When the Las Vegas Raiders drafted Jackson Powers-Johnson, he instantly became a fan favorite. The Oregon product's play style was reminiscent of the Silver and Black's glory days, and the kid apparently grew up a member of Raider Nation as well. The fact that he fell to Round 2 was a miracle.
But his career hasn't panned out thus far in the way that most thought it would. The Rimington Trophy winner, given to college football's best center every year, was converted to a guard in the NFL, and he's endured the growing pains that accompany a jump in competition and a stark position change.
Fairly frequent injuries haven't helped with his trajectory either, but it also seems like each coaching staff that he's played for in Las Vegas hasn't given him his proper due. Just five games into the 2026 NFL season, he was benched in favor of Caleb Rogers. This comes after two years of instability.
Powers-Johnson's talent and passion are obvious. He seems like a charismatic guy who would have no issues with the staff or his teammates. So, why is it that he just hasn't stuck with the Raiders? And where does the franchise go from here with their talented young player who may be out of a role?
What can the Las Vegas Raiders do with Jackson Powers-Johnson?
The easiest thing for Las Vegas to do would be to keep Powers-Johnson around and allow him to compete for a starting role or just ride the pine. With him under contract through the end of next season, there is no reason that they technically have to do anything. But that is a no-win proposition.
Another option would be for the Raiders to trade Powers-Johnson. As a recent second-round pick with abundant talent and still a year and a half of team control on his deal, a lot of teams around the league would line up to add a player like Powers-Johnson to their offensive line and young core.
If the current front office, which didn't draft Powers-Johnson, mind you, feels better about other young players like Spencer Burford, Caleb Rogers, Trey Zuhn III and Bryce Cabeldue, all of whom they brought in, then it may not be too difficult for them to justify getting another draft pick in this rebuild.
Las Vegas could also package Powers-Johnson with a pick near the trade deadline and acquire something like a proven wide receiver, experienced defensive tackle or another veteran guard like Quenton Nelson, who is more of a known commodity.
Giving Powers-Johnson his starting spot back and letting him grow on the job is also an option that the Raiders can't ignore, and that could come on the right or left side. He's been hurt, moved around and coached poorly so far in his career, so Rick Dennison and Co. could simply give him stability.
Again, though, doing nothing and just keeping a talented young player, who was always a bit rough around the edges and needed development and game experience to reach his very high ceiling, on the bench should not be on the table for Las Vegas, especially when he would have legit trade value.
To me, it's start and play him or trade him.
What should the Las Vegas Raiders do with Jackson Powers-Johnson?
Anyone who has read our work over the years knows that we are big fans of Powers-Johnson. He moves incredibly well for his size and plays with a violent, nasty streak that a lot of modern linemen don't have. From a pure talent perspective, he rivals Kolton Miller and Tyler Linderbaum, truly.
And that is enough for me to say that Las Vegas should keep him in the starting lineup - but move him back to left guard. Not only did he seem like a more natural fit there during his rookie season, but Burford has not been great for the Raiders this year. Give Rogers a chance, but reinstate JPJ as well.
Has Powers-Johnson been perfect in his career so far? Of course not. He makes mistakes, just as most young players do, and he has a lot to work on. But he can't just improve by watching from the sidelines; he needs to be out there in the fray and learning on the job.
Just because the Silver and Black appear to be a few steps ahead in this rebuild doesn't mean that they need to abandon their young talent. A trio of Powers-Johnson, Linderbaum and Rogers could anchor the interior for years to come if Las Vegas can cultivate an environment for them to grow.
Dennison is a great offensive line coach, or at least he was billed to be, so Powers-Johnson should only get better under his tutelage with more time. It'd be a shame to just give up on the young guard, especially because Raider Nation knows that he would go on to star elsewhere.
Maybe this was just a one-week thing, and Powers-Johnson will be back at right guard on Sunday. But his being replaced by Rogers, even if temporarily, set off some alarms. And Las Vegas can't bury its head in the sand and act like doing nothing is a preferable path. They've got to choose one route.
Trade him or start him. I lean the latter.
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