The Los Angeles Rams report to training camp at the end of July. In the weeks leading up to the return of football, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the team, so we can tide you over with football tidbits until we get there. Previously, we talked about quarterbacks. Today, we’re talking about the Rams’ offensive line. 

Although the Rams sensibly worked through the earliest days of free agency this spring to solidify their offensive line — extending left tackle Joe Noteboom and center Brian Allen — it became clear that however they braced themselves for the inevitable retirement of stalwart left tackle Andrew Whitworth, the reverberations of him doing so would be felt long after he made his decision.

Minus Whitworth, Noteboom will step into the role he was drafted for in 2018 — but which was delayed as Whitworth, well, simply kept going. Whitworth, who head coach Sean McVay says has an “open invitation” to the team’s facilities (he’s already been to a couple of spring practices), was a major chunk of the backbone of the Rams’ culture — a culture that contains others who are ready to lead (such as right tackle Rob Havenstein), but that which will also have to develop in new ways.

Taking over for Whitworth is perhaps an unenviable task for Noteboom — and at one of football’s most unenviable positions — but it’s clear that Noteboom has put a great deal of consideration into his preparations to do so. Even last summer, Havenstein pulled me aside before a practice and told me that the group was really proud of how Noteboom had transformed his body, working long hours in Whitworth’s own garage weight room (nicknamed “The Dojo”). At that time, Noteboom was filling a quiet depth role. This summer, he must be ready for much more.

Additions: Logan Bruss, AJ Arcuri

Subtractions: Whitworth, Austin Corbett

From left: AJ Arcuri, Rob Havenstein and Logan Bruss (Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today)

Whitworth isn’t the only offensive lineman whose presence the Rams will miss: Corbett, their former cheerful (and massive) right guard, signed with the Panthers in free agency and will become a core presence on that embattled line. The Rams knew they’d have to part ways with Corbett if they also were going to invest in Noteboom (among other large-scale contract considerations this spring), and he’ll net them an eventual compensatory pick. Meanwhile, Bruss will compete with Coleman Shelton and Tremayne Anchrum to take over at the position.

Depth chart: Noteboom, David Edwards, Allen, Bruss, Havenstein. AJ Jackson (left tackle, guard), Anchrum (guard/tackle), Shelton (center/guard), Arcuri (tackle).

I have Bruss, the Rams’ third-round pick this spring, slotted into the right guard position because head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead made it very clear that they expect Bruss to contribute immediately, however, Shelton or Anchrum could absolutely also play the position. This particular projected two-deep offers the Rams position flexibility, but also gives up-and-coming players a chance to compete and really develop with valuable reps.

There are other more veteran players — Chandler Brewer and Bobby Evans, for example — who will still compete for a spot on the two-deep. But this summer, the team has to make a decision whether it should keep the older players in continued depth roles, or pave the way for younger players to get a larger share of the reps. Expanded practice squad rules (including for veteran players) will also help the Rams manage this situation. They can also keep Max Pircher on the practice squad without costing a spot, as a part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.

Arcuri, despite his seventh-rounder status, might be a player to watch over the next couple of years. His frame is massive — in fact, he reminds me quite a bit of Havenstein — but his development will be key.

2022 outlook: There’s a lot of promise in this group, albeit large shoes to fill at left tackle and right guard minus Whitworth and Corbett. But in 2021, the Rams’ offensive line faced uncertainty at center and still posted one of their best seasons as a group in the McVay era. Under blossoming assistant coach Kevin Carberry, this group can be very good for a long time … provided they stay healthy. Noteboom and Allen have both dealt with serious injuries in past years.

Long-term outlook: The Rams hope they’ve found their next franchise left tackle in Noteboom, but the development of their youngest linemen can’t be overlooked, either. Anchrum and Shelton appear ready to take on more prominent roles while Jackson, Arcuri and Bruss could mature into important players in the future.