the OL (12/28)

Jourdan Rodrigue

from https://theathletic.com/4025345/2022/12/28/rams-roster-evaluation-offense-2023/?source=emp_shared_article

Offensive line

The offensive line has finally gotten its footing after starting the 2022 season with 12 combinations in 13 games. Two of the three players the Rams invested in via multiyear extensions this offseason, left tackle Joe Noteboom and center Brian Allen, have suffered season-ending injuries.

In 2023: I believe the Rams’ best version of the offensive line looks like this: Alaric Jackson (if he’s healthy), Noteboom or other, Coleman Shelton, Logan Bruss/Tremayne Anchrum/other, Rob Havenstein. The Rams could add to the position in free agency and the draft, but some of the players thrust into larger roles this season — such as Jackson and Shelton — have displayed huge potential despite their “undrafted free agent” billing. Like it or not, the Rams don’t necessarily adhere to a lineman’s draft status when equating his role or fit in their system.

I also think the Rams should keep Oday Aboushi if they can, as he has proved to be a solid depth player in a pinch. They will get Bruss back, but he still needs time to develop, and Anchrum should also be back and can play guard and backup tackle. Chandler Brewer played well at right guard in limited snaps before his injury.

The Rams would incur $7 million in dead money in 2023 alone if they cut Noteboom after June 1, and the toll would be $13 million before that date. The financial hit is far less if they trade him after June 1, but it’s hard to believe other teams would do that without first seeing how Noteboom returns from injury. For that reason, the Rams’ best 2023 option may be to play Noteboom at guard. His contract becomes much more movable in 2024. If Allen is cut before June 1, the Rams incur a $4.5 million dead-money hit, but a post-June 1 cut is a $1.8 million hit. The Rams love both players as teammates, but durability has always been a concern and certainly is now.