Camp coverage changes day to day, hour to hour. Las Vegas Raiders rookie D.J. Glaze was apparently making waves; however, star defender Maxx Crosby was having none of that after the fact.
Heading into April’s NFL draft, it was of the utmost importance that general manager Tom Telesco find a way to replenish the offensive line. This was particularly true for the right side, but it was still crucial overall. In addition to selecting Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round to one day help anchor the middle, Telesco also picked up Glaze in the third round. Despite some criticism, the six-foot-five 328-pound tackle figures to potentially compete for playing time right out of the gate.
Well, at least that’s what folks were hearing from those present at Raiders training camp. In fact, while speaking to J.T. The Brick this week, Telesco validated these musings.
“It was cool to see on Tuesday, our first day in pads, everyone was a little bit anxious, especially a rookie that’s 21 years old, and in the first period Thayer Munford had a small injury where he couldn’t get back in there, and all of a sudden D.J. is in the huddle, first snap of training camp in full pads, and he’s got Maxx Crosby right over him, and he held his own.”
Did Maxx Crosby hear what Tom Telsco said?
Crosby took reports of Glaze holding his own against him personally. Couple of sacks followed by yelling at the media tent.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 2, 2024
Obviously, no one would be happier to see the Raiders’ rookies grow and develop more than Crosby. However, it was intriguing to observe that just when reports suggested Glaze was establishing himself in the early stages, the Maryland product returned to reality.
Let’s face it, you can’t put Crosby’s name out there like that and not expect for him to use it as fuel—even if it’s at Glaze’s expense. Ultimately, consistently facing No. 98 will compel you to elevate your performance. Iron sharpens iron—Glaze will be just fine. If anything, preseason will give us a better showing of what we could expect from the third-round pick.
Can you imagine a scenario where Telesco finds a future starting right tackle in Glaze? You combine that with Brock Bowers and Powers-Johnson, and the Raiders might have solid foundational pieces from the get-go in Telesco’s first draft as Raiders shot-caller.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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