5 Rams Leaving Los Angeles in the New Year
By Joe Summers
5. Joe Noteboom - OT
Originally a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Joe Noteboom reworked his contract to take less salary to stay with the team, but it doesn't appear he's in the organization's future plans.
He's suited up for only three games and performed terribly, ranking 124th out of 137 tackles in pass-blocking at Pro Football Focus. Reshaping the entire offensive line is among the most important priorities for Les Snead and Sean McVay, so a player like Noteboom is an obvious candidate to find a replacement for.
At 29 years old, he's never been a dependable starter and likely won't improve at this point. To maximize the roster as they transition to the future, the Rams need to prioritize youth and development at every position. That's bad news for Noteboom but is still the right way to build an organization that can compete in 2025 and beyond.
What a fantastic game Joseph Noteboom @jnoteboom70 had in the divisional playoff round thriller against Tampa Bay. His pass blocking was superb and he seems to be getting better with each start at Left Tackle pic.twitter.com/hODuucbNWp
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) January 24, 2022
The player in that above clip looked exciting and like someone who could remain a starter for years to come. He's never reached those heights again though, and Matthew Stafford's declining mobility makes it critical to ensure he has the best line possible protecting him.
Once considered a potential long-term option at left tackle, Noteboom has been reduced to the backup right tackle. He's fallen out of favor with the coaching staff and should seek greater opportunity elsewhere.
Los Angeles is focused on sustained success. There are a lot of difficult decisions to make in the coming months but letting Noteboom go won't be one of them.
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