The Las Vegas Raiders failed to gain any traction during the 2024 NFL season. While injuries certainly did not help, poor coaching by Antonio Pierce and bad personnel decisions by general manager Tom Telesco were responsible for the team’s four-win campaign as well.Ever since being fired in January, Telesco has been dragged by Raiders fans for the addition of quarterback Gardner Minshew and the failure to re-sign 2022 First-Team All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs, However, Telesco made three great selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. This netted Las Vegas First-Team All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, All-Rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson and starting right tackle DJ Glaze.
Despite the frustrations of last season, optimism is quietly building around the Raiders’ offensive line as OTAs get underway. One of the most significant developments this offseason has been a major shakeup along the offensive line — particularly at the tackle positions.
Veteran left tackle Kolton Miller has returned to full health and is reportedly in the best shape of his career, anchoring the blindside once again. But perhaps the biggest surprise has been rookie DJ Glaze, who has already begun taking first-team reps at right tackle. Coaches and teammates have raved about Glaze’s footwork, maturity, and ability to quickly grasp the Raiders’ playbook.
“DJ’s not playing like a rookie,” said offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. “He’s poised, physical, and showing us every day why he deserves to be out there.”
With Glaze entrenched on the right side, the Raiders have been able to experiment more with their interior line combinations. Jackson Powers-Johnson, another standout rookie, is reportedly developing strong chemistry with quarterback Aidan O’Connell. His intelligence and strength at the center position have already provided more stability than the team had throughout the 2024 season.
“There’s a different energy out there,” said right guard Dylan Parham. “The young guys are bringing a spark. You can feel the shift happening.”
The offensive line improvements come at a critical time for the Raiders, who are entering a pivotal year under head coach Antonio Pierce. While the team is still deciding between Gardner Minshew and O’Connell for the starting quarterback job, the foundation up front is shaping up to be one of the team’s strengths — a refreshing change from past years.
If the early signs from OTAs are any indication, the Raiders may finally have the protection in place to open up the offense and compete in a tough AFC West division.