Las Vegas Raiders rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson is all-in on his new team. The rookie offensive lineman wants Raiders fans to know that he loves where he is.
“There’s so much rich history, just people who are absolutely nuts, and want to get after it,” Powers-Johnson said. “That’s how I play. I think it’s a great fit for me.” Powers-Johnson said the first NFL game he ever attended was a Raiders game.
Raiders’ rookie
Powers-Johnson comes to the team as the franchise’s second round pick in the 2024 draft. The Las Vegas lineman played his college football at Oregon in the Pac-12 conference. He is a versatile player, as he can play either the center or guard position. The team announced he was selected as a guard, but can also snap the ball for the team when needed.
“Felt great,” Powers-Johnson said about lining up at guard, per CBS Sports. “I haven’t played left guard in a bit, but it’s a new challenge and it’s exciting. When you get to step out of your comfort zone or do something you haven’t done as much, that’s fun for me. That’s what football’s all about. That’s what life is all about. … Yeah, it’s been pretty seamless, but there’s stuff I need to work on, and that’s really exciting to me.”
At Oregon, Powers-Johnson was a mainstay on one of the best offensive lines in the Pac-12. He won the Rimington Trophy in 2023, which goes to the best center in college football. He was also selected as First-Team All-Pac-12 during his senior season in Eugene. The center was also named a unanimous All-American. Oregon football finished the year with a powerful 45-6 victory over Liberty in the Fiesta Bowl.
Powers-Johnson is one of two offensive linemen drafted by the the team. The other was offensive tackle Delmar Glaze from Maryland, who went in the third round. In the first round, the Raiders drafted tight end Brock Bowers from Georgia. Las Vegas is trying to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season, which saw the team finish 8-9.
“If you buy into the logo on the front, it’s going to bless the name on the back,” Powers-Johnson added, per the team’s social media. “I am just excited to be able to play for the Raiders.”
Mini camp with team
Powers-Johnson is putting his money where his mouth is. The offensive lineman accidentally knocked down a trainer while participating in a drill during rookie camp. Powers-Johnson made a joke about the incident.
“It’s awesome, I’m gonna be honest,” Powers-Johnson added, per CBS Sports. “I love physicality, I love violence. I think that’s how the sport should be played. Putting on just the helmet and getting going, it’s exciting. … It’s been fun getting to get hit a little bit, even if it’s a bag or, sorry to that trainer, too. I’ll take him out to dinner.”
Raiders fans are certainly very excited to see their rookie push around opposing defensive linemen this season.
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