In April, left tackle Joe Noteboom was one of over 400 college prospects eager to make his dreams a reality by becoming a professional athlete. Now eight weeks later, a lot has changed for the TCU product.
Not only was he selected by the Rams in the third-round of this year's draft, but he has also completed his first set of OTAs in the NFL — marking a significant transition for the 22-year old.
"[It was] pretty awesome," Noteboom said. "The main difference has been being on your own. You're not babied as much, so you have to be more accountable and responsible. But you learn quick. It's the NFL — you do everything you can to stay here."
Check out photos from Day 10 of the Los Angeles Rams OTA.
The three-week session was the left tackle's first taste of playing in the league, something he says has been "pretty on par from what I thought" heading into it. And although the Rams' high-speed offense is admittedly more detailed than his college scheme, Noteboom has been fortunate to learn from a talented group of linemen.
Last season, the club's offensive line was ranked among the best in the league and features one of the top tackles in the game in Andrew Whitworth. As he did in 2017, the 13-year veteran has made a point to take the younger players under his wing.
"He's really a laid-back guy, but really experienced," Noteboom said. "He has these little details he can tell you about that no one really knows [and] he's so willing to help us. It's not like a waste of his time, he's glad to help. Usually he comes up to us and tells us stuff."
But it's not just the mentorship from the older vets that has surprised the rookie tackle. For Noteboom, one of the most exciting aspects of OTAs was getting to observe and learn from head coach Sean McVay.
"I knew he was a good coach from what he did last year, but seeing him, he knows every position — their
techniques, their footwork, everything like that," he explained. "Just really impressed with him and seeing in person what a great coach he is."
And now that Noteboom has a feel for both the coaching staff and roster, he is hopeful that during the rest of the offseason his progress will come more steadily.
"Just knowing the playbook front to back and knowing exactly what to do, so I don't have to think about it so much," Noteboom said of his offseason goals. "Just work on my technique from here on out."
