Everything you need to know about new Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson
The Las Vegas Raiders didn't have a huge need at guard or center after signing center Andre James to a new deal and bringing Cody Whitehair on a few weeks ago, but Jackson Powers-Johnson, the center and guard out of Oregon, was too good to pass on, especially when you are the Raiders, who need […]
The Las Vegas Raiders didn't have a huge need at guard or center after signing center Andre James to a new deal and bringing Cody Whitehair on a few weeks ago, but Jackson Powers-Johnson, the center and guard out of Oregon, was too good to pass on, especially when you are the Raiders, who need help up front on offense.
Right now, the Raiders have one pick left on day two, pick No. 77. So far, they are killing it, helping the offensive side of the ball. They have gone with the best available approach for both picks, and it's worked out. The Raiders still have needs at quarterback, cornerback, offensive tackle, and a few others, and they will likely address those. However, for now, let's talk about the newest addition.
Powers-Johnson is versatile and can play left or right guard and play center. The Raiders will likely bump him to right guard. But, first, he has to win the position. It isn't Whitehair's, but it's not JPJ's yet. Training camp will be fun in that aspect.
JPJ played at Oregon, but the Utah native was surprisingly a die-hard Raiders fan growing up. His first ever NFL game he attended was a Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers game at the Coliseum. To make it even better, his grandparents were season ticket holders for the Raiders for 20 years.
JPJ is a Raider through and through, and his play style also says that about him. He plays nasty and is what we call a dawg. He is exactly what the Raiders need and wants if they want to get back to the days of the old Raiders.
Here are some of his strengths and weaknesses from our big board:
STRENGTHS
- Sturdy build, wide base, quality play strength
- Only 1 pressure allowed in 2023
- Was the best OL at the Senior Bowl working at center & both guard spots
- Firm grip strength & nearly impenetrable anchor
- Works to reset his hands if his initial punch is inaccurate
- Excellent awareness in pass pro. Always looking to give his guards help
- Nasty block finisher. Redirects pass rushers & renovates LBs as a puller
- Controls down blocks from his initial punch & moves defenders across gaps
- Knows the RB's aiming point & clears people out of the way
- Young player with two years of starting experience
WEAKNESSES
- Didn't have many difficult, 1-on-1 pass-blocking assignments
- Looks for kill shots at the 2nd level. Punches instead of latching on
- Inconsistent sustaining reach blocks
- Average range as a run blocker
- Average fluidity & straight-line speed
- Needs to improve snap accuracy (1 uncatchable vs. USC/a few slightly right vs. Oreg/Ariz St)
JPJ has drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, who is the best center in the league. JPJ is basically the guard version of him. He'll be the perfect piece in the Raiders' run game.
Best remaining players available for the Las Vegas Raiders on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL draft
They can still add some really good players.
