Raiders’ slimmed-down center feels ‘faster, stronger’ entering 2nd season

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws the ball during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Jackson Powers-Johnson doesn’t need to be reminded about how bad the Raiders’ running game was last year.

Nor is the team’s second-year center hiding from the cold, hard truth of the matter.

“We’ve seen the stats,” said Powers-Johnson, a 2024 second-round pick, after the team’s organized team activity Wednesday. “We’re the worst rushing team in the NFL.”

The Raiders ranked last in rushing yards per game (79.8) and yards per carry (3.6) last season. That played a huge role in their 4-13 record, which led to the firings of coach Antonio Pierce and most of the offensive staff.

Any chance of improvement under coach Pete Carroll includes running the ball better.

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) prepares to throw the ball during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

“And that’s been impressed on us every single day,” Powers-Johnson said.

Adding running back Ashton Jeanty, who the Raiders selected sixth overall in April’s draft, will help. But things start on the offensive line.

Powers-Johnson’s group is embracing that challenge.

“We’re taking a lot of pride in that,” he said.

That’s why the 22-year-old isn’t ignoring how bad things got last year. The former Oregon standout believes turning things around begins with he and his fellow offensive linemen acknowledging the problem and learning from it.

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, right, and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham discuss during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

“I see it as an opportunity,” Powers-Johnson said. “An opportunity to get those numbers up, and put a lot of the responsibility on the offensive line.”

Solidifying the OL

The Raiders are still figuring out who their best five offensive linemen are.

Powers-Johnson feels set at center after playing some guard as a rookie. Left tackle Kolton Miller and right tackle DJ Glaze, a 2024 third-round pick, are two other likely starters.

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, left, and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham discuss during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

That leaves Dylan Parham, Alex Cappa, Jordan Meredith and rookie third-round pick Caleb Rogers to battle for the two guard spots.

Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham addresses the media after team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Powers-Johnson is enjoying the fact he can focus on one position this offseason. He’s also healthy, a key change from last year when he missed most of training camp with an undisclosed injury.

Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) quarterbacks Aidan O'Connell (12) Geno Smith (7) warm up during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

“I never really had a real offseason at center. I was always playing five or six different positions,” Powers-Johnson said. “So being able to really hone in on one has been awesome.”

Powers-Johnson sticking at one spot has allowed him to gel with his fellow offensive linemen. That’s important given the whole group is learning a new offense under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll encourages his players as they stretch during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

“Getting the playbook down and getting continuity, and just really being on the same page,” Powers-Johnson said. “Right now, you can treat every rep as a Super Bowl rep, and you can try and mock that, but you also got to be sure to know that everyone knows what they’re going to do. That’s what the offseason is for, and that’s what OTAs are for.”

Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) addresses the media after team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Blocking for Jeanty

Powers-Johnson, in preparation for the year, lost 15 pounds this offseason because Kelly’s blocking scheme requires a high level of athleticism.

Powers-Johnson already said he feels “faster, stronger.”

He’s excited to open up holes for Jeanty, the former Boise State standout that finished runner-up for the Heisman Trophy last year. Powers-Johnson gave his new running back a bear hug the first time they met.

Raiders wide receiver Zakhari Franklin (82) runs with the ball during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

“He’s awesome. He’s been doing so good,” Powers-Johnson said. “All the hype is real and I’m super excited to block for him.”

Don’t be surprised if the two go viral a few times if Powers-Johnson clears the way for some Jeanty touchdowns.

“Maybe get some celebrations,” Powers-Johnson said. “He’s a great TikTok dancer, so maybe get my hips loosened up a little bit.”

Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) addresses the media after team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) addresses the media after team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) blocks offensive tackle Dalton Wagner (78) during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) stretches during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Raiders center back Jakorian Bennett (0) keeps an eye on running back Ketron Jackson Jr. (85) as Jackson Jr. runs through a drill during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Raiders running back Chris Collier (33) runs through a drill during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Raiders quarterbacks Aidan O'Connell (12) follows his throw during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) runs with the ball during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

Raiders quarterback quarterback Carter Bradley (14) prepares to throw the ball as offensive coordinator Chip Kelly looks on during team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye