If you are a team looking for a Center to anchor your line for the next decade, look no further than Oregon Duck OL Jackson Powers-Johnson.
Watching the All-22 of Oregon this season has been must-see TV. And the more you watch, the one person who stands out every single game is JPJ.
The fact that JPJ will only be 21 years old, makes investing high draft capital in him that much more desirable.
A 4-star recruit coming out of high school, JPJ has only improved at college and has been exceeding against players 2-3 years older. He stands 6’3 and weighs 320 lbs, and with his frame, he will only develop more strength.
For those who watched Oregon Duck games, NO, that’s not the former #7 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft Penei Sewell wearing #58 anymore.
Get to know the best Center in the draft, Jackson Powers-Johnson.
Speed
Jackson possesses the ability to get down the field in a similar fashion to what Eagles fans have seen with their current O-line players and running schemes.
Jackson is extremely agile and efficient. He reacts quickly and with ease, wasting very little movement.
Strength
JPJ exhibits a sturdy strong core and anchor.
He’s very powerful, no pun intended. He will knock you down, then jump on top for good measure, just to make sure you don’t have any thoughts of getting back up into the fight.
He demoralizes the competition.
Technician, Leader
There is a lot of football knowledge under that helmet. Jackson has a very HIGH football IQ. He makes alignment adjustments on the fly, demonstrating a high level of on-field awareness. He is also elite at reading defenses and being in the right position while communicating well with the guards and tackles around him.
JPJ puts that football IQ into practice by creating advantages in leverage and adding power to his blocks.
Jackson is a leader and a technician on the field.
Paving the Lane During Runs
He is aggressive and looks to maul someone every play. JPJ initiates contact with a violent first punch. He gets low on defenders, driving them back and paving lanes for the RBs.
He blows up anyone in his way on screenplays and he can flat-out run!
There is no quit in him. One of the best finishers in this class at any OL position.
Versus a Pass Rush
Jackson is usually the first to strike. He releases quickly from his stance and does so in the same manner in which he does everything else, with above-average speed.
He only allowed one pressure over 497 pass-blocking snaps this season, and not a single sack!
JPJ stands up inside pass rushers giving his QB clean pockets in which to step up. Exhibits quick feet in pass pro and has a good recovery.
Versatile
Jackson was highly effective in 2022 at RG and did not miss a beat changing position (ala Cam Jurgens) to center in 2023. Stoutland will be able to utilize either Cam or Jackson at either spot.
Intangibles / Attributes
JPJ has a wrestling background like another OL I was very high on, Cole Strange.
They share a desire to compete at a high level, and the drive and fight to succeed.
Violent combative hands
Durable
Flexible
Leader
Explosive
Relentless
Finisher
Rimington trophy winner, the first-ever in Oregon Duck history
AFCA first-team all-American
Conclusion
Jackson is not only one of the best prospects in this draft class he is also one of the most sure things you can draft. He has a very high ceiling while also limiting risk with a very high floor.
He is the best Center in class and will be drafted as such. If he is there for the Eagles with their early 2nd-round pick, or even at the end of the first round with pick 32 (wink wink) he will be considered for their selection.
David
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