Joseph Noteboom is in a competition with Alaric Jackson for the starting left tackle spot for the Los Angeles Rams, and he’s getting reps at another position during the preseason. In case Noteboom doesn’t get named the starting left tackle, the Rams are also having him compete for the starting right guard spot.
Buy Rams TicketsSean McVay confirms that Joe Noteboom, who has been repping in at RG last couple practices, will compete there but doesn’t exclude him from also competing at other positions. Opened training camp competing at LT.
More from this morning’s column: https://t.co/CyMETSHgLd— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 10, 2023
The Rams handed Noteboom a three-year, $40 million contract before the 2022 season, though they reworked his deal earlier this offseason. Noteboom entered last season as the team’s starting left tackle, replacing Andrew Whitworth following his retirement from the NFL.
But in Week 6 versus the Carolina Panthers, Noteboom suffered a season-ending torn Achilles, cutting his 2022 campaign short. After needing months to recover, the Rams have brought Noteboom along slowly, and he was able to practice throughout training camp.
Even though Noteboom was believed to be the long-term replacement at left tackle for Whitworth, Sean McVay and Mike LaFleur have made it clear that the best offensive linemen will start this season. Jackson has performed well in Noteboom’s absence in the offseason and he’s gotten plenty of meaningful reps at left tackle.
Many assumed that Logan Bruss would play guard this season, but he’s been getting more snaps at right tackle. And with Tremayne Anchrum currently listed as the starting right guard, Noteboom is beginning to get more reps in the interior.
The Rams are giving Noteboom every chance they can to earn a starting job in 2023, and if it’s not at the left tackle position, he could make the move to right guard.