The Las Vegas Raiders have selected former Oregon Ducks center Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was taken with the No. 44 overall pick.
Powers-Johnson was the recipient of the 2023 Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding center in college football. After the regular season, has was also named as a first-team All-American by the Associated Press. As an offensive line as a whole, the group was a Joe Moore Award finalist with Powers-Johnson anchoring that effort.
Before Oregon, Powers-Johnson played high school football at Corner Canyon (UT) High School, where he was a four-star prospect. His potential was always there.
He was the No. 198 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. He was the No. 13 IOL in his class, eventually entering the NFL Draft this year as one of the top centers in his class.
What NFL analysts are saying about Jackson Powers-Johnson
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared Powers-Johnson’s attributes to that of Denver Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz. Zierlein explained how he sees Powers-Johnson translating to the NFL.
“Broadly built center prospect with below-average length but above-average upper-body power. Powers-Johnson isn’t much of a knee-bender, which impacts his pad level and drive leverage, but he can torque and toss opponents around with some regularity at the point.
“Powers-Johnson is a fierce competitor with a salty disposition but needs to improve his first-phase technique to create more consistent block sustains. Despite average athleticism, he doesn’t seem to have many issues in pass protection, as he works with clear eyes, a wide base and good discipline to keep his weight back. His rookie season could be bumpy if he has to play early, but he should come out on the other side as a long-time starter.”
One scouting director in the NFC told Zierlein that Powers-Johnson is, “tough, smart and strong. I just don’t overthink it with centers. When you get those elements, you usually have a starter.”
His strengths include carrying a broad chest, thick hips and meaty hands. His heavy hands can hammer A-gap threats, processes gaming fronts without lunging or overreacting, plays rugged, can jolt defenders with his powerful upper body and plays with adequate footwork for double teams and blocks in the second level.
For his weaknesses, Zierlein includes his limited experience as a full-time starter, have better pad level and explosion when initiating first contact, has below-average body control, among others.
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