Jackson Powers-Johnson Receives Big Grade in 2024 NFL Draft

Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson continues to “wow” me every time I put on the film, and he did once again with his performance during the week of the Senior Bowl.

His ability to play both center and guard as he displayed during that week, as well as throughout his career has become highly sought after.

Powers-Johnson is the 2023 Rimington Trophy winner and has recently risen up the media draft boards. Currently, more than 10% of draft platforms are seeing him as a first-round grade (nflmockdraftdatabase.com).

Throughout his career he appeared in 32 games, allowing zero sacks (per PFF). The top-rated center was rated a four-star recruit by 247 Sports coming out of high school. Plus, ESPN rated him as the country’s No. 2 recruit in the 2021 class.

2023 Review:

In 2023, Powers-Johnson started in 13 games, racking up 829 snaps. He was consistent and dominant, only giving up one QB hurry, no QB hits, and no sacks all season, according to Yardbarker.

After evaluating the film, he appears versatile in both the passing and running game.

Overview: Jackson Powers-Johnson

6-Foot-3, 334 Pounds

40 Time: 5.00 (nfldraftbuzz.com)

Level of Competition: Medium

Colton Edwards Grade: First-Round

2023 Film Evaluated: Colorado, Oregon State, Utah, and Washington

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

In the running game, he generates a push at the initial point of attack while exploding off the line of scrimmage. Has excellent lateral and vertical agility. Powers-Johnson can get outside and does a decent job landing blocks in space. Off of that explosion, he has excellent short-area quickness and footwork that allow him to immediately get out in space. Whether it’s a pull, zone, or trap scheme, he’s able to engage quickly with his designated area and create running lanes.

He brings great pad level in both areas of the game, especially in pass protection. With his quick out-of-the-stance ability, he can get out and be effective in front of screens or RPOs. He displays a good natural balance with a strong initial punch to cause his defenders to lose momentum. Powers-Johnson has consistent hand placement that allows him to gain inside leverage in both aspects of the game. His lower body and grip strength allow him to control blocks when properly latched. Ultimately, he’s great at building the pocket and diagnosing stunts and blitzes for his teammates.

Weaknesses: He can become too upright when he’s leading outside in the screen or zone game. Needs to refine and add more counter moves against NFL-caliber pass rushers.

Summary:

Overall, Powers-Johnson is a versatile and multi-packaged offensive lineman. He’s a pure center who is still able to use high amounts of power and torque on his extensions, punches, and drive blocks. Has the ability to be dominant at the guard spot due to his athleticism, strength, and power. Not to mention he demonstrates great natural leverage, angle awareness, and high-quality diagnostic skills. There is still room for improvement but in the 2024 NFL Draft, he is the best interior offensive lineman.

Who will he remind us of?

Former Philadelphia Eagles center and six-time first-team All-Pro Jason Kelce

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF(Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. He aspires to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.