Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson is arguably the best interior offensive line prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Yet, the positional value debate often rages forward when discussing his pre-draft stock. Powers-Johnson is talented enough to be a first-round pick.
Powers-Johnson is a pro-ready center who possesses the size, athleticism, and football IQ required to spearhead an NFL offensive line. The Ducks standout is a plug-and-play talent. Center-needy teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 20) and Dallas Cowboys (No. 24) should consider drafting Powers-Johnson with their first-round selection.
Powers-Johnson has checked important boxes throughout the draft process. After stringing together an outstanding season in the Pac-12, he then traveled to Mobile, Alabama and was one of the best overall performers at the Senior Bowl. Powers-Johnson wasn't a full participant at the NFL Combine, but he displayed athleticism with a 32-inch vertical and an 8-foot-8 broad jump. Powers-Johnson looked smooth and athletic throughout on-field drills, showcasing his easy movement skills despite weighing a 98th-percentile 328 pounds.
The Draper, Utah native is also versatile enough to play guard. Powers-Johnson routinely dominated at both interior positions throughout practice reps at the Senior Bowl. That versatility is a game-changer when discussing his draft stock.
The interior offensive line market has exploded in price and value this offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles signed guard Landon Dickerson to a four-year extension worth $84 million, making him the highest-paid guard annually at $21 million. Former Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt came close to matching that annual figure, having signed a five-year, $100 million ($20 million AAV) deal with the Carolina Panthers in unrestricted free agency.
Here’s an unexpected fact. Following this offseason's dealings, we now have more guards earning $20 million annually (4) than we do cornerbacks (2). That’s correct, NFL decision-makers are currently paying guards more handsomely than they are cornerbacks. Yet, you'd never question whether or not a cornerback is worthy of being a first-round selection. So why do it with Powers-Johnson, an obvious top-32 overall talent in the 2024 NFL Draft?
The center market hasn't completely matched guards, but it has increased. The Tennessee Titans made Lloyd Cushenberry one of the highest-paid centers when signing him to a four-year contract worth $50 million. Cushenberry will earn $12.5 million annually. The intricate details of Cushenberry’s contract include an $18 million signing bonus and $26 million guaranteed at signing.
Powers-Johnson's draft value is ultimately what NFL teams deem it to be. General managers are paying guards and centers more money than ever, both from a total value, guarantees, and annual perspective. The increase in dollar value indicates that interior offensive linemen no longer play non-premium positions.
The best offenses in the league have a Pro Bowl-caliber center overseeing it. Patrick Mahomes appreciates Creed Humphrey in Kansas City. The now-retired Jason Kelce had an obvious impact on the Philadelphia Eagles and their revolutionary “tush push.” Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have Tyler Linderbaum. Frank Ragnow has played a sizable role in the Detroit Lions' offensive explosion in recent years. All four of these centers qualified for the Pro Bowl in 2024.
Powers-Johnson has that kind of potential with an All-Pro ceiling. That’s worthy of a top-32 pick.
