Leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft starting on April 25th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up...
Jackson Powers-Johnson stands in at 6'3" tall, weighing 318lbs, and is unanimously the top center prospect in this draft class.
Craig Strobeck / USA TODAY Sports
Jackson Powers-Johnson was the leader for Oregon's offensive line in 2023, despite it being his first year starting at center.
Steelers Overview
Powers-Johnson is the only center prospect currently being considered as a true first round pick, and despite the center position being devalued in the draft, he is going to be someone people target. He has consistently displayed his exceptional strength and high IQ since his full-time move to center, and he is likely an immediate upgrade no matter where he lands this April.
Pros:
- Stout build, dense from top to bottom
- Strong, aggressive hands
- High IQ
- Rarely gets out of position on stunts
- Quick first step and punch off the snap
- Quick feet to move to second level
- Rarely over-extends beyond his base
- Attitude you desire in a lineman, plays through the whistle
Cons:
- Only one year as starter at center
- Short arms, even for an interior lineman
- Knee bend is lackluster, leading to high pad level
- Quick feet, but overall athleticism in space isn't elite
- Needs to disengage from combo blocks quicker on a most consistent basis
The Steelers have a long history of great centers, but since Maurkice Pouncey retired following the 2020 season, they haven't found a reliable replacement. Powers-Johnson has the capability of being a very good player in this league for the next decade, which the Steelers could look to target with their first round selection.
Brandon Sloter / Getty Images
University of Oregon center and 2024 draft prospect Jackson Powers-Johnson points towards the stands as his team warms up prior to a collegiate football game.
Hand Technique and Footwork
Despite occasionally getting a little wide with his hand placement, Powers-Johnson has shown some great technique since becoming a full-time center. His footwork is the best in the draft class as he consistently keeps them underneath his frame and doesn't get himself off balance. His technique is definitely going to be key as he moves to the NFL as he doesn't have the luxury of long arms helping him out.
Mobility and Athleticism
Initial quickness and foot speed greatly help Jackson-Powers reach his blocks and strike quickly. He isn't going to ever be called the best athlete on the field, but he doesn't need to be that to be very successful. He has little problems reaching his blocks on the line of scrimmage, and while he could definitely be a little better in space, that will be a limited role in the NFL compared to college.
USA Today
Jackson Powers-Johnson helped lead a unit to protect his QB Bo Nix during the 2023 season.
Power and Strength
Jackson-Powers' build helps him tremendously in this department. He is built like a brick house with very strong legs and incredibly strong upper body. He possesses some of the strongest hands, regardless of position, in this draft class. His initial punch can stun defenders, completely disrupting their momentum.
NFL Comparison - Tyler Biadasz
It is hard to find direct comparisons for centers at times, but this one fits decently. Both Powers-Johnson and Biadasz have really good quickness off the snap, with both their feet and their hands, with strong punches that can knock defenders off balance quickly. Neither are going to jump off the stat sheet in terms of measurements, but neither have any issues dealing with that.
Draft Projection - First Round Pick
A lot of draft classes don't have any centers in the first round, but Powers-Johnson is most likely going to hear his name called on day one of the draft.
Let us know below what you think about Powers-Johnson as a prospect and the potential of seeing him in the black and gold! What other prospects would you be interested in seeing a profile on? Click to comment below!
Other Potential Steelers Draft Picks
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