Kromer likes what he's seen out of Noteboom, Allen

[CGI_Ram]

https://www.therams.com/news/kromer-likes-what-he-s-seen-out-of-noteboom-allen

Kromer likes what he's seen out of Noteboom, Allen

Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen have some big shoes to fill.

We’ve all known that since the Rams lost former left guard to free agency and made the decision to decline the option on former center John Sullivan’s contract.

As of now, nothing is exactly set in stone. But it’s safe to call Noteboom the projected starter at left guard and Allen the projected starter at center.

So how did they do throughout the offseason program?

“They’ve had a great opportunity this offseason to get all the repetition that they needed that can really help them grow to understand how to handle it themselves,” run game coordinator/offensive line coach Aaron Kromer said. “It’s their line, it’s their group, they’re one of the top guys now and that comes with a little responsibility, and I think they’ve handled it really well. Through study, through understanding, and then going out on the field and — as much as we can do at this point in the year — they did a good job of getting through that and learning how to practice and how to fundamentally do things, how to see things defensively that the defense is trying to do. So I thought it was a good start to the process.”

One of the advantages both Noteboom and Allen have headed into their first year as starters is that they were both on the roster last year. That means they don’t have to learn the playbook and get used to the system like a rookie — or a free agent coming in from elsewhere, for that matter.

“The organization did a wonderful job of understanding that we could be in this situation at this time. So they didn’t wait until this year to be ready for this replacement plan, they did it a year ahead of time,” Kromer said. “So you obviously got Joe and Brian who have a year under their bet, being in the meetings, understanding what’s going on, learning from good players like Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan — we are going to miss that experience — but they’ve gained a lot of experience through watching them practice and watching them play games.”

There is a difference between integrating a center and a guard into an offensive line, however. It’s a bit simpler for the guard, because centers have to make calls at the line of scrimmage.

“With the center’s job being so important with initiation the calls, whether it be protection or the run game, they need more meeting time, more time to ask more, study, more visual of what defenses look like, what stances look like when people are going to move, all those things,” Kromer said. “And that’s the time that Brian has put in. The same thing we were ready for [right guard] Austin Blythe if he was going to play last year, we were preparing him to be the backup center, and so he’s got that preparation and Brian. So we are giving those guys a lot of work at seeing defenses and understanding how defenses work.”

And according to quarterback Jared Goff, there’s been a little extra studying between the new battery-mates throughout the offseason.

“We play Fortnite together,” Goff revealed on Tuesday. "Play a little Fortnite, we’ll talk protections on the mics. Just see what each other is thinking when we’re not on the field, and go through some blitz pickups over XBOX.”

At this level, every little bit helps.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Definitely the most important aspect of our season being successful is the level of these guys play.

 

[Riverumbbq]

 

[Zodi]

We're going to miss Saffold out there, no doubt.

 

[Akrasian]

We're going to miss Saffold out there, no doubt.

Of course. But keeping him would likely have cost multiple other players in a cascading effect, and Noteboom needs starting experience before he slides over to LT in 2020.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

"So we are giving those guys a lot of work"

So does it sound like he's saying Blythe is still getting C work also? It's some comfort to me Blythe is a proven center, in case some shuffling is needed.

 

[BonifayRam]

Training Camp is going to be an interesting group to follow from day to day.

"So we are giving those guys a lot of work" So does it sound like he's saying Blythe is still getting C work also? It's some comfort to me Blythe is a proven center, in case some shuffling is needed.

Looks like a very smart plan to me. Blythe has been active for 44 NFL games & started 19 of them in 3 seasons. Is a far more natural center than RG IMO. Having both Blythe & Allen ready to go @ starting center just fits for this upcoming 2019 season. They could be considering Demby as the emergency to both of them @ center too from what we have read.

Kromer knows that its highly probable that he will need two new starting OGs in 2020. I would imagine that OG pending situation will be on his mind this 2019 TC & Pre-Season.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Blythe.... Is a far more natural center than RG .

Definitely closer to prototype Center size and footwork and second level blocking than most guards

 

[Ram65]

“With the center’s job being so important with initiation the calls, whether it be protection or the run game, they need more meeting time, more time to ask more, study, more visual of what defenses look like, what stances look like when people are going to move, all those things,” Kromer said. “And that’s the time that Brian has put in. The same thing we were ready for [right guard] Austin Blythe if he was going to play last year, we were preparing him to be the backup center, and so he’s got that preparation and Brian. So we are giving those guys a lot of work at seeing defenses and understanding how defenses work.”

Rams drafting players that love the game and are willing to put the time in to learn and get better is the key to the future. Allen is just that type of player. He many not have been the highest rated player by other teams in the draft but, the Rams know he is going to work at his craft. Same with Noteboom.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Of course. But keeping him would likely have cost multiple other players in a cascading effect, and Noteboom needs starting experience before he slides over to LT in 2020.

I've always been a proponent of building a good offensive line by finding these 3rd 4th 5th round draft picks that were just under coached in college but have the physical tools and then coaching them up into your unit, how you want them to play in your unit.

 

[oldnotdead]

Soul old school GM's always looked for their Olines in rounds 2-5. In rounds two they would take their LT and Centers. There were several reasons for taking oline players in these rounds. It was because it was so technique heavy it took time to develop them as quality starters. Also the washout rate was high.

Things have changed somewhat because college programs spend more time coaching up their oline players. But even now I still feel that rounds 2-4 are the best rounds to find oline. Look for the traints and talent and coach them up.

 

[Akrasian]

I can understand currently not drafting OL high - but in a few more seasons if they keep drafting well the Rams will have a serious pipeline of players going. In that case, if the best prospect at #32 is at OL, that's who they should take, particularly if the Rams have a guy going free agency in a season, so they have a year to develop the draftee, then four seasons to start him. An elite OL really helps the team, after all.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Soul old school GM's always looked for their Olines in rounds 2-5. In rounds two they would take their LT and Centers.

I would say that most GM's look for their "surefire" left tackles in the first round.

If Noteboom continues to look great and develops into a top half of the NFL starting left tackle I would say we pulled a coup.

I can't say enough about our scouting staffs ability so far to find quality players with not so quality picks.

 

[oldnotdead]

People look at the first round LT starters and ignore how many first round OT's actually bust. I think it was back in 2013 that there were 5 OT's taken in the first round. One of the 3 best OT's to come out of that draft was Terron Armstead who was taken in the 3rd round. In that draft Eric Fisher (1), Luke Joeckel (2), Lane Johnson (4), DJ Fluker (11), Justin Pugh (19) were all first rounders. I believe only 2 have made the Pro Bowl and only Lane Johnson has had a better career. Joeckel, Fluker and Pugh all busted as OT's and are now OG's.

I would be surprised if Noteboom isn't the Rams LOT for years. His length and play radius are almost prototypical as well as his athleticism. What dropped him in the draft was his inconsistent play particularly in the run game. Many had a second round grade on this kid. There was nothing in his combine or Senior Bowl workouts that would be any kind of red flag. All his flaws look to be technique related, i.e. correctable with good coaching. He's had an entire year to correct those issues and now he needs experience. A year at LG is the perfect place for him before taking over for Whitworth next year. I was elated and surprised he dropped to the bottom of the 3rd round. He reminds me of Terron Armstead in many ways. IMO the Rams got an absolute steal in him.

This FO and coaching staff is outstanding in their scouting talent evaluations and in their drafts and in developing those players. In the 6 & 7 rounds most teams are just drafting camp bodies. The Rams are finding quality depth which is why they have been able to build this team so quickly.

 

[CGI_Ram]

People look at the first round LT starters and ignore how many first round OT's actually bust. I think it was back in 2013 that there were 5 OT's taken in the first round. One of the 3 best OT's to come out of that draft was Terron Armstead who was taken in the 3rd round. In that draft Eric Fisher (1), Luke Joeckel (2), Lane Johnson (4), DJ Fluker (11), Justin Pugh (19) were all first rounders. I believe only 2 have made the Pro Bowl and only Lane Johnson has had a better career. Joeckel, Fluker and Pugh all busted as OT's and are now OG's.

I would be surprised if Noteboom isn't the Rams LOT for years. His length and play radius are almost prototypical as well as his athleticism. What dropped him in the draft was his inconsistent play particularly in the run game. Many had a second round grade on this kid. There was nothing in his combine or Senior Bowl workouts that would be any kind of red flag. All his flaws look to be technique related, i.e. correctable with good coaching. He's had an entire year to correct those issues and now he needs experience. A year at LG is the perfect place for him before taking over for Whitworth next year. I was elated and surprised he dropped to the bottom of the 3rd round. He reminds me of Terron Armstead in many ways. IMO the Rams got an absolute steal in him.

This FO and coaching staff is outstanding in their scouting talent evaluations and in their drafts and in developing those players. In the 6 & 7 rounds most teams are just drafting camp bodies. The Rams are finding quality depth which is why they have been able to build this team so quickly.

Good points.

Interesting article on bust rates: https://bleacherreport.com/articles...e-safest-riskiest-at-the-top-of-the-nfl-draft

 

[Rams43]

Training Camp is going to be an interesting group to follow from day to day.
Looks like a very smart plan to me. Blythe has been active for 44 NFL games & started 19 of them in 3 seasons. Is a far more natural center than RG IMO. Having both Blythe & Allen ready to go @ starting center just fits for this upcoming 2019 season. They could be considering Demby as the emergency to both of them @ center too from what we have read.

Kromer knows that its highly probable that he will need two new starting OGs in 2020. I would imagine that OG pending situation will be on his mind this 2019 TC & Pre-Season.

Outstanding post, Bonifay.

I, too, see two new starting OG’s in ‘20, unless one of Demby, Edwards, or Evans somehow beats out Blythe at RG this year.

This Kromer guy certainly likes to plan ahead, doesn’t he? Like a chess player looking about 5 moves ahead at all times?

 

[nighttrain]

I can understand currently not drafting OL high - but in a few more seasons if they keep drafting well the Rams will have a serious pipeline of players going. In that case, if the best prospect at #32 is at OL, that's who they should take, particularly if the Rams have a guy going free agency in a season, so they have a year to develop the draftee, then four seasons to start him. An elite OL really helps the team, after all.

And at #32 you have the player for 5 years, one to get him up to speed and 4 to kickass
train

 

[Riverumbbq]

Jared Goff and Brian Allen developing chemistry with 'Fortnite'

By: Cameron DaSilva | June 16, 2019 8:00 am ET

After taking snaps from John Sullivan the last two years, Jared Goff will have someone new at center in 2019. Second-year player Brian Allen is stepping in after the Rams moved on from Sullivan this offseason, transitioning from rarely-played backup to starter.

Allen not only has to be a consistent and reliable blocker, but he also has to work in tandem with Goff before each snap. He has to make calls at the line, identify blitzers and set the protection of the line, which is a huge part of being a starting center.

Goff likes what he’s seen from both Allen and fellow second-year player Joseph Noteboom, who’s replacing Rodger Saffold at left guard.

“Brian’s been great. It’s been fun growing with him and learning more about the way we work together and it’s helped me develop even further,” Goff said. “And then Joe’s done a good job, as well. Joe’s been obviously in the red jersey so he hasn’t been able to be as physical as I’m sure he’d like to be, but he’s done a good job mentally and has been sharp.”

Goff and Allen began developing some chemistry last year in practice, but it’s gotten even stronger this offseason. Working together in OTAs and one day of minicamp was beneficial for both of them, as is playing “Fortnite” together online.

“We play ‘Fortnite’ together. Play a little ‘Fortnite,’ talk protections on the mics, just see what each other is thinking when we’re not on the field and go through some blitz pickups over Xbox,” Goff said.

It’s hard to tell if Goff was being serious about discussing blitz pickups while playing “Fortnite,” but just the fact that they’re building a relationship off the field is great to see.

 

[RamFan503]

And at #32 you have the player for 5 years, one to get him up to speed and 4 to kickass
train

Not sure how I punched in a careful rating on this. I removed it.

I feel like they will head at high skill players while not letting role players skip their grasp even if they have to go up or down to get them.

Bottom line is that this group works as a unit for now and into the future while others work as segments paying lip service to what should be obvious. No egos taking control.

 

[BonifayRam]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/06/17/nfl-rams-offensive-line-noteboom-allen-camp/

Rams O-line coach: Brian Allen, Joseph Noteboom off to a good start
By: Cameron DaSilva | June 17, 2019

The Los Angeles Rams aren’t facing many major questions heading into the 2019 season despite losing several key starters this offseason. They have to replace the likes of Ndamukong Suh, Lamarcus Joyner and Mark Barron, but those aren’t the most worrisome changes.

Rodger Saffold leaving in free agency and John Sullivan having his option declined cleared two holes on the offensive line at left guard and center. The Rams will insert Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen, two second-year linemen, into the starting lineup at those spots.

Offensive line coach Aaron Kromer knows there’s going to be a learning curve for them going from backups to starters, but he’s confident they’ll be able to handle the promotion.

“The organization did a wonderful job of understanding that we could be in this situation at this time. So they didn’t wait until this year to be ready for this replacement plan, they did it a year ahead of time,” Kromer said, via Myles Simmons of the Rams’ official site. “So you obviously got Joe and Brian who have a year under their belt, being in the meetings, understanding what’s going on, learning from good players like Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan — we are going to miss that experience — but they’ve gained a lot of experience through watching them practice and watching them play games.”

The Rams are currently on summer break before training camp in late July, but their work in OTAs and minicamp will certainly be valuable for Allen and Noteboom. Allen, in particular, got to build chemistry with Jared Goff, which is important for a quarterback and center.

Now projecting as starters, Noteboom and Allen are getting more work with the first-team offense and will go up against Aaron Donald and the Rams’ other top defenders in training camp, which will only further their development.

“They’ve had a great opportunity this offseason to get all the repetition that they needed that can really help them grow to understand how to handle it themselves,” Kromer said. “It’s their line, it’s their group, they’re one of the top guys now and that comes with a little responsibility, and I think they’ve handled it really well. Through study, through understanding, and then going out on the field and — as much as we can do at this point in the year — they did a good job of getting through that and learning how to practice and how to fundamentally do things, how to see things defensively that the defense is trying to do. So I thought it was a good start to the process.”