Do LA Rams need a bonafide franchise left tackle? Do the LA Rams need a bonafide franchise left tackle? [ramblinfan.com] by Bret Stuter Do the LA Rams need a bonafide franchise left tackle? by Bret Stuter The retirement of venerable veteran offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth was about more than just another NFL offensive lineman retirement. It marked the closing chapter of one of the NFL’s standout blindside protectors. Over the course of his 16-season NFL career, Whitworth competed in 239 regular season games and started 235 of those. He also started 15 NFL playoff games over his career. NFL Champions all have several outstanding players in key positions as the common element. Those positions are quarterback, pass rusher, blind side blocker, shut down cornerback, and wide receiver. While the talent level of other positions on those championship teams can vary from team to team if those five positions are covered and that team remains healthy, that NFL team has a good chance to enjoy a great season. So the question now is, do the LA Rams truly have a franchise blind-side offensive tackle? This season, the LA Rams had started multiple players at left tackle. So how did they do? Name Snaps Penalties Sacks allowed Joe Noteboom 325 3 5 Alaric Jackson 166 2 1 Ty Nsekhe 92 3 0 Bobby Evans 41 0 2 A.J. Arcuri 54 0 0 Joe Noteboom started the season at left tackle, but he clearly struggled in the role. But have the Rams played anyone at left tackle who warrants the moniker of a franchise left tackle? I’m not so sure. Make blindside blocker the top priority Rather than blow up the entire offensive line roster, perhaps the secret is to target specific roster spots where an upgrade can make the biggest impact. If that is the case, then why not target an outstanding veteran or rookie offensive tackle who can fill that role? Whether or not you believe he is on the Rams roster or not, it makes sense for this team to throw an investment into the left tackle. The Rams could return Joe Noteboom to an offensive guard role that he seemed to play well enough in 2020. And the Rams do have Max Pircher, Alaric Jackson, and even A.J. Arcuri who could compete to start at left tackle next season. But the Rams need to get it right, and not have any guesswork about it. The entire offense starts with the offensive line. And the entire offensive line starts with a franchise blindside blocker. Is any such player on the Rams roster right now? In my mind, finding that player is a top priority for the Rams from now through the end of the season. And if now prospect surfaces, that player becomes a top priority from either the NFL Free Agency market or the 2023 NFL Draft.https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989562#msg-989562Sun, 09 Aug 2026 12:54:00 -0400 Phorum 5.2.18 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989691#msg-989691 Re: Whitworth was SO much more than just a top notch LT.....https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989691#msg-989691
I've posted several times that Whitt was the card that held up the house. Our line was a mess until McVay brought him here, and like you state, it was the intangibles that made him great. The mentoring, culture building, on field coaching. All of it.

We aren't replacing him.

Center and guard are our biggest needs. Nothing snuffs out your offense like inside pressure, and every week it's like a dam breaking. And our LTs after Noteboom seem OK. But the chasm of leadership on the line is so dismaying. Havs ain't that guy. And I just don't know who is available who could be that guy.

Sean knew how important stabilizing this line meant to winning. It was his first order of business after he was hired, and the first time I really realized we were getting a good coach. He knew where he needed to start working first. I hope he realizes it again when this season wraps up. Fixing the line needs to be the first priority.]]> Old Goat RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 14:03:33 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989681#msg-989681 Though Not A 2023 FA, I Believe That Houston Will Move Tunsilhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989681#msg-989681
I think that the Texans will look to move him at the draft.

He and Orlando Brown are two of the better LT's in the league who will be available (and KC might tag Brown again).

Considering his age and ability, Tunsil will likely require giving up our 2024 1st (and then a hefty extension).

But he's a very good LT. Would like to pair him up with Jackson at LG and Shelton at center.]]> ramBRO RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 13:40:03 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989657#msg-989657 Re: Like upgrade at left tackle and center - Bradbury very nicehttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989657#msg-989657
Quote
ferragamo79
Jackson moves to guard and is back up LT and Bruss and Coleman compete for RG

draft a couple of OL high in the draft to compete for positions

depth Brewer Anchrum

They save a lot cutting Noteboom and Allen.....both have missed a ton of games (Noteboom 23 starts going into year 6) and are mediocre when they play.

That said, not sure they can find a free agent LT

I really like it, F79. That would be a terrific OL, I think.

The flexibility of Jackson and Shelton make this very doable. Jackson, in particular, has proven to be a helluva OG.

Make it so, Snead.]]> Rams43 RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 12:17:04 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989656#msg-989656 Like upgrade at left tackle and center - Bradbury very nicehttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989656#msg-989656
draft a couple of OL high in the draft to compete for positions

depth Brewer Anchrum

They save a lot cutting Noteboom and Allen.....both have missed a ton of games (Noteboom 23 starts going into year 6) and are mediocre when they play.

That said, not sure they can find a free agent LT]]> ferragamo79 RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 12:11:14 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989640#msg-989640 some 2023 free agent OLhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989640#msg-989640
Kelvin Beachum, Arizona Cardinals
Garrett Bradbury, Minnesota Vikings
Orlando Brown Jr., Kansas City Chiefs
Jack Conklin, Cleveland Browns
Nate Davis, Tennessee Titans
Andre Dillard, Philadelphia Eagles
George Fant, NY Jets
Cameron Fleming, Denver Broncos
Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay Packers
Kaleb McGary, Atlanta Falcons
Connor McGovern, NY Jets
Mike McGlinchey, San Francisco 49ers
Mitch Morse, Buffalo Bills
Ethan Pocic, Cleveland Browns
Dalton Risner, Denver Broncos
Wes Schweitzer, Washington Commanders
Isaac Seumalo, Philadelphia Eagles
Jawaan Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars
Billy Turner, Denver Broncos
Isaiah Wynn, New England Patriots]]> LMU93 RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 11:34:18 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989638#msg-989638 It hasn't thoughhttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989638#msg-989638 Ram_Ruler RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 11:24:52 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989632#msg-989632 Re: I want us to go after ALL positions on the O line, ASAP!https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989632#msg-989632
Quote
Ramgator
It's glaringly obvious we need MUCH better across the board AND depth. O line has been ignored and nothing but an afterthought for MANY years. That HAS to change.

I am so with ya there, Gator. NONE of our Oline is even close to being a top ten player at their position. NONE can dominate their guy. That, IMO, is inexcusable.]]> chico n da rams RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 10:58:10 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989622#msg-989622 I want us to go after ALL positions on the O line, ASAP!https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989622#msg-989622 Ramgator RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 09:44:29 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989620#msg-989620 Re: Noteboom is very close to being a bust....a big one to boot....https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989620#msg-989620 Ramstien RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 09:35:44 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989619#msg-989619 Re: Whitworth was SO much more than just a top notch LT.....https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989619#msg-989619 Ramstien RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 09:33:49 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989618#msg-989618 Noteboom is very close to being a bust....a big one to boot....https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989618#msg-989618 roman18 RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 09:33:20 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989616#msg-989616 Whitworth was SO much more than just a top notch LT.....https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989616#msg-989616
I so wish he'd come back as a line coach, IMO he could make lemonade out of these lemons.]]> roman18 RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 09:29:35 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989607#msg-989607 that's the spot that could have the biggest ripple effecthttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989607#msg-989607by far all year. We saw it again this Sunday with Skura having a rough game.

Whether by free agency or the draft upgrading the LG spot could really help both whoever is at LT and the C. Then you have Shelton vs. Bruss again (and Anchrum?) for the RG spot. Arcuri and Brewer as added depth.

I'd love to see a free agent LG signed and then draft a top center or just any BPA OL with one of their top two selections in the Draft.]]> LMU93 RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 08:45:23 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989604#msg-989604 I think left guard is the biggest need.https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989604#msg-989604
Allen is the guy they like. Not just for pass and run blocking but for his chemistry with Stafford. Here to stay (I'd draft his replacement though).

Havenstein is on his last legs but he's the one stable cog.

LT will either be Jackson or Noteboom. Rams made thier bed on that one.

Two guys in the draft I love:
John Michael Schmitz- I think you can play him at left guard and then move him to center once Allen's contract is up. 320 pound athletic menace on the interior.

Jaelyn Duncan - dancing bear. Smooth pass sets. Could possibly play him at LG as a rookie too.]]> Ram_Ruler RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 08:37:15 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989597#msg-989597 Re: I think Jackson already jumped him on the depth charthttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989597#msg-989597
Quote
ramBRO
Quote
Rampage2K-
Noteboom will be cut or moved to guard....Jackson looked much better from the eye test


What "eye test" is that? Jackson has barely played and is currently out with a non-football injury.

Would luv nothing more than to find a "diamond in the rough" player, but I'm skeptical at such a critical position.

I saw a stat that showed in 2022

Noteboom played 325 snaps allowed 5 sacks and had 3 penalties

Jackson played 425 snaps allowed 1 sack and has 2 penalties

granted they didn't play the same opponents, but those stats confirm the eye test]]> Rampage2k RamsFootballFans.comTue, 29 Nov 2022 01:09:50 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989591#msg-989591 Re: I think Jackson already jumped him on the depth charthttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989591#msg-989591
Quote
Rampage2K-
Noteboom will be cut or moved to guard....Jackson looked much better from the eye test


What "eye test" is that? Jackson has barely played and is currently out with a non-football injury.

Would luv nothing more than to find a "diamond in the rough" player, but I'm skeptical at such a critical position.]]> ramBRO RamsFootballFans.comMon, 28 Nov 2022 23:57:33 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989589#msg-989589 I think Jackson already jumped him on the depth charthttps://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989589#msg-989589 Rampage2k RamsFootballFans.comMon, 28 Nov 2022 23:44:08 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989580#msg-989580 With BG.https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989580#msg-989580 alyoshamucci RamsFootballFans.comMon, 28 Nov 2022 22:34:09 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989564#msg-989564 I think counting on Noteboom would be a mistake..https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989564#msg-989564 sstrams RamsFootballFans.comMon, 28 Nov 2022 21:17:31 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989563#msg-989563 Re: Do LA Rams need a bonafide franchise left tackle?https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989563#msg-989563
Bigger need is the interior at Guard and Center, IMO.]]> BigGame81 RamsFootballFans.comMon, 28 Nov 2022 21:16:07 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989562#msg-989562 Do LA Rams need a bonafide franchise left tackle?https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,989562,989562#msg-989562
[ramblinfan.com]

by Bret Stuter

Do the LA Rams need a bonafide franchise left tackle?
by Bret Stuter

The retirement of venerable veteran offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth was about more than just another NFL offensive lineman retirement. It marked the closing chapter of one of the NFL’s standout blindside protectors. Over the course of his 16-season NFL career, Whitworth competed in 239 regular season games and started 235 of those. He also started 15 NFL playoff games over his career.

NFL Champions all have several outstanding players in key positions as the common element. Those positions are quarterback, pass rusher, blind side blocker, shut down cornerback, and wide receiver. While the talent level of other positions on those championship teams can vary from team to team if those five positions are covered and that team remains healthy, that NFL team has a good chance to enjoy a great season.

So the question now is, do the LA Rams truly have a franchise blind-side offensive tackle?

This season, the LA Rams had started multiple players at left tackle. So how did they do?

Name Snaps Penalties Sacks allowed
Joe Noteboom 325 3 5
Alaric Jackson 166 2 1
Ty Nsekhe 92 3 0
Bobby Evans 41 0 2
A.J. Arcuri 54 0 0
Joe Noteboom started the season at left tackle, but he clearly struggled in the role. But have the Rams played anyone at left tackle who warrants the moniker of a franchise left tackle? I’m not so sure.

Make blindside blocker the top priority

Rather than blow up the entire offensive line roster, perhaps the secret is to target specific roster spots where an upgrade can make the biggest impact. If that is the case, then why not target an outstanding veteran or rookie offensive tackle who can fill that role?

Whether or not you believe he is on the Rams roster or not, it makes sense for this team to throw an investment into the left tackle. The Rams could return Joe Noteboom to an offensive guard role that he seemed to play well enough in 2020. And the Rams do have Max Pircher, Alaric Jackson, and even A.J. Arcuri who could compete to start at left tackle next season.

But the Rams need to get it right, and not have any guesswork about it. The entire offense starts with the offensive line. And the entire offensive line starts with a franchise blindside blocker. Is any such player on the Rams roster right now? In my mind, finding that player is a top priority for the Rams from now through the end of the season. And if now prospect surfaces, that player becomes a top priority from either the NFL Free Agency market or the 2023 NFL Draft.]]> Rams43 RamsFootballFans.comMon, 28 Nov 2022 21:07:43 -0500