Just months ago, Jackson Powers-Johnson looked like a player drifting out of Las Vegas.
After finishing his rookie year strong and appearing to lock down the starting center job, the 2025 season flipped the script. Former head coach Pete Carroll and his staff shifted him to guard, forced him into competition, and ultimately watched his role shrink before an ankle injury ended his season early.
It felt like a reset was coming.
Now, it has.
And it may be exactly what Powers-Johnson needed.
“I Really Like His Play Style”
New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak hasn’t finished evaluating every snap yet — but his early impression was loud and clear.
“The fact that he can do multiple spots is really exciting. I really like his play style. I like turning on that Chicago game and seeing him being physical and playing through the echo of the whistle — that’s the kind of mindset I want our guys to play with.”
That’s not neutral coach-speak.
That’s endorsement.
Physical. Versatile. Tough.
Those are pillars of the offensive identity Kubiak is trying to build.
Center or Guard? The Big Decision
The biggest question now: where does JPJ line up?
There’s heavy buzz around Las Vegas potentially pursuing Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency.
If Linderbaum signs:
- Powers-Johnson likely stays at guard.
If not:
- He could reclaim the center job he once seemed destined to own.
There’s also a durability factor. Replacing an injured guard midseason is easier than replacing a center — the quarterback’s anchor in protection calls and line adjustments.
But what Kubiak clearly values is flexibility.
And JPJ provides it.
A Fresh Start in the Trenches
The coaching overhaul didn’t stop at head coach.
Kubiak hired veteran offensive line coach Rick Dennison — a seasoned voice with years of experience as both an offensive coordinator and line coach.
After what many viewed as regression under Brennan Carroll last season, the Raiders are prioritizing structure and cohesion up front.
Kubiak on Dennison:
“I’ve seen Rick Dennison get the best out of his guys. The main thing is that we get them all playing together. And that comes with teaching our system.”
That’s significant.
Because Powers-Johnson doesn’t just need talent validation — he needs system stability.
What This Means for 2026
The Raiders are widely expected to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall.
If that happens, protecting him becomes priority No. 1.
A physical, versatile interior lineman who plays through the whistle suddenly becomes extremely valuable.
Kubiak’s comments suggest JPJ isn’t on the fringe anymore.
He’s part of the plan.
Bottom Line
Jackson Powers-Johnson went from looking miscast to potentially foundational in a matter of weeks.
Under Pete Carroll, his role shrank.
Under Klint Kubiak, it may expand.
And if the Raiders are serious about rebuilding the trenches the right way, JPJ could quietly become one of the most important bounce-back stories of 2026.
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