As the college football season barrels toward its finish, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Jackson Powers-Johnson.
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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jackson Powers-Johnson
Jackson Powers-Johnson (OC – Oregon)
6’3” – 320 lbs.
Background:
Appeared in a reserve capacity in both 2021 and 2022, but played a surprising amount for a backup offensive lineman. Powers-Johnson had 126 snaps in 2021 and 400 in 2022, with 430 of those snaps coming at right guard, 64 at center, 27 at left guard and five at right tackle. Has taken over the full-time starting job this year, and is enjoying another strong campaign. As of the time of writing, has yet to allow a college sack.
Positives:
Big, very thickly-built blocker with experience at both center and guard in Oregon’s offense, which featured a lot of gap concepts this year. Snap-to-snap consistency is very good. Extensive experience with shotgun snaps. Has a lot of lower-body strength and leg drive allows him to move defenders in the run game. Able to the climb to the second level and engage with form and balance. Understands positioning and can obstruct additional defenders with his frame at times. Works hard through the whistle to engage opponents. Nice hand-fighter on the inside. Absorbs power easily. Knows how to use upper-body torque to sling defenders to the ground. Can slide a bit to derail delayed A-gap blitzers. Keeps his head on a swivel when unblocked. Gets out in front of screens and can jolt second-level defenders on contact.
Negatives:
Only a full-time starter for one year, although he played extensively as a reserve in 2022. May not have ideal length. Not a true mauler in a phone booth; more workmanlike than dominant. Lateral quickness is closer to adequate. Can lapse into throwing his body around. Occasionally doesn’t look like he’s going full-speed on outside rushing attempts. Ability to sustain blocks is good but not elite; would like to see more consistent hand placement and grip strength. Some catch-and-ride tendencies. Height/length may be on the small side for a guard conversion candidate.
Summary:
May not be the sexiest interior lineman prospect in the class, but has the bulk, technique, consistency, and functional strength to hold up as a starting pro pivot. Has almost no major flaws, so should be able to step in sooner rather than later as a scheme-versatile center and provide solid play. Not quite as experienced as some teams may like in an offensive lineman prospect, but has a favorable developmental trajectory, and that could help him find a spot somewhere on the second day of the draft.
Projection: Round 2-3
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