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Allen, Noteboom named Rams' key homegrown players for 2019
usatsi_11976642.jpg
By: Cameron DaSilva | 14 hours ago
The Los Angeles Rams’ roster is a good mix of homegrown talent and acquisitions from trades and free agency. From top to bottom, they have one of the best depth charts in the NFL.
Heading into 2019, there will be several new starters both on offense and defense, particularly in the trenches. Brian Allen and Joseph Noteboom are expected to slide in at center and left guard, respectively, replacing John Sullivan and Rodger Saffold.
NFL Media’s Gregg Rosenthal sees those two linemen as the most important homegrown players for the Rams entering next season.
Noteboom and Allen were taken in the third and fourth rounds of last year’s draft to play left guard and center, respectively. (Noteboom could also be a candidate at left tackle when Andrew Whitworth retires.) They were groomed for one season before Rodger Saffold left in free agency and center John Sullivan‘s contract option was declined. These are the transitions that good organizations handle without disruption, and there is little internal consternation about the changes. Rams offensive line coach Aaron Kromer has already proven to be a terrific developer of talent, helping last year’s line play with impressive cohesion.
The Rams will have some competition on the offensive line with David Edwards, Bobby Evans and Jamil Demby all on the depth chart, as well. However, after having a year to learn from veterans, Allen and Noteboom clearly have the advantage over the rest of the group.
If Allen struggles to call out blocking assignments and pre-snap reads right away with Jared Goff, it could take some time for them to develop the chemistry that was previously present with Sullivan. The biggest concern with Noteboom is his play strength, which is lacking when compared to Saffold.
No matter how you cut it, Allen and Noteboom will have to step up next season. If the offensive line takes a significant step back, so will the entire offense.
Allen, Noteboom named Rams' key homegrown players for 2019
usatsi_11976642.jpg
By: Cameron DaSilva | 14 hours ago
The Los Angeles Rams’ roster is a good mix of homegrown talent and acquisitions from trades and free agency. From top to bottom, they have one of the best depth charts in the NFL.
Heading into 2019, there will be several new starters both on offense and defense, particularly in the trenches. Brian Allen and Joseph Noteboom are expected to slide in at center and left guard, respectively, replacing John Sullivan and Rodger Saffold.
NFL Media’s Gregg Rosenthal sees those two linemen as the most important homegrown players for the Rams entering next season.
Noteboom and Allen were taken in the third and fourth rounds of last year’s draft to play left guard and center, respectively. (Noteboom could also be a candidate at left tackle when Andrew Whitworth retires.) They were groomed for one season before Rodger Saffold left in free agency and center John Sullivan‘s contract option was declined. These are the transitions that good organizations handle without disruption, and there is little internal consternation about the changes. Rams offensive line coach Aaron Kromer has already proven to be a terrific developer of talent, helping last year’s line play with impressive cohesion.
The Rams will have some competition on the offensive line with David Edwards, Bobby Evans and Jamil Demby all on the depth chart, as well. However, after having a year to learn from veterans, Allen and Noteboom clearly have the advantage over the rest of the group.
If Allen struggles to call out blocking assignments and pre-snap reads right away with Jared Goff, it could take some time for them to develop the chemistry that was previously present with Sullivan. The biggest concern with Noteboom is his play strength, which is lacking when compared to Saffold.
No matter how you cut it, Allen and Noteboom will have to step up next season. If the offensive line takes a significant step back, so will the entire offense.
