Ram used his top pick in 2018 on a lesser-known tackle from TCU. That player was, of course, Joseph Notebook.
They framed him with the plan that he would eventually replace Andrew Whitworth as his starting left tackle, not knowing when Whitworth would decide to retire. The Rams probably thought the Notebook could take over in early 2019, but Whitworth signed a three-year extension in 2020 and has yet to retire from the NFL.
On Monday, Mede made a commitment to demonetisation for a long period. They agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $47.5 million, with an original value of $40 million and a guarantee of $25 million.
Whitworth is still on the roster, but this expansion to The Notebook indicates that Whitworth is likely to move out. And after four years of patiently waiting for its chance to start, The Notebook is finally getting its shot.
He has had a chance to start here and there before, but never as a full-time player. In 2019, Notebook was the starting left guard for six games before being injured. He seemed more unrivaled internally, struggling with strong defensive tackles.
In 2020, he started nine games while Whitworth was out with a knee injury, and last season, he made two starts in the regular season – one on a right tackle and one on a left tackle – and another for Whitworth in the playoffs. Started the game.
So while $47.5 million sounds like a lot for a player who has never been the primary starter in a left tackle, The Notebook proved he is capable of playing a big part in 2022 – assuming Whitworth is indeed gets retired.
One of the Notebook's biggest moments came in the divisional round of the playoffs when he started with a left tackle and went toe-to-toe with Jason Pierre-Paul on the left. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed a pressing, zero sack and earned a pass-blocking grade of 86.3.
He only had one game in which he allowed more than three pressures, which shows how reliable he is to the Rams. And in the last two seasons, he has dropped a total of three sacks.
Rams is confident of stepping into notebook left tackle, and once Whitworth officially retires, it will be the notebook's perch for the next three years.