Center talked about how the weight loss can help him improve in year two
Las Vegas Raiders starting center Jackson Powers-Johnson had a strong rookie season last year to show plenty of promise moving forward. Now it’s just a matter of building off that campaign and avoiding the sophomore slump in year two, and Powers-Johnson focused on getting leaner this offseason to accomplish that goal.
“I’ve hammered down a routine. I’ve lost 10 to 15 pounds,” the Oregon product replied during the Raiders’ OTAs June 4 when asked where he’s gotten better this offseason. “Faster, stronger, you get a lot better at technique. I got to throw a lot of that on the coaches. They’ve been absolutely amazing, as I said. So, getting a real offseason at center is huge.
“I mean, you kind of go back to my college years, I never really had a real offseason at center. I was always playing five or six different positions, so being able to really hone in on one has been awesome. So, I think I’m going to make a great jump and give it the best I got and have some fun with it.”
Last season, the 2024 second-round pick played at 328 pounds, according to his roster weight and weigh-in at the NFL Combine. So, he’s likely floating around the 315-pound mark, which should help him move a little easier in Chip Kelly’s offense.
Granted, Powers-Johnson also mentioned he has a burger named after him at Bar Code Burgers in Las Vegas. The Big Jax Burger features a six-ounce patty with Gouda mac and cheese bites, bacon and an onion ring. It sounds like the center has a go-to cheat meal.