Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson is drawing praise with training camp underway. Here’s why Year 2 could be the breakthrough the offensive line has been waiting for.
Powers-Johnson has spent two NFL seasons getting shuffled around the Raiders’ offensive line like a piece that doesn’t quite fit anywhere permanently. Drafted 44th overall out of Oregon, where he won the Rimington Award as the nation’s top center, he bounced from center to guard as a rookie before talking his way back to center. Year 2 brought another position change, another new starter at his old spot, and a season-ending injury in Week 10.
Another Raiders coaching staff for the former college standout…
Now comes coaching staff No. 3 in three years, and with it, a fresh evaluation. Fans have noticed the churn. One observer on X compared JPJ’s demeanor unfavorably to rookie lineman Caleb Rogers, describing him as sounding mentally worn down rather than like a future leader.
When I listen to Caleb Rogers I hear a future captain, when I listen to JPJ I hear someone who is completely beaten down mentally. Just observing. Rooting for him though, not trying to be an asshole.
— John m (@john_m_98) August 6, 2026
Another pointed out that Powers-Johnson splitting first-team reps at right guard with Carlos Rodgers means a third staff has now viewed him differently than the fan base has.
Most interesting note from camp today: JPJ and Carlos Rodgers split 1st-team reps at RG. That’s now three different coaching staffs that have viewed JPJ differently than Raider fans have. #raidernation #raiders
— Obi (@3THWENT) August 6, 2026
That skepticism is fair, given the track record. But the early camp reports cut against it. Offensive line coach Rick Dennison, who wasn’t with the team for Powers-Johnson’s rocky first two years, said the lineman has put in real work this offseason, noting he’s frequently the first to answer questions in meetings and has been getting better daily.
Powers-Johnson himself has tried to draw a clean line between last season and this one, saying he’s keeping the past behind him and focusing on the team now.
That’s easier said than done for a player who has never had real offseason continuity, let alone a fully healthy season to build on. Development along the offensive line rarely happens in a straight line, and Powers-Johnson has spent more time adapting than progressing.
Still, there’s a legitimate reason for optimism…
The Raiders’ offensive line was one of the NFL’s weakest units in 2025, held back as much by inconsistent coaching and poor depth as by any individual player.
Related: Mark Davis is saying all the right things amid Raiders camp
Now the circumstances are different. Powers-Johnson enters the season healthy, working under a stable coaching staff, and with a head coach publicly praising his work ethic. For the first time in his young career, he has the kind of foundation that gives a talented lineman a real chance to take the next step.
Whether that’s enough to settle the position battle at guard, let alone deliver the breakout many still think is in him, will start showing up in these next few weeks of camp.
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