In the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected former Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson as the No. 44 overall pick.
One of the highest-rated offensive guards in the draft class, Powers-Johnson surprisingly slipped past the first round and the first few selections of Round 2.
When the Raiders posted on social media, welcoming their new offensive lineman, they labeled him a “difference maker” which couldn’t be more true.
Difference maker, @BigJax58#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/DwidNBJxBL
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 27, 2024
A leader for Oregon’s offense last season, Powers-Johnson and the Ducks were finalists for the Joe Moore Award in 2023.
Powers-Johnson is heading to Vegas after three standout seasons for Oregon.
Despite being an offensive star, Powers-Johnson also earned 2 total tackles throughout his time in Eugene.
The Oregon center was a Unanimous All-American in 2023 as well as being named to the Walter Camp First-Team.
Powers-Johnson is the highest drafted center in Oregon history.
The highest-drafted center in Oregon history.
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) April 27, 2024
Jackson Powers-Johnson is going to the @Raiders with the No. 44 overall pick! #ProDucks x @BigJax58 pic.twitter.com/SLux4c8Z8E
His brute strength and powerful drive make him a brick wall against defensive opponents. Powers-Johnson has quick hands and is extremely level-headed in high-pressure situations.
Powers-Johnson, who won the Rimington Trophy last season for the best center in the nation, was the second Duck drafted after Bo Nix was picked 12th overall by the Denver Broncos.
There are many more Ducks remaining in the 2024 NFL Draft who have yet to hear their names called including elite wide receiver Troy Franklin and standout safety Evan Williams.