When Todd Gurley found out neither Roger Saffold or John Sullivan would be returning to the Los Angeles Rams' offensive line this year, it hit him kind of hard.

The Rams opted not to bring back either offensive lineman this year, allowing Saffold to sign with the Titans in free agency and declining Sullivan’s option for 2019. Gurley knows how much the two will be missed.

Our off days together. It was cool, they taught me so much. To be able to be with Saffold my three times rushing for 1,000 yards and Sully to expand my brain and make me so much more knowledgeable as a running back and knowing defenses, being in the right position and protection. He taught me so much,” Gurley said.

The departures left glaring voids on the offensive line which will likely be replaced by second-year players Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen.

Noteboom is set to step in at left guard and Allen will be at center for the Rams this year. They may not be able to teach Gurley as much as their predecessors, but the existing knowledge base should be fine if the newcomers prove to be capable blockers.

For a back like Gurley, who will be looking to reminding everyone that, despite his injury concerns, he is still a top back in the league, how quickly those two linemen pick everything up will be critical. The Rams are obviously confident that Noteboom and Allen can step in as quality starters.