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Jackson Powers-Johnson Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Strong interior blocker
- Packs a punch off the ball
- Power run blocker
- Tough
- Physical
- Reliable pass protector
- Sustains blocks well
- Upper body strength
- Effective as a puller
- Good enough athlete
- Snaps the ball well
- Plug-and-play starter potential
- Could also start at guard
- Upside to improve
Weaknesses:
- Athleticism comes unglued in space
- Defenders dodge him in space
- Stiff change of direction in space
- Could stand to improve blocking in space
Prospect Summary:
It took some time with an odd journey, but eventually Powers-Johnson turned himself into an impactful player for Oregon. Powers-Johnson was a backup in 2021 who played on the defensive line in an emergency role to close out that season. He was back to being a backup offense lineman in 2022, but took over as the starting center in 2023 and had a superb season for the Ducks. Powers-Johnson was a reliable center in pass protection for Bo Nix and opened holes in the ground game. After the season, Powers-Johnson had a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl.
In pass protection, Powers-Johnson is a steady interior blocker who gets the job done. He executes double teams well with a guard and uses his powerful upper body to sustain blocks well. Powers-Johnson has a strong anchor where he can sink his weight and stop bull rushes from collapsing the pocket. In tight areas, Powers-Johnson is difficult to get by because he is quick to engage and hold onto blockers. For the next level, Powers-Johnson should be a steady and consistent pass protector.
As a run blocker, Powers-Johnson really excels at the point of attack. He is a strong and heavy center who packs a real punch off the ball. Powers-Johnson has the strength to help generate movement and push defenders backward. Powers-Johnson plays with an aggressive demeanor and is physical. If he is moving with guards alongside him, Powers-Johnson is capable of moving to the side on zone runs.
Team sources have said Powers-Johnson is a decent-enough athlete to be a starter, but his athleticism can come unglued in space when he doesn’t have guards running next to him. Powers-Johnson is a heavy center, so it is not shocking that he has some issues with change of direction. In space, Johnson-Powers can lumber somewhat and defenders are able to dodge him. Improving his ability to hit blocks in space could be the biggest point of improvement for Powers-Johnson entering the NFL.
Teams like Powers-Johnson versatility to start at guard or center at the next level. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Powers-Johnson could be a first- or second-round pick.
Prospect Comparison:
Travis Fredrick. Powers-Johnson is reminiscent of Fredrick coming out of Wisconsin. In college, both were strong, tough, physical and well-rounded blockers. Fredrick was a late first-round pick in 2013, while Powers-Johnson could be a first- or second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Powers-Johnson could potentially be a similar blocker to what Frederick was during his career with the Cowboys.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
