jackson powers johnson
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Las Vegas Raiders OL Jackson Powers-Johnson.
It was a bizarre 2025 season for Jackson Powers-Johnson. After a strong end to his rookie season, it looked like he cemented himself as the starting center for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Instead, Pete Carroll and the coaching staff decided to place Jordan Meredith at center and move Powers-Johnson to guard. Even then, he had to compete for the starting guard job.
It looked like Powers-Johnson was on his way out, as the coaching staff clearly had it out for him. However, he has new life now that Klint Kubiak has come in as head coach. He gets a fresh start with a new coaching staff.
Kubiak still has a lot of film to study, but it sounds like he’s a fan of what he’s seen of Powers-Johnson so far.
“The fact that he can do multiple spots is really exciting,” Kubiak told reporters. “I really like his play style. I like turning on that Chicago game and seeing him being physical and, you know, playing through the echo of the whistle, that’s the kind of mindset I want our guys to play with.”
Will JPJ Play Center or Guard?
Powers-Johnson missed the second half of last season with an ankle injury, but he should be ready to hit the ground running this offseason. The biggest thing the Raiders have to figure out is where they want to play him.
There’s been a lot of talk surrounding the team signing Baltimore Ravens free agent center Tyler Linderbaum. If they’re able to land him, then Powers-Johnson will be a guard.
If Linderbaum goes elsewhere, the Raiders might need to really consider Powers-Johnson at center. He’s proven he can play the position at a high level. The biggest worry is that he’s had a hard time staying healthy, and it’s easier to replace a banged-up guard than it is to replace a banged-up center in the middle of the season.
Kubiak Addresses Rick Dennison Hiring
Brennan Carroll was the offensive line coach for the Raiders last season, and he seemed to be in over his head. A Raiders offensive line that showed promise at the end of the 2024 season took a major step back under his leadership.
Kubiak decided to hire Seattle Seahawks run game coordinator and senior offensive advisor Rick Dennison as the next offensive line coach. He has spent many years as an offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for multiple franchises.
Kubiak was happy to get him to come over to Las Vegas.
“We’re going to have a clear teaching style,” Kubiak said. “I’ve seen Rick Dennison get the best out of his guys. And the main thing is that we get them all playing together. And that comes with teaching our system.”
Dennison brings a lot of experience to the Raiders’ offensive line room, which is the opposite of what they had with Carroll last season. All he needs to do is get the group back on track. The offensive line has taken a lot of hits the last year, but the group does have talent.