It’s often said that in the NFL, versatility goes a long way toward getting noticed by coaches. If a defensive end can also kick inside and play 3-technique, it boosts his value. If a safety can come down and play cornerback, he immediately becomes a greater asset.

Injuries happen in the NFL and it’s impossible to predict where they’ll occur. Having capable players at multiple positions is crucial, particularly on the offensive line. That’s exactly what the Rams have up front with their backup offensive linemen.

Need proof? Take a look at this unit that took the field for team drills on Sunday in training camp.

If you look at the Rams’ official roster on their website, here’s where each of the following players are listed:

Lucas: OT Neary: C Blythe: C Noteboom: OT Demby: OG

That’s three out of five players technically playing “out of position.” When you take into account that Blythe is the front-runner to replace Jamon Brown at right guard for the first two games for the season, that’s four players lining up where they typically don’t.

That’s not only a testament to the personnel executives building a roster with great flexibility, but it’s also a credit to offensive line coach Aaron Kromer training guys at different positions. After all, you simply never know when or where a player is going to go down and need to be replaced.

It also helps free up roster spots for other positions, too. If Noteboom can prove to not only be a capable swing tackle, but also a viable option at guard, the Rams could choose to part ways with someone like Darrell Williams rather than carrying two or three offensive tackles.

That’s absolutely something Les Snead and Sean McVay thought about when Noteboom was taken in Round 3. Flexibility isn’t everything in the NFL, but it definitely helps a great deal, especially with how often injuries happen.

“We feel fortunate that we were able to keep that continuity last year, but I think Coach Kromer does a great job of cross-training a bunch of guys,” McVay said last week. “You can see that we invested in some younger players in the draft – guys that we’re excited about, the development they’ve made in a short amount of time they’ve been with us.”