Delmar Glaze, The Las Vegas Raiders New Offensive Tackle

“His technical proficiency and intelligent play suggest Delmar Glaze could contribute early in his career, especially in schemes that emphasize quick passing and zone blocking.”–NFL Draft Buzz

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft began on Thursday, and before the Raiders knew it, six quarterbacks (including Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix) were off the board prior to pick 13. With all first-round caliber quarterbacks gone, it made sense for the Raiders, who held the 13th pick, to address their second-biggest need: the right side of the offensive line.

After all, right tackle Taliese Fuaga was in front of Tom Telesco’s face. However, nobody could’ve seen Georgia tight end Brock Bowers fall to 13, and Telesco took advantage by selecting the now-former Bulldog.

Las Vegas gained another weapon for their offense but lost a starting-caliber right tackle.

In the second round, the Raiders welcomed interior offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson to the team. And later, in the third, Las Vegas addressed the offensive tackle situation by selecting D.J. Glaze.

But who is D.J. Glaze?

Delmar Glaze, the Las Vegas Raiders’ new offensive tackle

Delmar “D.J.” Glaze is a tackle from Maryland who has plenty of experience at both tackle spots. Glaze was ranked 150th via overall consensus big board, coming in 16th at offensive tackle. Although he stands just 6’4, Glaze’s 7’0 wingspan gives him more than enough reach to play tackle effectively at the next level. At Maryland, the Raiders’ new tackle totaled more than 800 snaps on the left side in 2023, and more than 800 snaps on the right in 2022.

What stands out with Glaze is his dominance in pass protection. Glaze has earned a pass blocking grade north of 80 in each of his last two campaigns, reaching a mark of 83.6 in 2023. Not only do his pass-blocking grades stand out in comparison to tackles across the FBS, but Delmar’s grades rival the best offensive linemen at any position.

Among all draft-eligible offensive linemen, Glaze’s career 87.9 pass-blocking grade ranked sixth highest. If that wasn’t impressive enough, consider this was done splitting time at both sides of the line.

Some will be quick to point out the school Delmar attended as a demerit, but Glaze was able to hold his own against some of the best competition in the country. Against Ohio State, for example, the Maryland alum received an impressive grade of 73.7. Against Penn State and Michigan, however, Glaze turned in grades of 48.7 and 53.6.

The bottom line

Overall, Glaze is a lengthy prospect who excels in pass protection. The run blocking is a work in progress, but that’s to be expected; after all, if Glaze was a perfect prospect, he would not have been available in the third round.

Delmar will compete for the right tackle spot this season, but swing tackle seems the most likely. If he is able to beat out Thayer Munford for the starting right tackle job, Munford will continue being the Raiders’ swing tackle as he was last season.

Either way, Glaze is an exciting prospect who offers versatility and quarterback protection. Welcome to Raider Nation, D.J.!