The Las Vegas Raiders made arguably their most surprising pick of the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday night when they selected offensive tackle Delmar Glaze out of Maryland in the third round.
The pick wasn’t surprising from a needs standpoint, as not only can Glaze play either tackle spot, he also has the tools to play guard.
It was surprising because Glaze was projected by many to be a Day 3 pick, something our own Dharya Sharma agrees with. However, Sharma, who gave the pick a “C” grade, does see some positives in the Maryland product.
“Glaze’s run-blocking leaves much to be desired, but the 21-year-old is solid in pass protection, allowing seven sacks in his entire collegiate career that spanned over 1,370 pass-blocking snaps,” Sharma wrote.
“The former three-star recruit posted an 80-plus pass-blocking grade in three of his four seasons at Maryland,” he continued. “However, despite his excellence in pass protection, Glaze looked out of sorts in the run game, struggling to execute and finish blocks at an above-average level.”
#Raiders GM Tom Telesco on Delmar Glaze
Said they see him more as a right tackle and maybe guard is in his future
“Big frame, long arms, really productive in college, balance, body control, some strength”
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) April 27, 2024
We’ll see how quickly Glaze acclimates to the NFL, but for now he projects to enter the starting right tackle competition, and he has an outside chance to get a look at guard.
So, how did other experts view the Raiders’ Day 3 pick? Keep scrolling to find out.
Raiders NFL Draft grades
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: C
Glaze has good quickness and agility, but more so as a swing backup tackle with some starting potential in time.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: C
After waiting until the third round to circle back to their void at right tackle, the Raiders might be disappointed with what they find in Glaze. The 6-4, 315-pounder might be better suited to play at guard, but Las Vegas looks set there after taking Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second.
Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: C
This adds offensive tackle depth for a team that needed it. Perhaps Glaze is a diamond in the rough starter, but he’s most likely just depth.
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: C
The Las Vegas Raiders are clearly trying to build an identity through their offensive front. With quarterback in question, the ability to control the line of scrimmage will make everyone else on offense better.
The Raiders added Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round to likely play right guard. Glaze can be an immediate utility lineman, providing depth at multiple positions.
Pro Football Focus: Below average
The Raiders double down on offensive line on Day 2, picking Maryland’s Delmar Glaze, who represents a big reach compared to the PFF big board and consensus boards. Glaze graded out well in 2023, posting an 83.6 pass-blocking mark, but his movement skills are a bit lacking for an NFL tackle, making him a better option on the interior.
Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: D+
After taking Powers-Johnson in the second round, Glaze is being picked to potentially fill in the right side. Glaze could also kick inside and play as a guard, potentially giving the Raiders a strong interior after years of struggling there.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: A-
One of the more calculated OTs in the class. Rarely panics and has plus awareness. Requisite size and length to stay on the edge in the NFL. Athleticism is at times great but not a true speciality. Nothing overly standout about his game. Just high floor blocker.
Ian Valentino, The 33rd Team: B+
Team Fit: The run on tackles fell favorably for the Raiders. Delmar Glaze was one of the few remaining projected starters early in his career. He could swing inside to guard as well, mitigating his spatial issues.
