Raiders’ Powers-Johnson faces unexpected center competition in training camp
Second-year lineman taking second-team reps despite being expected starter
Las Vegas Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson finds himself in an unexpected position battle during training camp, with the 2024 second-round pick taking reps with the second team while veteran Jordan Meredith runs with the starters.
According to multiple reports from Sunday’s practice, Powers-Johnson continued to work with the backup unit for the second consecutive day, raising questions about his status as the presumptive starting center for the 2025 season.
“Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson is playing with the 2s during team period,” ESPN’s Ryan McFadden reported, adding that “Jordan Meredith playing center with the 1s just like on Friday.”
Open competition declared
The situation stems from general manager John Spytek’s declaration at the NFL Owners meetings that there would be open competition for the interior offensive line positions. Spytek indicated that Powers-Johnson, Dylan Parham, Alex Cappa, and Meredith would compete for the three starting spots at center and both guard positions.
Despite the apparent demotion in practice reps, most observers believe Powers-Johnson will ultimately secure a starting role. The 6-foot-3, 328-pound lineman showed promise during his rookie campaign, starting 14 of 15 games while splitting time between left guard and center.
Proven talent at center
Powers-Johnson’s credentials suggest the current arrangement may be temporary. At Oregon, he won the prestigious Rimington Trophy as college football’s best center in 2023, becoming the first Pac-12 player to earn the honor. He demonstrated his versatility last season by starting five games at left guard before seamlessly transitioning to center when Andre James suffered an injury.
“I never really had a real offseason at center. I was always playing five or six different positions,” Powers-Johnson explained earlier this offseason. “So being able to really hone in on one has been awesome.”
The Raiders’ coaching staff may be using the practice reps to evaluate depth and chemistry combinations. With James now playing for division rival Los Angeles Chargers, ensuring backup options are prepared becomes crucial.
New regime, new approach
Under new head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the Raiders are implementing a blocking scheme that demands high athleticism from linemen. Powers-Johnson has already adapted by dropping 15 pounds to better fit the system’s requirements.
The young center has embraced Carroll’s competitive culture, noting the coach’s “electric” energy despite being 73 years old. Powers-Johnson flew to Miami during the offseason to work with new quarterback Geno Smith, emphasizing that their relationship needs to be “perfect.”
Likely starter despite current reps
While the second-team designation has raised eyebrows, several factors suggest Powers-Johnson remains the favorite to start:
- His draft pedigree as a second-round pick
- Proven performance at both guard and center as a rookie
- The Rimington Trophy winner’s natural fit at center
- His established chemistry-building efforts with Smith
- Kelly’s scheme requiring athletic interior linemen
The current practice arrangement could serve multiple purposes: testing Meredith’s readiness as a backup center, evaluating different line combinations, or simply Carroll’s way of ensuring competition at every position.
Looking ahead
Most projections still have the Raiders’ starting offensive line featuring, from left to right: Kolton Miller, Parham, Powers-Johnson, Cappa, and DJ Glaze. This unit will be tasked with protecting Smith and creating lanes for first-round rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.
As Powers-Johnson noted when introducing himself to Jeanty in May: “I’m Jackson, your center.” Despite current practice arrangements, that declaration likely remains accurate for when the games count in September.
The Raiders continue training camp in Henderson through August 20, with plenty of time for the depth chart to solidify before the regular season begins.
Image Sources: https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/raiders-jackson-powers-johnson-danger-174317792.html
Category: Sports
Subcategory: Raiders/NFL
Date: 07/28/2025
