Raiders GM John Spytek talks the potential plan for a player who was part of a confusing situation for everyone in 2025
The Raiders will need Jackson Powers-Johnson at his best.
The Las Vegas Raiders must make significant upgrades to their offensive line this offseason to give potential No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, who could become the team’s new starting quarterback, the protection he needs for a successful rookie season. Last year, the offensive line struggled in both the run and pass game. These issues must be addressed, or Vegas risks picking at the top of the 2027 NFL Draft.
However, there are some really good pieces on this offensive line. They have an elite left tackle in Kolton Miller. His only issue is that he can’t stay healthy. Then, they have some great young guys who could be really good depth pieces in 2026, in Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant. But let’s not forget what they had in 2024—an elite center in Jackson Powers-Johnson, who was a rookie.
Last season did not go JPJ’s way whatsoever. It was a weird offseason and training camp, where Pete Carroll was insistent that JPJ be in a position battle at a spot he’s not as good at: guard. It was all weird, and I’m sure he’s glad the season is over. So, with this new coaching staff, what’s the plan with JPJ?
John Spytek talks Jackson Powers-Johnson at the 2026 NFL Combine
“Whoever the best five are, they’ll be out there, and I love Jackson [Powers-Johnson]. He had a hard season, obviously, for a lot of different reasons,” Spytek told reporters at the NFL Combine podium on Tuesday. “He’s healthy now, and we’re going to talk to Klint [Kubiak] and Rick Dennison and the O-line group, and we’ll figure out the best five to run with.”
JPJ is entering his third season, after which he will be eligible for a contract extension. Now, he doesn’t have to get one after his third season, as he can always get one after the final year of his contract in 2027, but this is really an important season. If he plays well this year. JPJ could be in for a huge payday.
Then again, how much he is paid depends on how well he plays and what position he plays. The center and offensive guard markets are different. Based on how the offensive line is currently constructed, JPJ would be best at the center position. However, it’s impossible to predict where he will start in 2026 because we don’t know what else Vegas is doing to address the offensive line.
The Raiders could end up drafting a center or guard, which would completely change everything. This NFL Combine could have a player participating who ends up on the Raiders’ 2026 starting offensive line, for all we know.
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