Oregon Ducks center Jackson Powers-Johnson, unfortunately, had to pull out of the annual Reese’s Senior Bowl early after aggravating his hamstring during practices this week. Still, two days of work was more than enough for scouts in attendance to be blown away by what the Rimington Trophy winner was able to do.
Powers-Johnson was named as one of the most impressive players of the week early on, and now there are NFL scouts and draft analysts who think that he could ultimately be a first-round draft pick this April.
Here’s what ESPN’s Jordan Reid had to say about Powers-Johnson:
Outside of Toledo corner Quinyon Mitchell, Powers-Johnson was the most impressive prospect I saw at the Senior Bowl. Not only did he play at his normal center spot, but he also took reps at guard. His anchor and hand strength immediately jumped out at me. At 6-foot-2 and 334 pounds, he has a wide frame that defenders are hardly ever able to run through. Powers-Johnson entered Mobile as a potential first-round pick and in consideration to be the first center selected, and I think he could go in the top 25. The Miami Dolphins (No. 21 overall) and Dallas Cowboys (No. 24) both have needs along the interior offensive line.
As one of the best interior offensive linemen in the draft with a unique versatility, there seems to be a good chance that Powers-Johnson goes in the first round after his performance down in Mobile. It will be interesting to see what he is able to do both at the NFL Combine and the Oregon Pro Day once March rolls around.
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