Jackson Powers-Johnson, your prototypical, award-winning center with experience at guard, is poised to take the league by storm with a vicious, mean streak and tremendous versatility as the top prospect of interior linemen.
Physical Profile:
HEIGHT: 6’3
WEIGHT: 328
HAND: 9 ⅞”
ARM: 32 ¼”
WINGSPAN: 78 ⅝”
It isn’t really no surprise that Powers-Johnson only participated in select Combine drills due to his exceptionally high stock. The drills he was active in further proved his compact frame, balance, and strength will be assets at the next level.
So, with some numbers in mind, what are Powers-Johnson's strengths and weaknesses?
Weaknesses:
Tends to hold, especially when beaten
Can lunge at times, leading to oversetting on pass-rushes
Average length will be a hindrance with blocking aggressively fast defenders
Strengths:
Quick and agile off the ball.
Powerful, compact frame
Clears lanes and maintains a clean pocket
Off-the-charts leadership potential
Top draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said this about JPJ:
“Overall, there aren’t many holes in his game. I love his bulldog playing style.”
Projection:
Jackson Powers-Johnson became the leader of an offensive line that helped transform the Oregon Ducks’ woeful offense during the Mario Cristobal era back into a balanced and strong attack under head coach Dan Lanning. He is an All-American Rimmington award winner, and honestly, the only thing holding him back from being a top-ten pick is the low position value. There are, of course, a few things to work on at the next level, but most of these issues will be sorted out early on in his career. Given the status of a center’s value in the draft, I realistically think he’ll end up going early on Day 2, but he deserves a crack at the bottom half of Round 1.
NFL comparison: Corey Linsley
NFL team fit: Philadelphia Eagles
(Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)