The Rams had very good OL depth when they had Jamon Brown. He was an experienced starter that could play multiple spots as their 6th man. Noteboom was the 7th OL and Allen the backup center. No NFL team has more than 2 decent backup OL so their depth was as good as it was realistically going to be.
The Rams (right or wrong) deemed adding Fowler to the defense more valuable than keeping Brown as the 6th man on the OL. So now the top spots are held by Noteboom and Allen. They've played 23 and 10 offensive snaps, respectively, plus some on special teams.
Those two are getting experience in practice every week (especially since Whitworth and Sullivan get frequent Wednesdays off- remember this is what helped Blythe's development last year) and just being active on game days helps. But longer term? The question is can one (or both) be prepared to start in 2019? Only Kromer and McVay really know that.
If Sullivan retires after this year and they insert Allen as the starter from day one of OTAs I think he can be ready for next September. He needs work with Ted Rath as much as anything. With Noteboom, since he's played several spots maybe they see him as their LG next year and then LT in 2020. Who knows. Depends on Whitworth and re-signing Saffold or not (which I would hope they do). .
Regardless, I expect the Rams top use a pick in the top 3 rounds next April on another OL. Keep (re)stocking that cupboard.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/11/2018 04:52AM by LMU93.
