Steve Avila, Joe Noteboom Placed On Injured Reserve
The Los Angeles Rams placed offensive linemen Joe Noteboom (ankle) and Steve Avila (knee) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, meaning the pair of starters will not be eligible to return until after the Week 6 bye. This is a troubling development for the Rams, who also placed Paka Nacua (knee) or IR. While dealing with a banged-up offensive line against the Lions in Week 1, Kyren Williams could only produce 50 rushing yards on 18 carries. Until the Rams offensive line returns to health, there could be little running room to work with, which lowers Williams' floor and ceiling moving forward.
Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Steve Avila could have the best path to immediate playing time in 2023 among the team's rookie draft picks. The Rams have options with Avila; they have an opening at guard, or they could play him at center. In the long-term, The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue sees Avila taking over at center and having a solid career at the pivot. The 23-year-old has drawn rave reviews for his character and work ethic, and he's exactly the type of player that the Rams need to help stabilize a roster that is in disarray after a 2022 season that saw them miss the postseason after winning the Super Bowl the previous year.
One of the bigger pre-draft risers has been Texas Christian University interior offensive lineman Steve Avila. He could come off the board late in Round 1 of this year's NFL draft on Thursday night. At worst, Avila will probably be off the board within the first 10 picks on Day 2 on Friday evening. NFL teams love his versatility, and he's a solid player, writes ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay. Avila has a full season of starting experience at both center and left guard and plays with good flexion and body control for his size at 6-foot-3 1/2, 332 pounds.
Steve Avila
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Rams
