The NFL draft is Thursday, and let's just be clear before you read my post. These are my thoughts, you have yours and I have mine, if you don't agree, I would love to hear who you'd like the Cowboys to take at 24.
With that said, if Jackson Powers-Johnson is there and the Cowboys do not trade down, I would take him.
Powers-Johnson is inexperienced (only 13 starts), but he is big and powerful and was dominant during the 2023 season.
Dallas loves having big centers to keep the middle of the pocket clean for Dak Prescott.
Dallas also loves investing in its offensive line, and “JPJ” is one of this class's top interior offensive linemen.
If Dallas is comfortable with his medical history, Powers-Johnson could be their top selection.
#Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson
Fun player to study over the past two weeks. Physical! Excellent run blocking center that can also make plays out in space. pic.twitter.com/VrkrRiaoS5
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 30, 2023
Oregon Products
2024 looks like the year of the Oregon lineman for the Cowboys, if they do take Powers-Johnson he would be lining up next to T.J. Bass, the undrafted free agent the Cowboys signed last year.
I think he is going to be a stud for Dallas.
The Cowboys lost veteran center Tyler Biadasz after he signed a three-year deal worth up to $30 million with the Washington Commanders in free agency. (Dan Quinn took half their team).
That loss means Brock Hoffman, who has started two games during his first two seasons would be the starter if the season started tomorrow, hard pass.
Consensus Board Update: #Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson has fallen from No. 24 to No. 29 on the consensus board over the last month.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 22, 2024
Powers is great at getting to the second level as a center. The one problem he has though is with athletic defensive tackles, he just doesn't have fast enough hips to deal with them.
Look, my guess is as good as yours as to what the Nuggets might do on Thursday.
JPJ might be gone by the time Dallas is on the clock, or maybe the Cowboys trade out and gain more picks. I won't agree with them doing that because they need a first-round talent, but still.
2024 Outlook
Pick 24 seems the right spot for a center, it's not too early, and by taking him, you aren't reaching.
He is an immediate starter and an upgrade from what you currently have on the roster.
You have to beef up this offensive line if you want any chance in 2024. I am sure they will take a running back at some point, and you don't want him coming in with the worst OL in football.
If Dallas does not take him, look for Graham Barton from Duke. He can play multiple positions.
Both guard and tackle, he helped Duke rank inside the top 25 in the nation with 1,31 sacks allowed per game. He is legit, but I still think having a center you can depend on is more important. That is why I would take Powers.
Another important update:
Graham Barton has risen from No. 29 overall to No. 24. https://t.co/fm7vfTt49E
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 22, 2024
The Cowboys have a lot of holes to fill if they want to repeat as NFC East champions, and with only two picks inside the top 55 that be hard.
I would make sure you beef up the offensive line with the first round pick, and then when No. 56 rolls around, we can see who is left.
If you take a look at the tweets from Marcus Mosher above, it seems JPJ has slipped in some drafts, not sure why, but that is something to keep an eye on also.
If it is not an injury or something off the field related, I would still take him.
A lot of good offensive lineman will be there for Dallas, so as long as they take a highly rated one, I won't be mad.
I just really like the tape I watched of Powers as I was going through all the best OL in the draft.
