Silver And Black Pride
While nothing is completely official, it sure appears like Jordan Meredith will be the Las Vegas Raiders starting center in the 2025 NFL season.
Let’s take a closer look at what what it means:
Was this expected?
Absolutely n0t. This is very much training-camp surprise. It appeared all offseason that second-year player Jackson Powers-Johnson would be the center and Meredith would compete for a starting job. Yet, it become apparent early in the training camp that the coaching staff was comfortable with Meredith as the center and they just stick with it.
Can it change?
Sure, everything can be fluid. but at this point, it would be odd to think the Raiders will switch to Powers-Johnson at center this close to the regular season. Meredith and starting quarterback Geno Smith have built a chemistry and it would be counterproductive to switch at this point. If it doesn’t work during the season, it can always be revisited, but that wouldn’t be ideal, either.
Why it happened?
It is about getting the best five offensive lineman on the field. Powers-Johnson has already shown he can play guard in the NFL, so the coaching staff feels better with this alignment.
What happens in there is an in-season injury?
If Meredith has to miss time, Powers-Jackson will very likely slide over to center and Alex Cappa, who has started 96 games at guard in the NFL, will take over a guard spot opposite Dylan Parham. Of course, Cappa also has a chance to win the job over Powers-Johnson. Either way, it will be smooth if that scenario occurs.
Size:
6-2, 301 pounds.
NFL experience:|
Meredith, 27, has started nine games in three NFL seasons, all at guard. He showed a lot of promise in eight starts last season and now Meredith is poised to get a surprise opportunity at center.
