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Raiders' OL Reveals Significant Offseason Change at OTAs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 3:17 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders failed to gain any traction during the 2024 NFL season. While injuries certainly did not help, poor coaching by Antonio Pierce and bad personnel decisions by general manager Tom Telesco were responsible for the team's four-win campaign as well.

Ever since being fired in January, Telesco has been dragged by Raiders fans for the addition of quarterback Gardner Minshew and the failure to re-sign 2022 First-Team All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs,

However, Telesco made three great selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. This netted Las Vegas First-Team All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, All-Rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson and starting right tackle DJ Glaze.

Powers-Johnson overcame a slew of preseason injuries and was a solid starter for the Raiders at both guard and center last season. Now, the new regime in Las Vegas plans to play him exclusively at center.

He spoke to the media last week after an OTA workout and revealed that he made a significant change this offseason.

"I've really hammered down a routine. I've lost 10 to 15 pounds," Powers-Johnson said. "I'm faster, I'm stronger, I'm getting a lot better at technique. ... I think I'm going to make a great jump. I'm going to give it as best as I got and have some fun."

During his senior season at Oregon, Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Trophy. This is given annually to the best center in college football, so his position change makes sense.

As a rookie, he gained ample experience as he played 956 snaps in 15 games, 14 of which he started. According to Pro Football Focus, he played 535 at offensive guard and 421 at center, earning an overall grade of 63.9, which ranked in the middle of the pack for interior offensive linemen.

Powers-Johnson has the ability to become an All-Pro or Pro Bowl-level player for the Silver and Black. He will need to continue growing and improving throughout his NFL career to achieve this, and he is already starting with a major change this offseason.

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

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