch. But then that opens up a hole at right guard. Aaron Neary has a chance to back up Allen, though he doesn’t seem like someone the Rams are very high on.

Ideally, Demby can be a Swiss army knife, of sorts, and be backup at whichever position the Rams need him at. He took first-team reps at left tackle when Andrew Whitworth was taking days off in OTAs, so the coaches are clearly confident in him.

Regardless of where he winds up, that versatility will be extremely valuable this season.

Aaron Neary appreciates Rams for treating backups like starters

Cameron DaSilva

Aaron Neary appreciates Rams for treating backups like starters

There aren’t many teams in the NFL as deep as the Los Angeles Rams. They have starting-caliber players pushed down on the depth chart as backups and reserves, which makes it difficult for overlooked players to crack the 53-man roster.

Offensive lineman Aaron Neary is a player who could have a hard time making the Rams, given the talent they have up front. He’s been a backup his entire career, but he appreciates the way Los Angeles treats its reserves compared to other teams he’s played for.

“I’ve been on other teams where you notice you’re in the back seat,” said Neary, via the Spokesman-Review. “But here you’re loved. You’re treated like a starter. It’s awesome.”

Neary previously spent time with the Broncos, Eagles and Browns, bouncing around from practice squad to practice squad. The Rams actually waived him last September, at which point he was picked up by Cleveland.

When the Browns released him a week later, the Rams signed him to their practice squad on Sept. 11. He has an uphill climb to the 53-man roster, having to prove he can back up Brian Allen at center and possibly even display the versatility to play guard, too.

He would love to be a starter someday, but for now, he’s just working on getting better despite not getting reps with the first-team offense.

How do coaches evaluate offensive linemen during the offseason program?

Myles Simmons

https://www.therams.com/news/how-do-coaches-evaluate-offensive-linemen-during-the-offseason-program

No contact, no pads.

Those are the provisions that all NFL teams must follow during the offseason program, and the Rams certainly are in that camp.

But there are certain positions that almost need to have pads in order to be properly evaluated — including the offensive line. The five up front routinely have to use every tool at their disposal in order for plays to be successful. And without pads, that can’t entirely happen — which is why defensively linemen often run past quarterbacks in the backfield during OTAs and minicamp.

So what’s the best thing to look for in the offensive line during the spring?

“The biggest thing that you’re trying to do is, we spend a lot of time as an offensive line in individual drills. So in those periods we will use a shield or a bag or a sled to really reenact or really create that physicality that you need and how you’re really going to hit these blocks,” run game coordinator/offensive line coach Aaron Kromer said at minicamp. “And then when you get to team [drills] you know, you lighten up because of the no pads. So I think you really try to get it during those periods, and then we are continuing some run periods where the guys on defense are using shields so we can use a little more power.”

As Kromer put it, really the strong evaluations have to come during training camp and preseason games. That’s part of why running back Todd Gurley not participating in the on-field elements of OTAs and minicamp isn’t as big of a deal as it could’ve been.

Kromer pointed to the fact that L.A. wasn’t in pads when addressing how much not having Gurley affected the club’s preparation for the season.

“We don’t have our shoulder pads on, we’re not in full pads, and to get the full realm of the run game we can’t bang against each other too much and get the full amount of technique and those kind of things to get a perfect look at the run game,” Kromer said. “So right now it’s just understanding the nuances of the run game, everyone just upping their game a step or two from last year, seeing what we can improve on looking forward to next year.”

“So it’s really a passing camp this time of year,” Kromer continued. “The majority of them are passes and you do a little bit of run game and a lot of times to go fast you might use some guys with shields so guys can come off the ball harder because they are using a shield and you can maybe contact them a little more physically. But this time of year isn’t a time other than watching the tape, doing the things in individual that you need to get done, and then when you get to team without the pads, it’s really preseason and the season when you get to that level.”

But now, that part is effectively done. After a couple camp practices, the Rams will be in full pads and the true evaluations will begin — particularly with one-on-one blocking drills. That’s where the individuals on the offensive and defensive lines can truly improve and start to separate themselves from the pack — especially if they can block back-to-back AP Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.

from PFF: NFL offensive line rankings: All 32 teams’ units entering 2019

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-nfl-offensive-line-rankings-all-32-teams-units-entering-2019

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13. LOS ANGELES RAMS
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP:
Left Tackle: Andrew Whitworth
Left Guard: Bobby Evans
Center: Brian Allen
Right Guard: Austin Blythe
Right Tackle: Rob Havenstein

Either rookie Bobby Evans or 2018 third-rounder Joseph Noteboom will step in for Rodger Saffold at guard, and 2018 fourth-rounder Brian Allen is expected to replace longtime veteran John Sullivan at center. None of the three youngsters have played significant snaps in the NFL, but all of them earned high marks at the collegiate level. Noteboom earned a 77.0 overall grade and a 91.6 pass-blocking grade in his last year with TCU, and Allen earned 81.0-plus overall grades in each of his last three seasons at Michigan State. Evans, a third-round pick in this year’s draft, earned a 72.3 overall grade at left tackle in 2018 and an 86.2 overall grade at right tackle in 2017.

There’s much less to worry about with the Rams’ returning starters. Tackles Rob Havenstein and Andrew Whitworth are two of the best in the game right now, and guard Austin Blythe earned a career-high 71.0 overall grade this past season that he should build off in 2019.