The 2024 season was certainly one to forget for the Las Vegas Raiders, but it was not a complete failure.
Despite former general manager Tom Telesco making some blunders in his lone season at the helm, he did give the Raiders one of their best draft classes in a good bit. First-round tight end Brock Bowers put up historical numbers in his rookie season, while both Day Two selections in center Jackson Powers-Johnson and right tackle D.J. Glaze ended the year as starters. With a young core beginning to emerge in Las Vegas, Telesco deserves at least some form of credit there.
While Glaze has right tackle relatively locked up, Powers-Johnson was still thrown into a position battle to find where he will start in 2025.
Powers-Johnson knows where he will be on the offensive line for this season.
After splitting time at guard and center in his rookie season, Powers-Johnson will be the starting center for Week One.
It is a move that makes perfect sense for Powers-Johnson, who won the Rimington Trophy for best center in his final season at Oregon. The Raiders drafted him despite having Andre James on their roster, but the rookie’s talent made it impossible to keep him out of the lineup. With James now on the Los Angeles Chargers, it opened the door for Powers-Johnson to slide back to his natural position.
Powers-Johnson has worked with the likes of Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby this offseason, and he spoke during OTAs about what he is doing differently this time around in his second year in the NFL.
“I’ve really hammered down a routine. I’ve lost 10 to 15 pounds,” Powers-Johnson said. “I’m faster, I’m stronger, I’m getting a lot better at technique. … I think I’m going to make a great jump. I’m going to give it as best as I got and have some fun.”
Powers-Johnson has the potential to emerge as an All-Pro center and future linchpin of the Raiders offensive line, and his dedication towards achieving that goal is nothing short of impressive.
