Despite the eventual change in leadership, former Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco’s 2024 NFL Draft is being recognized for its strengths, particularly the selection of offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson’s journey began with challenges, as he faced significant time away due to injury and missed the first two regular-season games. However, upon his Week 3 debut, he quickly established himself as a valuable asset.
Initially playing at guard, Powers-Johnson, who primarily played center in college, transitioned to his natural position mid-season following an injury to Andre James. He then returned to guard to finish the year.
Regardless of his position, Powers-Johnson’s performance was consistently impressive. The 2024 second-round pick allowed only two sacks and 23 total pressures in 633 pass-blocking snaps, while also achieving a 70.4 run-blocking grade, ranking 31st among guards, according to Pro Football Focus.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby On Training With Jackson Powers Johnson
Powers-Johnson’s talent is undeniable, and his potential to become a long-term starter is evident. His offseason dedication to improvement has been highlighted by Raiders’ edge rusher Maxx Crosby. In a recent podcast episode, Crosby revealed that Powers-Johnson has been working out with him extensively.
“He’s been with me the majority of the offseason and he’s been pushing himself and I’ve been on his a** all the time,” Crosby said, acknowledging Powers-Johnson’s innate talent. “He’s got all the ability, all the talent, it’s just about tying everything together,” Crosby added, emphasizing the young player’s commitment to hard work and perseverance.
“He’s got all the ability, all the talent, it’s just about tying everything together,” Crosby added. “So, having him there, meeting me there at 6:15 every morning and getting after it and putting in the work and suffering. Him going through that s*** is real and he’s suffering, it sucks, it’s hard some days. “He looks at me like ‘f*** this m***********, but he’s responding and he keeps showing up, showing up.
Crosby’s mentorship is considered invaluable, given his reputation as one of the league’s most dedicated players. Powers-Johnson’s willingness to embrace this rigorous training regimen is a promising indicator of his future success. With the departure of Andre James, Powers-Johnson is poised to assume the starting center role in 2025. While his second-season development remains to be seen, Crosby’s endorsement suggests a strong likelihood of continued growth.