This week marks the start of the preseason, and the recent mock game featuring the Las Vegas Raiders‘ roster has raised some concerns among fans.
Chief among those concerns is the state of the interior offensive line.
Don’t panic, Raider Nation—the sight of Jackson Powers-Johnson participating in the second-team offense in early August is not as alarming as some may believe. If anything, it’s just another chapter in the long preseason tradition known as “tinkering.” The Raiders coaching staff is experimenting up front, but it’s important to note that JPJ remains a key member of the starting five.
We have even engaged our readers by including a poll below.
What is going on with JPJ and the Raiders?
Observers and the media don’t appear to be overly concerned. If that’s the case, maybe fans shouldn’t be sweating it either. According to Sanjit T. of Elite Trench Scouting, the focus is not solely on JPJ. Rather, it’s on determining the optimal pairing for him. Whether it’s Alex Cappa, Jordan Meredith, or even Will Putnam snapping the ball, the Raiders clearly want to identify the combo that creates the least drop-off at center and guard. In that world, Powers-Johnson becomes the constant. Translation? You can then plug him at whatever spot needs fortifying and let everyone else fight for the seat next to him.
Plus, the great player from Oregon hasn’t lost any of his energy. Internally, he and second-year player DJ Glaze are considered poised for big Year 2 leaps. This is part of a long-term plan that already involves locking down Kolton Miller.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton sums it up perfectly: what looks like a demotion is really experimentation. Whether he lines up at guard or pivots to center, Powers-Johnson is expected to be one of the franchise’s tone-setters on an offensive line they absolutely expect to bully people with this fall. The Raiders don’t care who’s the “One” or the “Two” on a depth chart—they care about finding five who can shove, maul, and protect.
As Raiders radio analyst Q Myers said recently, until the staff formally declares a depth chart, everyone is fair game. However, his gut still says JPJ ends up as the starting center once September rolls around.
Bottom line: the Raiders believe in Jackson Powers-Johnson. They’re just moving the chess pieces around the board.
Related: Rookies Primed For Starting Role In 2025
*Top Photo: Getty Images