DJ Glaze

DJ Glaze Player Profile

Summary

Delmar “DJ” Glaze was selected in Round 3 (#77 Overall) of the 2024 Draft out of the University of Maryland, where he started 40 games over four seasons. In his final year (2023), he started all 13 games at left tackle, anchoring an offensive line that blocked for Big Ten’s fourth‑ranked overall offense and its top passing attack. He earned Third‑Team All‑Big Ten honors in 2023. As a rookie with the Raiders, he played in 17 games and made 14 starts at right tackle. Character‑wise, Glaze is frequently described as a hard worker and very coachable; he’s embraced competition, roomed with fellow rookie linemen, and shown a willingness to learn and develop rapidly.

Strengths

  • Length & Leverage: Glaze has very long arms (reported wingspan) and uses his reach well to gain and maintain leverage against defenders. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Footwork / Mobility: Despite his size, he shows good footwork for pass sets, staying relatively balanced, and he has the mobility to handle speed off the edge. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Pass Protection Prowess: At Maryland, he graded very well as a pass blocker — one of the top tackles in the Big Ten in pass‑blocking according to Pro Football Focus. University of Maryland Athletics

  • Run‑Blocking Strength: He’s effective in the run game, using his size and strength to drive defenders and sustain blocks. (Supported by his rookie performance and praise)

  • Versatility: He has significant experience at both tackle spots (right and left) in college, and his body type suggests he could also potentially slide inside if needed. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Durability / Consistency in College: Glaze started many games at Maryland, showing he can handle a full college workload.

  • Coachability & Work Ethic: According to media and teammates, he is very receptive to coaching, works hard, and is motivated to improve. SI

Weaknesses

  • Lateral Quickness Constraints: While his footwork is solid, some evaluators note that his change-of-direction and lateral speed could be challenged on wide, speed-based pass-rushers. Reddit

  • Anchor vs Power Rushers: At 331 lbs and with his frame, he may struggle to anchor against very powerful bull-rushers consistently.

  • Hand Placement / Resetting: There are times when his hand strikes are not optimally timed or placed, forcing him to reset or re-engage.

  • Injury History (High School): He had knee surgeries in high school, which may raise some concern about long-term durability, although he’s stayed healthy in college and the NFL so far.

  • Projection Uncertainty: Some believe his long-term role may be better as a guard rather than tackle, especially if he struggles with speed rushers at tackle.

Fit & Outlook

DJ Glaze projects as a valuable building-block tackle for the Raiders’ offensive line. His combination of length, strength, and pass‑blocking technical ability makes him well-suited to a right tackle role in an NFL scheme that values protection and physicality. Given his versatility, he could eventually move inside to guard if needed, particularly if the Raiders want to shuffle their line or exploit his strength in tighter spaces. In terms of outlook, Glaze has solid upside. As a rookie, he demonstrated he can handle starting reps, and if he continues to develop his technique (especially hand usage and footwork) while maintaining his physicality, he could grow into a long-term starter. He may not be a “finesse” tackle, but his power base and work ethic suggest he can be a dependable, foundational presence. Given his draft position (3rd round), the expectation is that he becomes at least a multi-year starter, and potentially a key part of the Raiders’ offensive identity in the trenches.