Jackson Powers-Johnson experienced a turbulent 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders after a promising finish to his rookie year suggested he would secure the starting center position. However, the coaching staff led by Pete Carroll opted to start Jordan Meredith at center, shifting Powers-Johnson to a guard role where he had to fight for a spot in the lineup. This change led many to believe that Powers-Johnson’s future with the team was uncertain.
With the arrival of head coach Klint Kubiak and his new coaching staff, Powers-Johnson is seeing renewed opportunities. Kubiak has expressed a positive outlook on the player’s abilities based on early assessments.
The fact that he can do multiple spots is really exciting,
Kubiak told reporters.
I really like his play style. I like turning on that Chicago game and seeing him being physical and, you know, playing through the echo of the whistle, that’s the kind of mindset I want our guys to play with.
Determining Powers-Johnson’s Role: Center or Guard?
After missing the latter half of last season due to an ankle injury, Powers-Johnson is expected to return fully prepared for the upcoming offseason. The Raiders face a critical decision about where to deploy him on the offensive line.
There has been speculation that the Raiders may pursue Baltimore Ravens free agent center Tyler Linderbaum. If the team acquires Linderbaum, Powers-Johnson would likely continue at guard. Conversely, if Linderbaum signs elsewhere, Powers-Johnson might be the frontrunner to resume playing center, a position he has demonstrated proficiency in.
The main concern revolves around Powers-Johnson’s injury history. Given that guards are typically easier to replace midseason than centers, durability could influence the team’s strategy in placing him at guard rather than center.
Kubiak’s Strategic Changes to the Raiders’ Offensive Line Coaching
Last season’s offensive line under then-coach Brennan Carroll struggled after showing promise late in 2024. Kubiak addressed this by bringing in Rick Dennison, formerly Seattle Seahawks run game coordinator and senior offensive advisor, to lead the Raiders’ offensive line coaching.
Dennison brings extensive experience as an offensive coordinator and line coach from several NFL teams, enhancing the Raiders’ coaching expertise in a crucial area that had regressed recently. Kubiak emphasized the importance of Dennison’s teaching and leadership to revitalize the unit.
We’re going to have a clear teaching style,
Kubiak explained.
I’ve seen Rick Dennison get the best out of his guys. And the main thing is that we get them all playing together. And that comes with teaching our system.
With Dennison’s guidance, the Raiders aim to rebuild cohesion and performance in their offensive line room, leveraging the existing talent that had suffered setbacks during the previous season.
Looking Ahead: Powers-Johnson’s Future and Offensive Line Prospects
Jackson Powers-Johnson’s versatility remains a significant asset for the Raiders as they prepare for the next season. Whether he secures a starting role at center or guard depends largely on the team’s decisions in free agency and injury management. With Klint Kubiak’s supportive approach and Rick Dennison’s leadership, the Raiders look to stabilize their offensive line and maximize Powers-Johnson’s potential.
The upcoming offseason will be critical, as the coaching staff evaluates Powers-Johnson’s health and performance while determining the optimal configuration for their line. The hope is that this fresh start under new leadership will allow Powers-Johnson and the team to overcome last season’s challenges and emerge stronger.
