Team Transition
The Raiders are preparing for a significant change on their offensive line as they plan to release veteran center Andre James at the start of the new league year, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Over the past six seasons, James played a key role for the Silver and Black, spending four years as the starting center. However, injuries during the previous season cost him his starting position, and despite recently securing a two-year extension prior to free agency, his future with the team now appears to be coming to an end.
Emerging Leadership
In the wake of James’ departure, Jackson Powers-Johnson has stepped into the starting role with notable promise. After replacing James last season, Powers-Johnson’s performance caught the attention of the Raiders organization. Transitioning from his previous role as a left guard, he faced the challenges of adapting to center—a position that demands both technical precision and an understanding of complex blocking schemes. His rookie adjustments have nonetheless proven largely effective, with his efforts on both run blocking and pass protection earning the trust of the coaching staff.
Performance on the Field
During his stint as center, Powers-Johnson appeared in six starts, during which Pro Football Focus noted that he allowed seven pressures and one sack. His time spent playing nearly 1,000 snaps across various interior line positions reflects his versatility and determination to adapt at the professional level. While he faced additional challenges when deployed at the left and right guard spots, these experiences have contributed to his development, suggesting that the learning curve is part and parcel of the transition as he settles into his new role.
Future Outlook
Selected in the middle of the second round of the NFL Draft, Powers-Johnson has proven to be a high-value pick, demonstrating resilience and potential since arriving on the team. The Raiders’ shift away from a long-time starter in favor of youthful talent marks a forward-thinking strategy as the club navigates the rapid changes of a league in flux. While Powers-Johnson continues to hone his skills, there is considerable optimism that his progress could herald a major leap in performance in his upcoming seasons.