The Las Vegas Raiders selected Oregon guard Jackson Powers-Johnson with the No. 44 in Friday’s second round of the NFL Draft.
A standout prep offensive lineman and wrestler in Utah, Powers-Johnson got on the field right away at Oregon as a freshman in 2021, seeing time at both guard spots and making an appearance at defensive tackle due to depth issues. Powers-Johnson was a one-game starter as a sophomore before exploding as a first-team All-American and winning the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the player considered to be the best center in college football, last season as a true junior.
Powers-Johnson is a powerhouse athlete, and his base and balance make him difficult to move or decleat inside. He’s also quick enough laterally to not only reach people, but also serve as an effective puller and trapper. Barely 21, Powers-Johnson’s football IQ is beyond his years.
His arms are short, which could be an issue if someone wants to move him to guard. We’ve also really seen just one season of his work at center. Still, it was pretty darn good. But the Raiders announced him as a guard and, after extending center Andre James in the offseason, that would seem to be the plan.
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‘The Beast’ breakdown
Powers-Johnson ranked No. 23 in Dane Brugler’s Top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“Powers-Johnson’s inexperience is reflected in his technique, but he offers a fantastic combination of size, athleticism and toughness, with the skill set that translates to both center and guard. His game reminds me of Ryan Kelly, who won the Rimington at Alabama before becoming a first-round pick in 2016.”
Coaching intel
What an anonymous coach had to say about Powers-Johnson in Bruce Feldman’s mock draft:
“Nasty dude. Tough, tough, tough. Extremely powerful. He shocks guys with that pop he has.”
Why he’s a second-round pick
Powers-Johnson’s natural power inside is outstanding and his ability to move at almost 330 pounds is exactly what you want from a center. He’s young, but he’s also going to get better.
Jackson Powers-Johnson just eating a spin from Mike Hall, who is not lacking twitch. 😳 pic.twitter.com/oLSbNzlerm
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) January 31, 2024
Come back soon for more analysis of Powers-Johnson.
(Photo: Steven Bisig / USA Today)
