Jackson Powers-Johnson – Center – 21 years old – Junior – Oregon
Height: 1m93
Weight: 149 kilos
Estimated draft position: 20-31
NFL comparison: Ryan Kelly (Colts)
Jackson Powers-Johnson Highlights
– Good in both phases
– Compatible with any scheme
– Significant room for improvement
Some offensive linemen are better at protecting the quarterback, others at the running game: JPJ knows how to do both! Light on his feet, he suddenly stands up after engaging the ball. Then, he follows his opponent, blocking his way. He also knows how to influence the ground game to open a gap.
His mix of mobility and power means that Jackson Powers-Johnson can play in a “Power” scheme or in a zone scheme. The first favors power to win one on one in the trenches. The second system is based more on the player's ability to move in coordination with his teammates.
Only 21 years old since January 2024, his potential is enormous. Already capable of starting games in the NFL, with good teaching, he could become a top 5 player at his position within two years.
Weaknesses of Jackson Powers-Johnson
– Technique still in development
– Injury history
– T-Rex syndrome
Although he spent three seasons at Oregon, JPJ only started in his last. Only 126 snaps in 2021, then 395 games in 2022 to finally play 829 times in 2023. Working on your technique in training is important but it is in a match situation that a player truly acquires his automatisms. This relative lack is sometimes seen in his game.
No major injuries during his course but several! Groin and hip handicapped him during his studies, as well as some concussions. Performing well during Senior Bowl practices, a tendon injury forced him to interrupt this “job interview”. It also kept him from sprinting at the NFL Combine.
Justified or not, NFL staffs attach importance to players' measurements. During the 2024 NFL Combine, 41 interior linemen are invited: only two have shorter arms than him! If he also played Guard and Tackle in the NCAA, this physical limitation directs him exclusively to the position in the center of the line, for most coaches in the NFL.
Possible destinations
Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers
The Steelers need reinforcement on the offensive line. And if the Tackle position could be addressed, the one in the center is just as much a need for this squad. The Dallas Cowboys lost Tyler Biadasz this offseason. In 2013, the Jones family did not hesitate to invest a 1st round pick on Center Travis Frederick. Paying off, Dallas could adopt the same strategy.
Jordan Love deserves a better offensive line and if, as in Dallas, the exteriors must be considered, the player passing him the leather must be just as much. In Florida, Ryan Jensen has retired as NFC West rivals Arizona and San Francisco also have needs on the interior of the offensive line.
