Here’s BonifayRam…
I believe there is ZERO chance the Rams would move away from including Joe Noteboom in their future plans for the 2023 OL unit. The best performances @ LT in our Championship 2021 season was by JN. Other prospects for the Rams starting LT are few to none at this point when the 2023 TC begins.
JN's Professional NFL Resume:
2018- Top draft pick JN was assigned Back-Up position & remained healthy for the entire season. In his rookie season, JN only got 78 snaps with the offense.
2019-Coach Kromer awarded JN a starting position. JN did not finish his 5th start. JN suffered a torn ACL and MCL on October 15, 2019, & placed on season-ending Injured Reserve. JN has reconstructive knee surgery.
2020- JN awarded a starting OL position. After starting 3 gms on September 24, 2020 JN suffered a calf injury & placed on Injured Reserve. He was activated on November 14, 2020, as a Reserve OL. JN was injured again & out for the Packer's 1/16/2021 playoff gm.
2021- JN assigned as Back-Up OL'er. As a Back up he started 2 regular-season gms. JN was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Dec. 18, 2021. JN got in 173 snaps during the regular season with the offense. During the NFC Championship gm JN injured his chest. JN was placed on season-ending IR missing the Super Bowl. JN only took a total of 15.9 % of the snaps with the regular offense in 2021.
2022- JN replaced Whitworth as a starter. He started 6 gms & suffered a torn Achilles & placed season-ending Injured Reserve.
Pro's on JN's behalf:
*JN's contract would mandate him remaining part of the team's OL in 2023.
* JN has proven to be an excellent Back-Up LT. The Rams roster will need a reserve veteran LT even if it's costly.
* JN has a history of outstanding play coming off the bench from the Back-Up LT position.
Con's against planning for JN to be the starting LT.
* JN has been in the NFL for 5 years during this time he has been on the injured reserve Four times.
* JN's serious 2022 injury & surgery place his availability early in the 2023 season doubtful.
* JN has yet to play over a half seasons worth of snaps.
* JN has never finished more than 5 games as a starter.
Conclusion
The evidence above indicates JN has a very good history as a Back-Up LT. Facts show that the Rams previous template for JN as the Back-Up LT worked out positively for the team with no negative events. Planning for JN to be a Back-Up LT provides him a good opportunity to reclaim a starting position. The best decision for both JN & Rams is to scheme that when he returns to full health prepare JN to fill the #6th Reserve OL position.
