Silver And Black Pride
Las Vegas makes another high value offensive pick
The Las Vegas Raiders followed up the selection of Georgia tight end Brock Bowers in the first round, by taking Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round at No. 44.
Let’s look at some of the key aspects of the big move:
Value, value, value:
Like Bowers, Powers-Johnson was expected to go higher than he did. He was considered a late-first, early-second-round pick. Powers-Johnson, who the Raiders watched while scouting Ducks quarterback Bo Nix, offers big value. Yes, the Raiders could have went elsewhere, but new Las Vegas general manager Tom Telesco stayed true to his board and nabbed Powers-Johnson. like Bowers, he should stick around Las Vegas for a long while.
Bolstering offense:
Telesco said earlier this offseason that the Raiders needed to do work on offense. Thursday. eh stated that the unit needed “juice’ and Bowers provided it. Now, he added Powers-Johnson. Getting this offense better was the goal and its happening.
Helping the quarterback:
It’s becoming more clear that the Raiders will let free-agent addition Gardner Minshew and second-year incumbent Aidan O’Connell battle in training camp and in the preseason. Adding a tight end and stud interior offensive lineman only helps whoever will be the Raiders’ starter in 2024.
Play at guard:
Powers-Johnson was mostly a center at Oregon, but did play some snaps in 202 at guard. The Raiders announced him as a guard when they drafted him and he will surely compete with free-agent addition Cody Whitehair to start as a rookie. I’d expect him to win the job. Andre James was just re-signed so like fellow college center Dylan Parham, Power-Johnson will play next James for the immediate future.
Remaining needs:
The Raiders could go tackle, cornerback and quarterback in their coming picks. But as we learned, Telesco is playing his board.
Run on defense:
The Raiders could have possibly taken a cornerback or defensive tackle at No. 44. But there was a big run on each position in the second round, pushing Powers-Johnson to the Raiders.
Tough, good people:
Raiders’ coach Antonio Pierce has a type. He desires tough, mean players on the field and quality people off of it. By all accounts, Like Bowers, Powers-Johnson, who is from Draper, Utah, fits that bill. He told reporters Friday night the way he finishes plays fits the Raiders’ mentality and their history. HIs grandparents were from the Bay Area and were Raiders’ fans. That will play well with the Raider Nation.
O-line set?
The Raiders had an opening at guard and at right tackle. They seem fine with letting Thayer Munford have the inside track on the right tackle position after bypassing the position thus far. So, now, the starting offensive line may be set.
