Jackson Powers-Johnson 2024 NFL Draft Profile
The 2024 NFL Draft profiles are going to be coming at you fast leading up to the draft next month, and next up on the list is Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson was a standout at the Senior Bowl and did pretty well at the NFL Combine. He is far and away the best center in the class, but it all depends on how NFL teams are viewing the need this year. What does his draft profile look like? Let’s talk about it.
Jackson Powers-Johnson was a four-star recruit, where he would commit to Oregon and see the field almost immediately. Powers-Johnson played in seven games his Freshman year, allowing just one hurry. He would become the starter in 2022 and not look back, playing in 23 games in his final two seasons with the Ducks, not allowing a single sack on over 850 snaps last season. JPJ would also go on to win the Rimington Trophy (nation’s best Center) in 2023.
The proof is in the pudding with Jackson Powers-Johnson. What pops to me is his ass (pause). What I mean is that he can lower himself, sit down, and has such a strong base that gives him the ability to anchor and stand his defender up. We saw in Mobile he threw people around and rarely lost 1-on-1’s. He has the acceleration to get out into space while pulling and is more than willing to maul you. Great punch at the point of attack and very strong hands. JPJ would excel in a zone-run scheme, but I believe his skill set sets him up nicely to play anywhere.
This is not one you should overthink. I called it in Mobile, and I am a firm believer now that Jackson Powers-Johnson will not only hear his name called in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but I think it is in the first 20 picks (looking at you, Pittsburgh). JPJ has the making of a long-term anchor of an offensive line and a real tone-setter as soon as he enters the league. He gets a first-round grade for me.
