Jackson Powers-Johnson

Jackson Powers-Johnson Player Profile

Summary

Jackson Powers-Johnson was selected in Round 2 (#44 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of the University of Oregon, where he was a three-year starter. In 2023, he won the Rimington Trophy and became a unanimous First‑Team All-American. In his rookie 2024 season, Powers‑Johnson appeared in 15 games, making 14 starts at both guard and center before moving over to right guard in 2025. Known for his versatility and “tone-setting” demeanor when he steps on the field, there are suggestions that he may boast too much of a diva mentality for an offensive lineman that may be contributing to some of the reports of JPJ as a trade candidate so early in his career.

Strengths

  • Elite Pass-Blocking Prowess: Allowed zero sacks in his college career at Oregon in 2023. University of Oregon Athletics

  • Power & Upper-Body Strength: Broad frame, strong hands, and good torque; great ability to displace defenders in both double teams and one-on-ones. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Quickness / Athleticism: For an interior lineman, he has very good initial quickness, fluid movement, and the ability to climb to the second level on pulls or screens. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Run-Blocking Versatility: Excels in both gap and zone schemes, showing ability to drive defenders or sustain in space. NFL Draft Buzz

  • High Football IQ / Leadership: Plays with a “tone-setting” mentality, communicates well, and brings leadership to the O-line. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Positional Flexibility: Experience at both center and guard in college, giving the Raiders flexibility on their interior line. Las Vegas Raiders

Weaknesses

  • Pad Level / Leverage: Has a somewhat upright playing style at times, which can expose his chest to bull rushers or lead to stalemates. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Hand Placement Risks: Occasionally sets with wide hand placement; may need to tighten technique against speed rushers or agile defenders. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Inconsistency vs Wide Rush Alignments: Can struggle when defenders align wide or use speed and agility to loop around his frame. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Communication / Role Battle: According to Raiders camp coverage, he has faced a competition for starting center/guard roles, indicating some uncertainty in his long-term position. Silver And Black Pride

  • Weight / Mobility Trade-Off: Reports suggest he trimmed 10–15 lbs in the offseason to improve movement, which may affect his anchor strength. Silver And Black Pride

  • Big Personality/Acquired Taste: May not be a perfect personality fit with coaching and there are indications he may be a player that wears out welcomes quickly. Watch this space.

Fit & Outlook

Jackson Powers‑Johnson projects as a core piece of the Raiders’ interior offensive line, with the flexibility to play both center and guard. His powerful frame, smooth mobility, and high-level blocking technique make him well-suited for a modern, versatile O-line scheme — particularly one that values guard‑center interchangeability and athleticism on run plays. Looking ahead, his outlook is very promising. As a Rimington Trophy winner and proven pass protector in college, he has the tools to become a long-term starter. If he continues refining his pad level, maintains his communication and leadership, and adapts well to the physicality of the NFL, he could anchor the Raiders’ interior for years. His positional flexibility gives him a high floor: even if he doesn’t win the center job long-term, he can still contribute significantly at guard.