Scouting Report: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OC) - Oregon
Sales Pitch: “Massive center with excellent movement skills and tremendous power at the point of attack. Scheme versatile with the athletic ability and football intelligence to play every spot on the interior offensive line.”
Athletic Profile
Height: 6’ 3 3/8”
Weight: 328 lbs
Arm Length: 32 1/4”
Hand Size: 9 7/8”
40 Yard Dash: N/A
10 Yard Split: N/A
Vertical: 32”
Broad Jump: 8’ 8”
Short Shuttle: N/A
3-Cone: N/A
Age: 21
Relative Athletic Score: N/A
Statistics
Career: 0 Sacks - 1 QB Hit - 4 Pressures - 14 Penalties
2023: 0 Sacks - 0 QB Hit - 1 Pressure - 9 Penalties
Strengths
100th percentile weight for a center
Plus athlete with very good balance and body control
Understands team protection schemes and consistently has his head on a swivel
Relishes contact and is always looking to lay a big hit
Strong hands capable of controlling defenders and steering them out of the play
Powerful lower half capable of creating massive displacement at the point of attack
Quickness and balance to get out in space as a puller and on screens
Agility and quickness to reach lineman a full gap over
Controlled in space when climbing to the 2nd level
Quick active hands in pass pro that constantly work to find a foothold
Lateral agility to mirror speed rushers in pass pro
Tremendous anchor and ability to hold ground vs power rushers
Scheme flexible with experience at both guard spots
Weaknesses
Marginal length for the position, can struggle to control longer lineman
Over-aggression can lead to penalties and whiffs in space
Struggles to maintain proper pad level and reduces his ability to access full strength
Pass rushers that can utilize their natural leverage catch him by surprise
Speed rushers with a good two hand swipe are consistently effective
Summary
Jackson Powers-Johnson is a former 4-star recruit from Utah who played a variety of spots for Oregon in his three year career, including DL and both OG spots before settling in as a full time center in 2023. Powers-Johnson’s first full year of starting came in his Junior campaign, where he quickly became one of the best lineman in the country, allowing zero sacks and being awarded unanimous All-American honors. He continued his excellent season at the Senior Bowl in January, where he was an early standout for his play on the practice field. Powers-Johnson is a massive center checking in at over 6’ 3” and 330 lbs. His size more than translates to the playing field, where his powerful lower half and strong hands create significant push in the run game. He is easily able to hold his ground against power rushers in pass protection and has the balance and core strength to set clean pockets for his quarterback. Powers-Johnson is more than just a mauler, he possesses very good quickness and agility for a man of his size. He is able to consistently get out in space both as a puller and on zone run plays. Powers-Johnson has excellent body control and awareness when blocking in space, routinely latching on and driving smaller defenders into the dirt. His lateral mobility allows him to mirror speed rushers in pass protection and is quickly able to adjust to 2nd level blitzers and stunts from the defense. A taller player for the center potion, Powers-Johnson struggles to maintain a low pad level. Defenders that are able to play with good leverage can neutralize some of his natural power by getting underneath his pads. Despite his impressive size, Powers-Johnson has below average arm length. Longer defenders are able to get first contact and hold him at bay, avoiding his extremely strong hands that are capable of controlling and steering most defenders out of the play. Powers-Johnson projects as a plug and play starter who can fit in a variety of schemes at either center or guard. He is a well rounded with the physical tools to thrive in zone or gap running schemes and at 21 years old with only one year of starting experience, there is plenty of upside as well. Powers-Johnson has a very good shot to be the first interior offensive lineman off the board and find himself going in the first round.