Former Oregon Ducks center Jackson Powers-Johnson was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 44th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday. The offensive lineman, who won the 2023 Rimington Trophy, awarded to the NCAA’s best center, was the second Duck off the board in Detroit after quarterback Bo Nix.
Powers-Johnson was part of the offensive line that pushed the Ducks through the 2023 season — they allowed the fewest sacks, with five, and the third-fewest tackles for loss amongst FBS teams. Individually, Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Trophy, was a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior lineman in college football, and twice was named Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week in 2023.
He may not stay a center; There’s the possibility that he could return to a different slot on the offensive line. Regardless of where he ends up, though, he’ll contend for a starting slot from the outset. The Raiders are returning starting center Andre James, and Powers-Johnson will be next in line. The Raiders also currently have former-Duck Anthony Brown on their roster.
