Jackson Powers-Johnson Talks Las Vegas Raiders
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- As the offseason progresses, the Las Vegas Raiders have decisions to make regarding upgrading their roster.
The Raiders are looking for any and all ways to improve their team, as they hope to return to the postseason after missing it in each of the last two seasons.
Las Vegas left Indianapolis after the NFL Scouting Combine, hoping to understand better who they want to select in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Combine is a chance for them to meet players face-to-face and learn about their backgrounds.
The Raiders have key free agents on their offensive line, including center Andre James, who held the center spot for the Raiders since 2021 but is now entering free agency.
If the Raiders replace James, they could select Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson in the draft. Powers-Johnson is considered to be the top center prospect in the class.
Powers-Johnson said during his media availability during the Combine that he has met with the Raiders and described the meeting.
Oregon's Jackson-Powers Johnson is considered the best center prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
“It was awesome,” Powers-Johnson said. “Getting in there, talking to Coach (Antonio) Pierce, talking to the organization, it was great; had great interviews, had a great time.
“It's just a great organization, nice people, super formal, and just a good time.”
Powers-Johnson is projected to be a first-round selection for a center-needy team, so if the Raiders like him, they will likely have to trade back into the first round to select him, assuming they do not take him at No. 13 overall.
Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Award in 2023, given to the best center in college football. Last season, he was also a unanimous All-American and a First-Team All-Pac 12 selection.
Powers-Johnson is significant for the center position at 6-foot-3 and 328 pounds. He is one of the best athletes out of the offensive linemen in the class. Powers-Johnson is a mauler in the running game, using his big frame and athleticism to overpower defensive linemen.
While he is a good run blocker, Powers-Johnson can also hold up as a pass protector. He does not have particularly long arms, but his tenacity and toughness allow him to make up for it. He should thrive in either a zone or gap-blocking scheme.
If the Raiders move on from James, they could plug in the best center in the draft class in Powers-Johnson.
To read our full scouting report on Powers-Johnson, click here.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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