Who is LA Rams’ replacement for Andrew Whitworth in 2022?

Replacement options for Whitworth

Before we begin, let me start off by saying that the LA Rams cannot replace a player whose depth of wisdom and NFL knowledge spans nearly a score of NFL play.  Even if the Rams could somehow find a player who could play at or nearly at an elite level on the football field, what about the endless supply of advice and knowledge that Big Whit has shared with his younger teammates over the years?

So the goal is not to ‘replace’ Andrew Whitworth (which cannot be done), but rather fill the void left on the LA Rams starting offensive line. The LA Rams have some excellent choices already on the roster. But why not toss in some veterans just to be sure?

• LA Rams – Joseph Noteboom
• LA Rams – David Edwards
• LA Rams – A.J. Jackson
• NFL Free Agency – Eric Fisher
• NFL Free Agency – Nate Solder

Two names who do not appear in this list are those of OT Bobby Evans and OT Chandler Brewer. In the case of Bobby Evans, his track record has not been anywhere close to that of a player who appears to be ready to go it alone against some of the best and fiercest pass rushers in the NFL. Until he demonstrates proficiency in a cameo role, there is no reason to believe that he can handle a starting role.

As for Chandler Brewer? The LA Rams coaching staff has been very high on his potential, but that has yet to translate into any type of dominant play on the football field, even in preseason games. Of course, due to medical circumstances, he opted out of the 2020 NFL season, which interrupted his development. But now, coming off a full season in 2021, he will still need to showcase dominant play.

Option I: Joseph Noteboom

On Monday, March 14, 2022, the Rams struck a deal with offensive lineman Joseph Noteboom. Noteboom locked up a  three-year deal worth $40+ million just a few days before the start of the NFL 2022 free agency. Just as a refresher, that is the type of money reserved for a starting offensive left tackle. The LA Rams, and not some other NFL team, viewed Joseph Noteboom as the type of player who can step up as a 2022 starting offensive left tackle.

As of now, Noteboom is number one on the depth chart for the left tackle position. The 26-year-old offensive lineman made three starts in 2021, two of which were at the left tackle position, including a start at the left tackle position in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.

Perhaps more importantly, he subbed in for seven games at left tackle for Andrew Whitworth and held his own well enough to help the Rams secure an NFL Playoff berth. The third-round pick out of TCU from the 2018 NFL Draft is clearly the frontrunner for the starting left tackle position going into the 2022 season.

Based on how he has handled his business so far, he has earned the promotion.