Powers-Johnson finds steadier role in Raiders camp

Jackson Powers-Johnson spent last training camp trying to figure out where he fit. This one sounds much cleaner.

Powers-Johnson said Thursday that continuity, a trusted coaching staff and a clearer offensive line structure have helped him settle into Klint Kubiak’s first Raiders training camp. For a player entering his third season, that kind of stability matters.

“Continuity is always great, and it has given me a chance to focus on one position,” Powers-Johnson said.

A clearer role does not end the competition. It gives Powers-Johnson a better base to compete from, and it gives the Raiders a sharper picture of how their offensive line is coming together.

“Nobody falls through the cracks. Nobody goes unnoticed,” Powers-Johnson said. “We’re all being treated the same. It’s a real breath of fresh air.”

Dennison gives the line a steady voice

Powers-Johnson pointed directly to offensive line coach Rick Dennison as one of the biggest reasons the room feels settled.

“Rico has been awesome,” Powers-Johnson said. “He has been an incredible teacher to me.”

That word matters because Raiders players continue to describe Kubiak’s staff as detailed, steady and clear. Powers-Johnson said the coaches have not only talked about supporting players, but also shown it.

“When players feel like the coaches have their backs, they can go in and play football,” Powers-Johnson said.

Trust matters on the offensive line, where communication and consistency have to build quickly. Powers-Johnson also praised Tyler Linderbaum as a smart center, leader and mentor, calling him “a great dude.”

Kubiak’s consistency is landing

Powers-Johnson did not want to spend much time revisiting last season.

“Last year is last year,” he said. “I’m going to keep it in the past and focus on this year and this team.”

His answers kept circling back to work, improvement and team-first football. Instead of leaning into outside expectations, Powers-Johnson kept the focus on the group.

“I’m just working,” Powers-Johnson said. “I’m trying to get better every day. We’re trying to get better every day.”

That approach fits the broader message Kubiak has pushed throughout camp. The Raiders have talked about accountability, buy-in and standards, but Powers-Johnson focused on something more practical: consistency from the people teaching it.

“They speak it, they live it and they don’t change from day to day,” Powers-Johnson said.

For a team trying to reset its identity, that consistency matters. Players can play faster when they know what coaches want, how coaches will correct them and what standard applies to the room.