2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jackson Powers-Johnson

Strengths

• Hand placement is advanced for a player with so few reps
• Plays with a mean streak and his tape is filled with pancakes
• Powerful lower body; rolls hips into contact to create movement at the line of scrimmage
• Athleticism plays in any scheme; does really well working in space
• No problem anchoring even against bigger defensive linemen
• Huge rotational strength to clear running lanes
• Heavy hands at the point of attack
• Contact balance and recovery skills are top-notch
• Dancing bear who can easily navigate fallen linemen
• Experience at both guard and center
• His head is always on a swivel and rarely misdiagnoses stunts or twists
• Routinely "looks for work" when not matched up and usually delivers a big blow
• Explosive out of his stance

Weaknesses

• Only one year of experience as a full-time starting center in college
• Base can narrow on contact at times
• Grip strength is only average and his lack of length can allow defenders to get outside his body the longer the rep lasts
• Played in a heavy play action, RPO offense that moved the pocket a lot
• Very few true pass sets to evaluate
• Does he have that one elite trait that he can hang his hat on?
• Quickness out of stance lets him reach the second level, but he isn't an elite athlete by any means

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Jackson Powers-Johnson

When I initially watched several Oregon games, Powers-Johnson consistently stood out with his remarkable pancake blocks. However, once he declared for the draft and I studied him more, it became evident that he was much more than just a formidable mauler.

Despite having only one year of starting experience in college, Powers-Johnson's hand placement and timing are remarkably advanced, showcasing a sound understanding of his assignments. In the six games I watched, I noted only one missed stunt, resulting in his lone pressure surrendered in 2023. Even then, the opposing player never truly threatened to sack the quarterback. Powers-Johnson's poise at such a young age is truly impressive.

While his mean streak on the field is apparent, he never appears to play out of control. His pancake blocks largely stem from a profound understanding of leverage and angles, coupled with undeniable brute strength. There are instances where he may play a bit too high, but he consistently avoids lunging or bending at the waist to make contact.

Powers-Johnson's primary question marks revolve around his limited experience and the specific offensive scheme he operated in at Oregon. The Ducks favored a run-heavy, RPO-based offense. This meant that even during passing attempts, the offensive line was engaged in run blocking. Additionally, they frequently moved the pocket, alleviating some of the burden on the offensive line. Consequently, there are relatively few reps available to assess his prowess as a pass blocker.

Given Powers-Johnson's unique blend of athleticism and power, I view him as a scheme-independent player who should attract the Chicago Bears' interest, regardless of the coaching staff. Center is undeniably one of the Bears' pressing needs, especially with incumbent Lucas Patrick's contract expiring and his struggles with performance and injuries during his time in Chicago. It's almost certain the Bears will target a center in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Powers-Johnson is poised to be a significant contender.

The debate for the top spot on the interior this year will be intriguing, featuring Powers-Johnson, Georgia's Sedrick Van Pran, and West Virginia's Zach Frazier (not to mention Duke tackle Graham Barton, whom some project as a center). However, as of now, Powers-Johnson holds the top spot on my board.

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