Rookie Offensive Linemen Stepped Up in Raiders' Week 4 Win

Las Vegas Raiders rookie guard Jackson Powers-Johnson and rookie tackle DJ Glaze both got the start in the Raiders' win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle DJ Glaze (71) walks off of the field following the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images / Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders further proved just how successful their 2024 NFL Draft was with the performances of rookie offensive linemen Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze on Sunday.

They each got the start and played every offensive snap for the Silver and Black. They helped block for a Raiders run game that finally started to open up after three underwhelming weeks on the ground. The line also kept their quarterback upright for the most of the game, allowing only two sacks.

"[Powers-Johnson and Glaze] Stepped in and played huge roles in our win today, against a really good defense, a really good defensive front," said Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II after the win. "Those dudes stepped in, didn't hesitate and did exactly what we needed him to do."

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce was pleased with what he saw from the two rookies, especially considering the formidable front they had to face.

"Didn't see that coming the first four games," Pierce said with a smile. "But I said it last week, I thought Jackson Powers did an outstanding job in his 20 plays with his energy, his effort, his physicality. I mean, it was getting to a point where referees was warning me about his play style, and that's what we're looking for. And DJ is just one of those guys, yeah, there's going to be some corrections, but when you watch his play and you watch the body of work, it's just consistent. I don't think there was a penalty or anything on him tonight; I know Jackson had two. But for those guys go out there against that defense, which is a very elite front seven, and play the way they did, hats off to them and our coaches."

Powers-Johnson was expected to become a starter eventually, but considering his health during the offseason and how much he missed prior to the season, for it to have happened this soon was a bit surprising. But it paid off.

Glaze stepped in for an injured Thayer Munford Jr., and it was clear the reps he got in the preseason and through the first three weeks helped prepare him for the task at hand on Sunday.

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