Dec 22, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead watches his team warm up before a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Rams Need to Make Calls For Undervalued Center

Originally posted on Los Angeles Rams on SI
By Brock Vierra | Last updated Oct 25, 2025 11:13 AM ET

For whatever reason, former All-American center Jackson Powers-Johnson has been viewed as something that he isn't by the Las Vegas Raiders, and that is a guard.

Despite cementing himself as the Raiders' center of the future last season under then head coach Antonio Pierce, he's failed to retain that role under Pete Carroll, and thus, it's time for the Los Angeles Rams to make calls for a player that could and should become their center of the future.

The Los Angeles Rams

The Rams already have a center in Coleman Shelton and while it's doubtful the Rams will move off of Shelton, considering their trust in him, he's a veteran player who only has one more year on his deal. The Rams have also proven this season that there are injury concerns along the offensive line, especially on the interior, with Steve Avila missing games and Kevin Dotson having to miss snaps this season.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While Justin Dedich did enough in emergency service, there isn't enough to indicate he's being prepped for a starting role and it's clear Beaux Limmer's development hasn't resulted in that jump as a pass blocker that one would have hoped. Perhaps he'll make that jump next offseason but that's a conversation for tomorrow.

Why Powers-Johnson?

Powers-Johnson was a vicious animal at the University of Oregon, helping the Ducks reach the final-ever Pac-12 title game. There's already familiarity as he was teammates with Terrance Ferguson. Powers-Johnson is a vicious run blocker and solid pass blocker when played in his natural role.

Andrew Boyers-Reuters via Imagn Images

In his final collegiate season, Powers-Johnson surrendered one lone QB pressure on 481 pass blocking snaps and has often replicated that production at the NFL level.

With the Rams, his shorter, stockier build would be perfect for the Rams' offense and would give Sean McVay the lineman needed to get full penetration into the second level as there are very few who can combo block better than Powers-Johnson.

Powers-Johnson is a fiery dude and while he has made mistakes in the past, most notably snapping the ball before Aiden O'Connell was ready, resulting in a game-losing fumble against the Chiefs in Arrowhead last season, those mistakes are few and far between. More importantly, he doesn't repeat mistakes.

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With a quarterback like Matthew Stafford to guide him, Powers-Johnson has the potential to be the Rams' center for the next ten years. The only question is whether the Rams are willing to make the call.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Rams on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: