Done Deal : Las Vegas Raiders Confirm To Add Two Top Experienced Versatile Linemen

In the 2024 NFL Draft, Raiders acquired offensive line versatility.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected two adaptable linemen, Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze.

With respect to their offensive line needs, the Las Vegas Raiders had high expectations for Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

With Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze, the Raiders not only acquired two strong offensive linemen, but also two versatile players.
Although Powers-Johnson only played center last season, he will now play guard for Las Vegas, where he was a standout player at Oregon.

Conversely, Glaze has the versatility to play both left and right tackle, which is crucial for a player joining a position group that might eventually want to shift its tackles to separate sides of the line.

After Day 2 of the draft, Raiders general manager Tom Telesco spoke with the media on the value of versatility on the offensive line.

“Certainly on the offensive line, it [versatility] really is important,” Telesco stated. “It’s just very challenging to get dressed on Sundays if you’re not a starter. For example, if you can only play one position and are six, seven, eight, or even nine in the offensive line room. Tackles must be able to play guard, and guards must be able to play center.

 

Thus, it just improves your playing versatility. It’s a given that injuries will occur in whatever squad you start, and players will need to be able to move to other locations, thus adaptability is crucial. In addition, Brock Bowers is a significant part of this because, as you have seen, he can play tight end. He can be used as a wing, a big slot, or even in the backfield, depending on what position you want him to be in. With some of these individuals, that’s kind of where the league is at the moment, but the more versatile the player, the better. For the opponent, it is more difficult to prepare for that.”

Last season, as Las Vegas battled injuries all season long, offensive line adaptability proved to be crucial when key players had to switch to various positions. One such player was guard Dylan Parham, who moved to center in Andre James’ absence.