The Miami Dolphins reportedly are among the potential landing spots for University of Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Powers-Johnson has been impressive at Senior Bowl events this week, and it’s possible he could land with the Dolphins with the No. 21 pick in the first round.
“The talk of the town in Mobile, Alabama, on Tuesday night was Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson,” ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller wrote. “The 6-foot-3, 334-pound snapper is a powerful operator in the run game but showed remarkable technique and pacing during the first National practice. Scouts throughout the Senior Bowl events have been labeling Powers-Johnson as a potential late first-rounder — already a solid improvement to his draft stock. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills have been mentioned as potential landing spots inside the top 32 picks.”
Powers-Johnson played in 25 games for the Ducks over the last two seasons, and he has been dominating at the Senior Bowl at both the center and guard spots on the offensive line.
I cannot say enough say impressive @oregonfootball OL Jackson Powers-Johnson has been. Dominating at center and guard. Wins consistently with power, but here he shows the patience and quickness, too.
Not sure he’s lost a 1-on-1 rep all week pic.twitter.com/wC1T5FWPN5
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 31, 2024
That makes him a great fit for the Dolphins, as the team could have an opening at center this offseason.
This season, Miami had Connor Williams starting at the center position, but he landed on injured reserve after appearing in just nine games. The Dolphins eventually moved Liam Eichenberg to center.
Williams, who signed a two-year deal with Miami prior to the 2022 season, is set to hit free agency this offseason. If the Dolphins don’t plan on bringing him back – or if they feel that they can’t pay Williams – they may look to the NFL draft to fill his spot.
That’s where Powers-Johnson could come in, as he’s emerging as one of the top interior lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Former NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz praised Powers-Johnson when breaking down some film from the youngster’s time at Oregon.
I’m making a Jackson Powers Johnson cut up for y’all to view. He makes every block but then you also get the effort down field. Can’t teach this. It’s just want to. pic.twitter.com/eoM05D6zjI
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 31, 2024
The fact that Schwartz thinks Powers-Johnson has qualities that coaches can’t teach is a positive sign for his work ethic and motor.
Plus, Powers-Johnson has been dominating despite dealing with a hamstring injury. According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, he left practice early on Wednesday due to the ailment.
From The Insiders on @nflnetwork live from the @seniorbowl on #Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson, whose solid showing on Day 1 is even more impressive considering he’s working through a hamstring injury suffered in training. He left practice early today. pic.twitter.com/WSRRdW80Jc
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 31, 2024
It’ll be interesting to see if the Dolphins decide to draft a lineman like Powers-Johnson, but the young Oregon product is certainly making a case for himself.
This offseason, Miami will likely prioritize finding players to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa — whether it be through the draft or in free agency.
