Raiders offense: Jackson Powers-Johnson starting can rekindle offensive line

Las Vegas offensive line needs a jolt and powerful rookie is the type to recharge group

The Las Vegas Raiders caught a glimpse of what rookie guard Jackson Powers-Johnson can do this past Sunday.

And from what head coach Antonio Pierce saw, the Silver & Black can expect to see more of the second-round pick as the season progresses.

“Yes, he did,” Pierce simply said when asked if the No. 44 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft earned more time after watching film from the team’s 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.

Playing in 21 snaps at right guard against Carolina — in place of usual starter Dylan Parham — Powers-Johnson exhibited the stout nature of his game in Las Vegas’ home opener. In the action he saw, the 21-year-old rookie showcased the ability to anchor by standing his ground and the fundamentals required to be an adequate blocker in the pros. Many have been awaiting the Oregon product’s debut after being regarded as a steal in the second round and what Powers-Johnson displayed is promising.

Shortly after the Raiders drafted him, we took a look at how Powers-Johnson has the potential to be the glue of the offensive line. But an undisclosed injury and illness wiped out most of the rookie’s participating this offseason as he was primarily lined up at left guard on the Raiders’ new offensive line with offensive line boss James Cregg at the helm of the unit. The absence put Powers-Johnson behind the eight ball and paved the way for veteran Cody Whitehair to become the starting left guard.

Having Powers-Johnson back in the mix and earning snaps — no matter how limited or great — is a positive step forward for the rookie.

Concussion concerns were a legitimate factor for the former Ducks center and likely scared teams away from investing a premium draft pick. But when healthy, he’s a fierce competitor that boasts the mean streak and nastiness that Pierce so badly wants from his Raiders.

But it’ll likely be baby steps with gradual increase of snaps and potential to start for Powers-Johnson.

That is, unless something forces the Raiders’ hand, like injuries.

Starting right tackle Thayer Munford’s status for Sunday’s game was up in the air due to missing practice this week with knee and ankle injuries and change could be coming to the Raiders offensive line this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. That was confirmed by Pierce and the injury report Friday as there’s indeed going to be a swap up front for Las Vegas. Munford was declared out meaning third-round pick DJ Glaze — who played in Munford’s stead last Sunday (62 snaps, good for 97 percent of the offense’s total) — is set to start at that spot. There’s also the jarring absence of Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams that Pierce and Co. need to account for, too. Although, despite Pierce noting Munford and Crosby were declared out, the Friday injury report noted both were listed as doubtful.

And, as our Bill Williamson noted, Parham has been dealing with an injury which facilitated Johnson-Powers to fill in.

“No, we were just trying to get him on the field,” Pierce said when asked if Powers-Johnson was alternating with Parham and if that’s the plan going forward. “And that might be a one-time deal, it might be going forward. But just trying to get him on the field, and again, trying to find the best five offensive linemen with continuity and chemistry, and obviously, protect the quarterback and run the football.”’

Best case scenario: Powers-Johnson clean bill of health and effectiveness results in him becoming a starter on the offensive line. That’ll provide the much-needed jolt of energy and power that’s needed in the trenches.

The best five offensive lineman with continuity and chemistry — health permitting — should be the group of (from left to right tackle): Kolton Miller, Powers-Johnson, Andre James, Parham, and Munford.

Parham is a steady constant in the Raiders trenches so far this season garnering positive grades from Pro Football Focus and simply passing the eye test for anyone that’s watched Las Vegas so far.

There could be more swaps on Las Vegas offensive line before or even during Sunday’s tilt against Cleveland. Depending on Parham’s health, Powers-Johnson could see snaps there, or if the Raiders coaching staff deems the rookie guard to be a better fit at left guard, he could supplant Whitehair.

Thus, it’ll be interesting to see how the matchup between 1-2 AFC teams plays out in Allegiant Stadium. Something’s going to give between the struggling Raiders and Browns.

Especially considering Cleveland is in a similar rut of ineffectiveness and injuries. The Browns ruled out tight end David Njoku, left tackle Jedrick Wills, right tackle Jack Conklin, and running back Pierre Strong. In addition, pass rusher Myles Garrett is banged up just like Crosby. And all that is on top of Cleveland placing guard Wyatt Teller on injured reserve earlier in week.

“To be honest every game. I said that last week against Carolina. I didn’t mean that disrespectful when I say that. It’s always about us, right?,” Pierce said in his Friday press conference. “We always are worried about ourselves. We don’t worry about who’s not playing for the other team, what issues they’re going through. We have our own, as I just announced right now.

“It’s about us getting better and getting the best 11 out there and getting the best team ready and prepared to execute in situational football, end of half, end of game and to play a full game with the effort and the passion that we’ve displayed.”