The Las Vegas Raiders made a big addition to their offensive line in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, with the team selecting Oregon guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson with the No. 44 overall pick.
Las Vegas entered the draft with a pair of question marks along the offensive line, one of them being at guard. The expectation is that Powers-Johnson will fill the role at right guard in his first season, but first he'll have to earn it in training camp.
In a recent article from Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema, Powers-Johnson was named the "best pick from the trenches" in the 2024 NFL Draft. Here's Sikkema's thoughts on the JPJ pick:
There were a lot of good offensive line selections in the 2024 NFL Draft — a class that can be good enough to produce some of the top players at their positions over the next few years. But Powers-Johnson was a major plus pick compared to my big board, as he was ranked 27th and wasn’t selected until Pick No. 44.
Despite playing just one year as a starter, Powers-Johnson showcased the ability to start in the league at both guard and center. He took a strong step in proving that at the Senior Bowl, where he was the best offensive lineman through the three days of practice. Considering the value of where the Raiders got him and the projection of a starting role, this one deserved a shoutout beyond the guys who went in the first round.
Ahead of the draft, there were many experts who pegged Powers-Johnson as a first-round pick, which made him a good value in that spot. According to a consensus board of rankings from experts, JPJ landed at No. 28.
How truly good of a pick Powers-Johnson was will be determined in the years ahead, but for now he's looking like a great get for general manager Tom Telesco and Co.
