Finding an available 'stud Left Tackle' is not that easy.
There were five OTs selected in the 2023 Draft, and all started in their rookie season but None started at LT.
This past April, the OTs drafted after #19, were Fautanu, Morgan and Guyton. Only Tyler Guyton is starting at LT to open the season. Suppose the Rams could have tried to trade-up for a LT but that would have cost their 1st and 2nd round picks ... so, No Verse of Fiske.
Free Agency options the past two off-seasons were limited and expensive.
Alaric Jackson, with Joseph Noteboom in reserve, are far from ideal but under the circumstances ... limited draft capital and cap space, plus other areas of need ... those two players seemed like reasonable options for a very important position.
OL-depth is very important because injuries should be expected.
What should not be expected ... But can happen ... is for a team to have 5 of its top-6 offensive linemen injured (or suspended) at one time. Unfortunately, that's what the Rams are dealing with Havenstein, Avila, Jackson, Dotson(?) and Noteboom all down.
Good news (Hopefully) is that it's early; and as many as three of the five players could be available for Week 3.