Jackson Powers-Johnson Can Cure Dolphins Center Problem
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With the 2024 NFL draft quickly approaching, the Miami Dolphins needs are plenty. With the way the Dolphins team is structured, rebuilding the offensive line must be their top priority. With that in mind, the center position needs to jump to the forefront.
There are a plethora of options at the center that will most likely go in the first round. Jackson Powers-Johnson, out of Oregon, is the leader in the clubhouse when it comes to the top prospects at the center position in this draft.
JPJ (Jackson Powers-Johnson) is powerful at the point of attack and plays with extremely heavy hands. His punch allows him to keep defenders under control even when he is out matched athletically.
He is also a very smart football player. He excels in sniffing out defensive games that are built to get blockers out of position. His gift here is he staying in position while dissecting what defenses are trying to accomplish.
He also plays with a mean streak. When you’re in the trenches, centers are more than likely always over matched physically. Playing with a bad attitude is essential when trying to move bigger, more athletic men against their will. JPJ mental toughness will translate to the NFL day 1.
His footwork in short spaces is at an elite level. This helps him with double team blocks which centers participate in on 78% of plays run in the NFL.
On the flip side, he doesn’t have the ideal experience that you would like from a first round draft pick that you’re expecting to play immediately. He didn’t become a starter until 2023.
Not to mention he didn’t become a full time center until 2022. Previous to that, he was a defensive lineman.
He lacked the lateral quickness to get off blocks and pursue as a 3-technique. Which can be problematic when faced with ultra athletic rushers. He will need to rely on footwork and anticipation to overcome these shortcomings.
The synopsis for the Dolphins can be tricky. They draft #21 overall which is early enough to get the center out of Oregon. The problem lies at pick #20. The Pittsburgh Steelers have missed out on two pro bowl centers in the last three drafts. There is no way they let another one pass them by.
The Dolphins could always move ahead of the Steelers to ensure they get their man. But with only two picks in the first 157 selections, I’m not sure they are equipped with enough ammunition to actually move up.
Having said that, we all know drafts don’t play out anywhere close to what we think they will. If this holds true, the Dolphins could be in position to select their next center.
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