The Ravens have signed veteran offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom to strengthen their offensive line depth for the upcoming season.

In a strategic move to fortify their offensive line and ensure the protection of star quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens have signed veteran offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom. Noteboom, who brings with him a wealth of experience, is expected to provide a boost to a critical area of need for the Ravens as they aim to build a championship-contending team for the 2025 NFL season.

The Ravens have long prided themselves on their balanced offensive attack, which includes a powerful running game and dynamic passing opportunities led by Jackson. However, one of the team’s consistent challenges has been keeping their quarterbacks, including Jackson, well-protected in the pocket. Despite having a solid roster of offensive linemen, injuries and inconsistent play have often left the Ravens’ offense vulnerable at times. The addition of Noteboom, a 6’5″, 320-pound tackle, could prove to be the missing piece in Baltimore’s quest for another deep playoff run.

This article will examine Noteboom’s career, his impact on the Ravens’ offensive line, the significance of the signing, and what it means for the team heading into the 2025 season.

Joseph Noteboom: A Career Overview

Joseph Noteboom, originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, brings with him significant starting experience at both left and right tackle. Over the course of his career, Noteboom has demonstrated versatility, durability, and an ability to contribute at a high level in critical moments, which makes him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ offensive system.

Noteboom’s journey to the NFL began at TCU, where he played collegiate football for the Horned Frogs. Known for his athleticism and strong blocking abilities, Noteboom earned a reputation as one of the top offensive linemen in the country. His impressive performance at TCU led to his selection by the Rams in the 2018 draft. While he spent his early seasons with the Rams as a backup, he quickly worked his way into a starting role as a reliable contributor to their high-powered offense.

Over the past few seasons with the Rams, Noteboom has shown that he can handle the pressures of the NFL. Despite some ups and downs, he has been a key part of a unit that helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in 2022. His experience in big games, such as the NFC Championship and the Super Bowl, speaks to his ability to handle high-pressure situations—a quality the Ravens will be relying on in their pursuit of a championship.

Noteboom’s career thus far has been marked by both consistency and occasional injury setbacks. While injuries have limited his playing time at various points in his career, when healthy, Noteboom has been an asset to his team, offering flexibility to play both tackle spots. His physical profile—combined with his refined technique and adaptability—makes him a valuable addition to the Ravens.

The Ravens’ Offensive Line Struggles and the Need for Depth

For the Ravens, the offensive line has been a point of concern in recent seasons. Although the team has boasted a top-tier rushing attack led by Lamar Jackson, the unit has often been beset by injuries and inconsistency. In 2024, the Ravens’ offensive line was decimated by injuries, with key players like Ronnie Stanley, Kevin Zeitler, and others missing significant time. This instability led to a lack of continuity on the line, which ultimately hindered the Ravens’ offensive output.

Despite these challenges, the Ravens’ offensive line remained one of the better units in the NFL, thanks to standout performances from players like Stanley and Zeitler when healthy. However, the injuries highlighted the need for solid depth to ensure that the team wouldn’t suffer from setbacks during crucial moments of the season.

The addition of Noteboom comes at a critical time, as the Ravens are looking to bolster the offensive line and provide reliable protection for Jackson. Noteboom’s experience and versatility make him a perfect candidate to step into a starting role if needed or serve as a reliable backup who can play multiple positions. This depth will be crucial for the Ravens as they navigate a challenging season.

Noteboom’s Fit in the Ravens’ System

The Ravens run a unique offensive system that blends both traditional pro-style elements and the dynamic, fast-paced style that Lamar Jackson is known for. This offense requires offensive linemen who are not only capable of executing in pass protection but also adept at creating lanes for the run game. The Ravens’ running game, which has been a hallmark of their success, features power runs, zone schemes, and read-option plays—all of which demand linemen who can move quickly and effectively in space.

Noteboom’s skill set fits perfectly with what the Ravens are looking for in their offensive line. He is known for his strong run-blocking abilities, which will allow him to contribute significantly to the Ravens’ zone running schemes. His ability to move laterally and seal off defenders is crucial for setting up running backs like J.K. Dobbins to find lanes and break off big gains. Additionally, Noteboom’s mobility and quickness make him a strong candidate for pulling plays, where the offensive linemen need to move to the outside and create additional running room for the backs.

On the pass protection side, Noteboom is a solid technician who uses his length and footwork to keep defenders at bay. Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs often forces offensive linemen to hold their blocks for longer periods. Noteboom’s ability to handle edge rushers and create a clean pocket for Jackson will be invaluable in maintaining the stability of the Ravens’ offense. His versatility also gives the Ravens options in case of injuries or poor performance by other linemen, as he can play both tackle positions, offering flexibility in game plans.

The Importance of Depth and Flexibility

The Ravens’ decision to sign Noteboom is about more than just adding a quality starting offensive tackle. The signing is a reflection of the Ravens’ commitment to building depth on their offensive line, which is an area of the team that can quickly become a weakness if not properly reinforced. Over the course of an NFL season, injuries are inevitable, and having players like Noteboom who can step in and perform at a high level when needed is crucial to the team’s success.

In recent years, the Ravens have seen first-hand how injuries can derail a promising season. In 2024, for example, injuries to key players like Stanley and Dobbins disrupted the team’s momentum, forcing the offense to make adjustments on the fly. With Noteboom in the fold, the Ravens now have an experienced veteran who can step into any position on the line and provide stability in case of injury.

Additionally, Noteboom’s signing adds depth to a competition-heavy position group. While Stanley and Zeitler are the presumed starters, the addition of Noteboom gives the Ravens options in training camp, where players will be battling for starting spots. This competition can only improve the performance of the offensive line as a whole, as every player will be pushed to be at their best.

What This Means for Lamar Jackson

For Lamar Jackson, the signing of Joseph Noteboom represents a significant positive development for his 2025 season. Jackson, who is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, has often been under pressure due to the lack of consistent protection from his offensive line. While Jackson’s elusiveness and ability to extend plays with his legs have helped him avoid some sacks, a reliable offensive line is crucial to his success.

Having Noteboom, a proven veteran, helps ensure that Jackson will have more time in the pocket to read the defense, make plays down the field, and execute the designed passing plays. A stronger offensive line gives Jackson more opportunities to progress as a passer, moving beyond the “running quarterback” stereotype that has followed him throughout his career. As Jackson continues to develop his passing game, the security provided by Noteboom’s presence on the line will be essential.

Moreover, the Ravens’ commitment to protecting Jackson demonstrates their desire to build a team around him that can compete for championships. By addressing the offensive line’s depth, they are sending a clear message that they are focused on making Jackson’s job easier, which in turn makes the team more dangerous offensively.

The Path Ahead: A Super Bowl Push

With the addition of Noteboom to the offensive line, the Ravens are making it clear that they are serious about their championship aspirations in 2025. The team’s success hinges not only on Jackson’s brilliance but also on the ability of the offensive line to give him the time and space he needs to operate. By adding a veteran like Noteboom, the Ravens are strengthening one of the most important units on the team, giving them more flexibility and depth as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

With key players returning from injury and new acquisitions like Noteboom on board, the Ravens have the potential to put together a well-rounded and dangerous roster. If the offensive line can stay healthy and improve its consistency, the team will be primed for a deep playoff run, with aspirations of securing another Super Bowl title.

The Baltimore Ravens’ decision to sign veteran offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom is a savvy move to bolster their offensive line for the 2025 season. Noteboom’s versatility, experience, and ability to protect the quarterback make him an invaluable addition to the team. With the Ravens looking to build a championship-caliber roster, strengthening the offensive line is a key piece of the puzzle. As the season progresses, Noteboom’s contributions could play a pivotal role in the team’s success, providing stability and protection for Lamar Jackson and helping the Ravens achieve their Super Bowl goals.