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Raiders selected guard Jackson Powers-Johnson.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the 44th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders have selected guard Jackson Powers-Johnson.

A native of Draper, Utah, winner of the 2023 Rimington Trophy as the nation’s most outstanding center. Powers-Johnson became the fifth player in program history to be selected as a unanimous first-team all-American in his first year as the starter. He was also a first-team all-Pac-12 selection.

Powers-Johnson led all FBS centers in overall (84.3) and run-blocking (85.2) grade by Pro Football Focus in 2023. While ranking second in pass-blocking grade (90.6). He allowed just one pressure and zero sacks in 471 pass-blocking opportunities. Also while anchoring an Oregon offensive line that led the nation with just five sacks allowed.

Being drafted by the Raiders is a dream come true for the life long Raiders fan with Bay Area roots. Jackson was born to be a Raider. Center is where Powers-Johnson made his impact at but for the Raiders he will move over to guard.

“Anywhere that the Raiders want me to play, I’m going to play. If they want me to throw the ball, I’ll throw the ball,” he joked. “But I really think me playing center is seamless and it’s a testament to all coaches I had at Oregon and in high school. … I’ve worked so hard, but it’s not really about me. It’s about all the people who helped get me here. “The dream has been fulfilled, but now there’s new dreams to get.”

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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