Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson is off to an outstanding start at this year's Senior Bowl. Firstly, Powers-Johnson was a big winner at the weigh-in process, clocking in at 6-foot-3 and 334 pounds. Powers-Johnson then enjoyed a dominant practice session on Tuesday morning while working at guard and center, burying several opponents in the ground throughout one-on-one drills.
Powers-Johnson possesses the size, athleticism, and awareness necessary to be a plug-and-play starter at center. With continued success at this week’s Senior Bowl, Powers-Johnson will continue to elevate his pre-draft stock into the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. With that in mind, we've identified three potential team fits for Powers-Johnson.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Several interior offensive linemen are scheduled to reach unrestricted free agency for the Dolphins in March. Starting center Connor Williams suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 14, which could complicate a potential return to Miami. Starting right guard Robert Hunt is also a free agent and is due a sizable raise in pay. Spotrac has the Dolphins approximately $50 million over the cap, meaning they'll have to make some difficult decisions in free agency. As a result, general manager Chris Grier needs to find low-cost solutions across the offensive line. Powers-Johnson is a plus-level athlete who would thrive in Mike McDaniel's zone-based scheme. Powers-Johnson would fit flawlessly into one of the league's most explosive offenses while blocking for De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks struck gold in the 2022 NFL Draft when they drafted Charles Cross and Abe Lucas to be their future bookends. General manager John Schneider should complete his offensive line's rebuild by adding more quality to its interior this offseason. Sweeping changes are expected as the Seahawks continue identifying their next head coach.
All three primary interior starters—Evan Brown, Phil Haynes, and Damien Lewis—played out the 2023 season on expiring contracts. The chances of Schneider re-signing all three players are slim. Brown, the center, was whistled for seven penalties and struggled as a run blocker.
Schneider and his scouting staff had a front-row seat to Power-Johnson's greatness, making the four-hour drive to watch Powers-Johnson perform in person. Adding Powers-Johnson to an offensive line with some ascending blockers would be a shrewd decision.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
If Powers-Johnson sneaks out of the first round, the Panthers would get the first crack at him with the No. 33 overall selection. New general manager Dan Morgan is tasked with rebuilding a struggling offensive line that made life incredibly difficult for top overall quarterback Bryce Young throughout 2023.
New head coach Dave Canales is an offensive-minded leader who's been hired to maximize (and salvage) Young's skill set. The former offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Canales will immediately emphasize rebuilding the trenches. Young can’t take the necessary steps forward without more effective blocking. A young quarterback’s best friend is often a cool, calm, and collected center. Powers-Johnson could help Carolina get the most out of Young.
