NFL Network Draft analyst Bucky Brooks released his 4.0 and final mock draft today of this 2024 Draft season. With it he has Miami selecting…
Round 1, Pick #21: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C – Oregon
“Beefing up the line could help the Dolphins upgrade an offense that struggled against physical defensive fronts last season.”
Broadly built center prospect with below-average length but above-average upper-body power. Powers-Johnson isn’t much of a knee-bender, which impacts his pad level and drive leverage, but he can torque and toss opponents around with some regularity at the point. Powers-Johnson is a fierce competitor with a salty disposition but needs to improve his first-phase technique to create more consistent block sustains. Despite average athleticism, he doesn’t seem to have many issues in pass protection, as he works with clear eyes, a wide base and good discipline to keep his weight back. His rookie season could be bumpy if he has to play early, but he should come out on the other side as a long-time starter.
NFL Draft Buzz Draft Profile
Jackson Powers-Johnson, emerging from Corner Canyon High School as a 4-star recruit, made a significant impact at Oregon. In 2021, he played 7 games, allowing just one QB hurry. His performance improved in 2022 with 11 games, maintaining stellar protection. By 2023, as a junior, he played in 13 games, upholding his reputation by allowing only minimal pressure on the quarterback. Noteworthy is his unanimous All-American selection and winning the Rimington Trophy, showcasing his exceptional skills as a center.
Jackson Powers-Johnson enters the NFL Draft as a top interior O-line prospect, showcasing a solid mix of athleticism, power, and technique from his time at Oregon. Winning the Rimington Trophy and earning All-American honors underline his dominance at the collegiate level. His tape reveals a player who’s NFL-ready, capable of stepping in as a Day 1 starter. Powers-Johnson’s performance against top college competition has proven he can handle the transition to the pros, where his skill set will be highly valued for both run and pass blocking.
Technical adjustments, particularly in reducing his upright stance and improving hand placement, are on the to-do list to ensure he maximizes his effectiveness against NFL defensive linemen. These tweaks are manageable and typical for rookies making the leap. Given his ability to adapt and excel in various blocking schemes, Powers-Johnson is viewed as a scheme-versatile lineman, a quality highly sought after by NFL teams looking for flexibility and durability upfront.
Powers-Johnson’s immediate impact and long-term potential make him a compelling early-round pick. His combination of size, strength, and agility fits the mold of a modern NFL lineman, capable of anchoring an O-line for years. Teams in need of a plug-and-play interior lineman will find his attributes align well with the demands of professional play. Powers-Johnson isn’t just draft-ready; he’s poised to be a key piece in an NFL lineup, offering both high-floor reliability and a high-ceiling future.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!