The Las Vegas Raiders have drafted two offensive linemen this draft. In the second round, they took Oregon guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, who will fight for the starting right guard position in training camp with new Raider Cody Whitehair. Then, they drafted Maryland offensive tackle Delmar Glaze, who stood out at the senior bowl.
Now, they can cross all offensive line positions off the list of needs. Whoever is their quarterback in 2024 should be happy, as they are set up to have great protection for now and in the future. And they have great depth.
While third-round picks aren't always immediate key contributors, Glaze could be his rookie season. With Thayer Munford the current projected starter at the right tackle spot, the Raiders will likely have a battle between the two in training camp.
And I think Glaze has a chance to win the battle. While that could happen, the focus with the 21-year-old is the future, and they think he can be very good.
"We see him as a tackle right now," Tom Telesco said after the draft on Friday. "We see him on the right side right now. He has some guard in the future, possibly. He has flexibility—a big frame—and long arms. Productive college player. He blocked his man. Real easy. We think there is a lot of future upside with him."
Glaze was one of the best-kept secrets in college as an elite offensive tackle, which is why he isn't on many big boards, including ours. According to Pro Football Focus, Glaze has allowed a 2.8% quarterback pressure percentage since 2021, which is seventh among draft-eligible offensive tackles.
He has elite potential, and he could very well be a starter this year. We saw Kolton Miller deal with injuries last season, and the Raiders slid Jermaine Eluemunor to left tackle and then started Munford. Maybe we see that happen this year if he doesn't win the job in camp.
Either way, the Raiders are killing it in the draft.
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