Rams training camp preview:
Offensive line looks different after offseason changes
Cameron DaSilva July 16, 2022
The Rams’ offensive line underwent some changes this offseason, and not necessarily by choice. Andrew Whitworth retired and Austin Corbett signed with the Panthers in free agency, leaving voids at left tackle and right guard.
Los Angeles didn’t waste much time filling those holes, though, re-signing Joe Noteboom and drafting Logan Bruss. They’re both expected to start, and the Rams hope there’s no drop-off from last year’s play up front – which was absolutely stellar.
Here’s a preview of the new-look O-line, which returns three starters.
- Joe Noteboom
- David Edwards
- Brian Allen
- Logan Bruss
- Rob Havenstein
There’s been a changing of the guard at left tackle, where Noteboom is replacing former All-Pro Andrew Whitworth. Noteboom signed an extension with the Rams this offseason, so he’s getting paid like a starting left tackle now, and he should excel in his full-time role.
Edwards, Allen and Havenstein are all locks to make the team and start up front, too, so there’s no danger for any of them.
Bruss is also a lock after being a third-round pick this year. He’s projected to start at right guard right now, replacing Austin Corbett, but he’ll still need to earn that spot.
- A.J. Jackson
- Coleman Shelton
- Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
I think both of these players will make the team. Jackson played relatively well in limited action last season, and he’s a player the Rams have really liked since signing him as an undrafted rookie a year ago.
Shelton received an extension this offseason, signing a two-year deal worth $3.25 million – more than many backup linemen are making.
- Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
- Bobby Evans
- A.J. Arcuri
- Max Pircher
- Chandler Brewer
- Jeremiah Kolone
- Adrian Ealy
- Jack Snyder
I almost put Anchrum and Evans in the group above as players who are likely to make the roster, but I’m just not sure about either of them leading up to this season.
Evans has been somewhat of a disappointment after it looked like he might be in line to start last year, and Anchrum has hung around as a backup.
What helps their case is that they both can play guard or tackle, giving the Rams added flexibility along the offensive line.
As for the other players on this list, it’s more of a mixed bag. Arcuri is a seventh-round rookie who will need to earn his roster spot, Pircher is likely to remain on the practice squad and Brewer is a versatile lineman who can play inside or out.
Kolone, Ealy and Snyder should all be considered long shots to make the team.
Bruss and Shelton are the two players I’m expecting to battle for the right guard position. Evans and Anchrum could also sneak into that competition, but I think it’ll come down to those two.
Bruss already got first-team reps in OTAs and minicamp, which needs to be taken with a grain of salt, but it’s clear the Rams don’t think his transition from tackle to guard will be much of a problem.
- Starters: Noteboom, Edwards, Allen, Bruss, Havenstein
- Backups: Jackson, Shelton, Anchrum, Evans
Is nine offensive linemen enough for the Rams? As long as they stash two or three on the practice squad, too, it should be plenty. Injuries always seem to happen at some point on the offensive line, so they’ll need starting-caliber players who can step up if needed.
Jackson and Shelton certainly offer that, and Anchrum and Evans could also develop into that type of player.
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