Tag: jackson powers-johnson

Raiders add to new identity under Antonio Pierce with TE Brock Bowers, 2024 NFL Draft class

Raiders add to new identity under Antonio Pierce with TE Brock Bowers, 2024 NFL Draft class

The ultimate example of what the Raiders can be under coach Antonio Pierce is the team’s victory over the Chiefs on Christmas. After dominating the dynamic Kansas City offense on national television, Pierce talked about the new Raider Way that features ill intent, violence, physicality, and pain.

On that day, those attributes were most evident on defense. Led by defensive end Maxx Crosby, that unit made the eventual Super Bowl champions, and their superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, look more vulnerable than ever due to intense effort and physicality.

But what about the Raiders offense? Though Las Vegas ran the ball with powerful running back Zamir White to close that game out, they didn’t dish out much “pain” to the Chiefs defense that day, at least not on par with Crosby and the defense.

The Raiders 2024 NFL Draft class will bring the toughness that Pierce envisions to the offensive side of the ball. First-round pick Brock Bowers is not only supremely skilled and athletic, he’s tough as nails. He’ll run around defenders or over them after catching the football. According to NFL Media, Bowers’ “secret sauce might be his ability to rip through tacklers and pile on yardage after the catch.” And he possesses “exceptional toughness and contact balance with the ball in his hands.”

In my estimation, Bowers has the talent and toughness to change the Raiders’ identity on offense and make that side of the ball play with the same “ill intent” as the defense. That speaks to Pierce’s vision for his entire team, not just on defense, his specialty as a former NFL linebacker.

The Raiders added more physicality and toughness to the offense with their second-round pick, guard Jackson Powers-Johnson. At 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, Powers-Johnson plays with “a rugged, disdainful attitude toward opponents” according to NFL Media‘s scouting report, which also called Powers-Johnson “a fierce competitor with a salty disposition.”

A former wrestler, Powers-Johnson owns skill that rivals his toughness, just like Bowers.

And while the Raiders had a need in the draft for a quarterback, either a top pick or a developmental player in the later rounds, Pierce and new general manager Tom Telesco didn’t reach for one. Instead, they added more physical players in right tackle D.J. Glaze and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. Plus, they drafted players at positions of more dire need, like cornerback Decamerion Richardson.

That’s largely because the top signal-callers were selected early in the draft. But I also believe it’s because Pierce and the Raiders want to build a tough identity that can only be sustained by drafting players who fit the mold.

Whether players new to the Raiders know it or not, they’ll have to match the effort level of Crosby, the team’s “ill intent” ringleader. Players on defense already know this. Some players on offense are aware of this as well. But adding Crosby-level toughness to that side of the ball is necessary if Pierce’s vision for the “Raider Way” is to materialize.

The offense received just that in Bowers and Powers-Johnson. While the Raiders didn’t get the shiny new QB that many fans wanted and many NFL observers expected Vegas to acquire, they got a massive dose of toughness and skill on offense to help lay the foundation for Pierce, as he attempts to restore the Raiders’ storied tradition of greatness.

Raiders projected starting lineup after 2024 NFL Draft

With the Draft class plugged in, here is the Raiders projected starting lineup

There is a lot to be sorted out between now and the start of the season. The Raiders don’t even know how some of the competitions will play out between incumbents and newcomers. But based on what we know now, and who is currently on the roster, we can certainly make some projections.

(Newcomers in bold)

Offense

QB Gardner Minshew
RB Zamir White
WR Davante Adams
WR Jakobi Meyers
TE Brock Bowers
TE2 Michael Mayer
LT Kolton Miller
LG Dylan Parham
C Andre James
RG Jackson Powers-Johnson
RT Thayer Munford

Notes: Their top two picks — Brock Bowers and Jackson Powers-Johnson — should take on starting roles right away. While third round pick DJ Glaze will compete with Thayer Munford for the starting right tackle job and sixth round RB Dylan Laube will figure to do most of his work on special teams early on.

Minshew and second-year QB Aidan O’Connell will battle for the starting QB job, but Minshew is more seasoned and proven, so I would put him as the Day one starter.

Defense

DT Christian Wilkins
DT John Jenkins
ED Maxx Crosby
ED Malcolm Koonce
LB Robert Spillane
LB Divine Deablo
CB Jack Jones
CB Brandon Facyson
SCB Nate Hobbs
SS Marcus Epps
FS Tre’von Moehrig

Notes: No defensive players from this year’s class currently projected to be immediate starters. First off, they didn’t select their first defender until Day 3 when they took raw cornerback Decamerion Richdardson. He has all the physical tools, which will help him on special teams for now, but otherwise he’s a development prospect.

Special teams is the way for all the Raiders’ Day three picks. The others are LB Tommy Eichenberg, S Trey Taylor, and CB MJ Devonshire.

Introducing Raiders 2024 Draft class

Introducing Raiders 2024 Draft class

The draft has come to a close and there are eight new Raiders in the house. This is the Raiders Draft class of 2024.

1. (13) Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
2. (44) Jackson Powers-Johnson, G/C, Oregon
3. (77) DJ Glaze, T, Maryland
4. (112) Decamerion Richardson, CB, Mississippi St
5. (148) Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio St
6. (208) Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
7a. (223) Trey Taylor, S, Air Force
7b. (229) MJ Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh

The Raiders made no trades up or down, preferring to stick at their original draft spots for their eight selections.

While they went all offense on days one and two, they went almost all defense on Day three. According to Tom Telesco, that wasn’t intentional, but just how the day played out.

What was intentional was getting guys who could play on special teams because that will be many of the late round guys’ ticket to making the team.

The one glaring need position they did not address was quarterback. Telesco said they were thinking about adding a QB on day one, but after the top six guys went before they picked at 13, they didn’t consider taking one the rest of the draft.

Raiders use Draft Day 2 to shore up right side of offensive line

Draft Day 2 for the Raiders was all about completing the re-built of the offensive line.

Build from the trenches out. That’s a philosophy you hear a lot in today’s NFL. That means you focus on the offensive and defensive lines and go from there.

This process started in free agency. They re-signed center Andre James to make sure that wasn’t yet another position they needed to address this offseason. Then they turned to the other side of the ball, making DT Christian Wilkins their big free agent signing and bringing back John Jenkins and Adam Butler. Last month they brought in guard Cody Whitehair, who worked in Luke Getsy’s system in Chicago to help the line transition to a new offense.

Those moves were a great start, but still left the Raiders with two glaring needs — right guard and right tackle. And after taking tight end Brock Bowers at 13, they still had those holes to fill heading into day two.

Following Day two, GM Tom Telesco made it clear that was his intention coming into the day.

They went about filling those holes with both of their picks, grabbing Oregon’s Jackson-Powers Johnson in second round (44 overall) and Maryland’s DJ Glazer in the third (77 overall).

“We felt that as we build this team, it has to come from both sides of the ball, offensive and defensive line,” said Telesco. “That was my project when I originally arrived here. [Antonio Pierce] had the same job, which was perfect that we had the same vision. We’ve got some work to do, we know that. It’s not a total rebuild, but it really has to start on the offensive line and defensive line.”

Both Powers-Johnson and Glaze played multiple positions over their college careers. And neither will be playing the position where they most recently lined up.

Jackson was the best center in the country while Glaze made third team All Big Ten at left tackle. But before that JPJ lined up at right guard while Glaze played at right tackle. Those positions respectively are where each will call home for now.

“He’ll play guard for us,” Telesco said of Powers-Johnson. Another young kid, 21 years old, still a lot of growth in his game. But he’s big, he’s tough, plays a Raiders style of football.”

Jackson says the transition from center back to right guard will be “seamless.”

And while Telesco values Glaze’s versatility, the Raiders will need him to compete on the right side of the line right away.

“We see him more as a right tackle,” Telesco said of Glaze. “Big frame, long arms, really productive college player. He blocked the guy in front of him really consistently.”

Both players put good work on tape from their college days. But it was the Senior Bowl that was the clincher for Telesco that each could be the answer for the right side of the Raiders offensive line.

“It was nice that they put him at guard a little bit at the Senior Bowl even though he played it some at Oregon,” Telesco said of Powers-Johnson.

As for Glaze, it was more about seeing him face pro prospects to see how he held up. Something he called a “confirmation” of what the Raiders saw on tape from him.

While Powers-Johnson was the consensus big board top prospect at any position, he also happened to come at a position of need. Glaze, on the other hand, was positioned in the rankings as a fourth round pick, but Glaze said over conference call that he was told he very well could have a team take him in round three. That team was the Raiders. And he became the final piece to the puzzle the Raiders were putting together in the trenches.

WATCH: Jackson Powers-Johnson emotional draft call with Raiders HC Antonio Pierce

‘I’m gonna whoop some ass for you, I swear’: Watch Jackson Powers-Johnson’s emotional draft call with Raiders HC Antonio Pierce

For my money theres nothing better than the videos when players get drafted by their NFL team. Especially when they’re at home with big group of family sharing the excitement with them. That’s just what we got from Raiders Round two pick Jackson Powers-Johnson.

Adding to the emotion from his family is there are a few long time Raider fans there, including his grandparents who are from the Bay Area and who Jackson said had season tickets to the Raiders for 20 years.

But, regardless of the team, getting that phone call is special. When that kid who grew up dreaming up playing in the NFL was just drafted to an NFL team. You love to see it. And it never gets old. These moments are a big part of what makes the draft the event it has become.

Raiders Round 2 OL Jackson Powers-Johnson: Wrestling ‘huge’ for development as football player

Jackson Powers-Johnson credits wrestling for his football success that had him drafted at 44 to the Raiders

As a former wrestler myself, I often preach to others the benefits to my time on the mat. The skills translate well to pretty much any sport as well. Raiders newest offensive lineman understands these benefits.

They selected Oregon guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson with the 44th overall pick in the second round Friday. Shortly after the pick, I had the chance to ask the 6-3, 328-pound mauler about his wrestling background and how it helped him as a football player.

“Wrestling was a huge part of my life,” said Powers-Johnson. “Definitely translating in leverage and physically and also straight mental toughness. Wrestling is the hardest sport. So, me doing that to prepare for football and really getting that mentality from wrestling, it’s really huge for me. I always tell young kids or football players coming up through little league that they should wrestle. It was huge in my life.”

There is no question when you watch Powers-Johnson that he takes the skills he learned on a wrestling mat and brings them to the gridiron.

In his draft guide “The Beast”, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler describes Powers-Johnson’s best attributes “plays with a firm base and fierce hands . . . with the natural movement skills and stability at contact to torque and fend off defenders.”

Those are absolutely skills that become second nature as a wrestler. And he used those skills to become a unanimous All American and Rimington Award winner as the nation’s top center last season for Oregon.

Projected salary and signing bonus for Jackson Powers-Johnson

Contract details for Oregon Ducks C Jackson Powers-Johnson after being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders.

A second Oregon Duck has come off the board.

With the 44th pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Jackson Power-Johnson. Some thought Powers-Johnson would go in the first round, but he fell into the early second round.

By falling into the second round, Powers-Johnson’s rookie contract loses value, and he will not have a fifth-year option attached to his deal. On the flip side, he’ll be able to negotiate a second contract after four years.

OverTheCap projects Powers-Johnson’s contract will be worth $8,767,762, including a $3,196,552 signing bonus. The last player drafted in the first round, Xavier Legette, is projected to sign a contract worth $12,357,176, but with $0 guaranteed.

In 2023, the 44th pick was used on Julius Brents, an Indianapolis Colts cornerback. Brent’s rookie deal is worth $8,196,936. His signing bonus was worth $2,961,408, according to OverTheCap — slightly less than Powers-Johnson’s contract value.

Brents made $3,711,408 in his first year in the pros, which is 45% of his contract value. If Powers-Johnson earns the same share in his rookie season, he would be paid $3,969,866.55 as a rookie.

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Raiders NFL Draft grades: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon 44th overall

Raiders NFL Draft grade for selecting Oregon IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round

The Las Vegas Raiders continue to add young studs along their offense by taking maybe the best interior offensive lineman in this class in Oregon interior offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson with the 44th overall selection.

Powers-Johnson projects as an immediate starter along a talented Raiders offensive line and could play either at the guard or center spot for the Silver and Black. Johnson should be productive right away as one of the more refined rookies in this class.

Strong, athletic, confident, and refined in both the pass and run-blocking game, Powers-Johnson will help bring an immediate boost to the Las Vegas offense and could even see Pro Bowl talk early on.

Grade: A+

Las Vegas Raiders receiver A+ grade for drafting Jackson Powers-Johnson

Perfect grade for the Raiders after selecting C Jackson Powers-Johnson at No. 44.

When you land the best player at his position in the draft class midway through the second round, there’s a good chance you’re going to get a pretty good draft grade.

That’s exactly what the Las Vegas Raiders did on Friday night, selecting Oregon Ducks center Jackson Powers-Johnson with the No. 44 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

After the NFL combine and the Oregon Ducks pro day, Powers-Johnson was widely considered to be a first-round draft pick, rated as the No. 1 center in the class and arguably the No. 1 interior offensive lineman. The fact the Raiders were able to get him this late in the draft led USA TODAY’s Touchdown Wire to give Las Vegas an A-plus grade.

The Raiders haven’t had a franchise-level center in a while, and while it’s too early to say that Jackson Powers-Johnson has the grit to match Jim Otto and Dave Dalby, he’s certainly the best center (and the best interior lineman) in this class. Imagine a combination of phone-booth bricklayer and versatile athlete on the move, and that’s who Powers-Johnson is. The Raiders could move him to guard to take advantage of that skill on the move, but I’d keep him inside where he dominated the Pac-12.

Powers-Johnson was the second Duck taken: Quarterback Bo Nix went to the Denver Broncos with the No. 12 pick on Thursday night in the first round.

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Las Vegas Raiders select Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson with the 44th overall pick. Grade: A+

With the 44th overall pick, the Las Vegas Raiders get Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, the best center (and best interior lineman) in this class.

The Raiders haven’t had a franchise-level center in a while, and while it’s too early to say that Jackson Powers-Johnson has the grit to match Jim Otto and Dave Dalby, he’s certainly the best center (and the best interior lineman) in this class. Imagine a combination of phone-booth bricklayer and versatile athlete on the move, and that’s who Powers-Johnson is. The Raiders could move him to guard to take advantage of that skill on the move, but I’d keep him inside where he dominated the Pac-12. 

A consensus four-star recruit out of Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah, Jackson Powers-Johnson chose Oregon over BYU, Liberty, Missouri, Nebraska, Utah, Utah State and Washington State. He played in 11 games as a true freshman in 2021, adding a bit of time at defensive tackle. Powers-Johnson’s first start for the Ducks didn’t come until November 19, 2022, against Utah, but Powers-Johnson was more than ready for that, and he continued to prove it in 2023.

Powers-Johnson became the first Pac-12 player in conference history to win the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s best center, and he received First-Team All-American honors from  the AFCA, the Associated Press, the FWAA, the Sporting News, and Walter Camp.

In 2023, Powers-Johnson allowed no sacks, no quarterback hits, and one quarterback hurry in 497 pass-blocking snaps. Over his three seasons with the Ducks, Powers-Johnson gave up no sacks, one quarterback hit, and three quarterback hurries in 758 pass-blocking reps. Add that to his run-blocking tape and his work on the move, and Powers-Johnson isn’t just plug-and-play for the NFL; he could well display All-Pro potential from his first step on the field.

PLUSES

— Powers-Johnson’s combine weight of 328 pounds is 98th percentile for centers, and he carries it well, Big frame, wide butt, and no wasted pounds. It’s all coming right at you off the snap, Slappy.

— Looks to exert physical dominance on every snap in the run game; that’s his default mechanism. He doesn’t just want to take you out of the play, he wants to embarrass you.

— Good movement skills to get upfield; keeps his head on a swivel and doesn’t seem overmatched in space.

— Upper-body strength is impressive; Powers-Johnson can take a defender by the pads and just shake him into oblivion.

— Aggressive hands allow him to deflect and defeat rushers; Powers-Johnson can take a head-over nose tackle and just obliterate him.

— Mobile and agile enough to win on pulls and at the second level.

MINUSES

— While Powers-Johnson moves well in space, he isn’t going to make anybody forget Jason Kelce as a move center. He can be pre-determined with his landmarks and will occasionally let a defender through.

— Needs to work on moving with defenders crossing his face and stunting; tends to attack what’s right in front of him. More of a lunger and grabber when he’s challenged laterally.

If I’m taking a guard or center in the first round, I need to see obvious physical and mental dominance at the position(s). No issue here — Powers-Johnson is a plug-and-play center in any scheme, and that tape is fun to watch. Let’s get nasty!