VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: First-Round Prospect Jackson Powers-Johnson On 'Amazing' Cowboys
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys could find their answer to reinforcing the trenches by drafting Oregon Duck standout Jackson Powers-Johnson, whose "violent" play anchored an offensive line that led the nation in fewest sacks allowed for two-straight seasons.
"It'd be amazing to be drafted by the (Dallas) Cowboys," said Powers-Johnson in an exclusive interview. "The rich history of the team, the colors, the uniforms ... Everything about it is special. It would mean a lot to me to have an opportunity to play there."
Powers-Johnson (also known as "JPJ'') won the 2023 Rimington Trophy for the most outstanding center in Division I college football after allowing just one total pressure while starting all 13 games for the Ducks this season.
He knows his way around The Star in part because former teammate T.J. Bass plays here.
"I've been to a couple offensive line conferences held at The Star," JPJ said. "That practice facility and the vibe around the town is amazing."
The 6-foot-3, 320-pound center also knows his way around O-line domination with a particular skill the Cowboys value: versatility.
In recent NFL Drafts, Dallas has selected hybrid/position-flex players like Micah Parsons and Tyler Smith. "JPJ'' started at center in all 13 games for the Ducks last season but played both tackle and guard in the previous two seasons.
"Knowing everybody's position and what technique they have to do really helps as a center," he said. "You have to make calls for the whole line. When you've played all those positions, it makes you make decisions a lot quicker ... ''
But no matter what position he plays, he said, "I play violently and I think that translates to the league really well."
Jackson Powers-Johnson
Dallas center Tyler Biadasz, who won the Rimington Trophy in 2019, is one of the bigger names among the Cowboys free agents in 2024. Even if the Cowboys work out a multi-year deal with Biadasz, they still could use some muscle on the offensive line. Offensive tackle Tyron Smith, 33, is also a free agent, and offensive guard Zack Martin, 33, cannot play forever.
But in theory, Dallas could let Biadasz go free and replace him with the rookie.
The Cowboys currently have five picks in the 2024 NFL Draft but could have up to seven selections with two compensatory picks likely to be obtained. Dallas has a first-round pick at No. 24 overall.
After thrashing defensive linemen at the Senior Bowl. "JPJ'' is ascending draft boards and projected to be a first-round selection.
He also showed off his sense of humor at the Senior Bowl, when JPJ was warned of "poachers" who were trying to get his autograph to sell it.
JPJ said he normally loves signing gear for fans but had a different idea for these poachers: He chose a different name every day to sign and tried to make it as silly as possible. An ode to Saturday Night Live's "Jeopardy'' skit, "JPJ'' signed one football as "Turd Ferguson" (you either get this or you don't) and his uncle couldn't help but purchase the ball from the poacher.
While taking a fun outlook on life, "JPJ'' is aware of the unique stress the draft process can bring ... but is choosing an attitude of gratitude. His dad is a lifelong Dan Marino/Miami Dolphins fan, but the family will be excited for whichever team drafts his son.
"You only get drafted once," he said. "I just want to play. Any team would be great ... I kind of want to sit back and see how my parents react. It isn't about me anymore and it's an overwhelming emotion of gratefulness, gratitude and excitement."
