Dallas Cowboys Draft 'Nasty' Lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson in NFL Mock

The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line issues are glaring and in Pro Football Network's latest mock, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson comes to The Star.

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to the NFL free agency period beginning, maybe offensive line wasn't deemed a serious need for the Dallas Cowboys ... but it is now.

With Tyler Biadasz and Tyron Smith leaving, two gaping holes in Dak Prescott's protection have emerged as Dallas has now seen a small roster weakness catapult into the urgent category.

Luckily, this year's offensive line draft class is loaded with talent and despite the Cowboys picking at No. 24, there is a fair chance a quality lineman will still be availble.

Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson stated in an exclusive interview with our own Bri Amaranthus that it would be "amazing" to get drafted by the Cowboys. Well, in Pro Football Network's latest mock draft, the versatile lineman gets his wish.

"Even with the loss of Tyron Smith, the Dallas Cowboys have a plan to address the tackle position," PFN writes. "Unfortunately, that means the interior offensive line needs help. With Jackson Powers-Johnson available, there won’t be too much hesitation to take him. JPJ is a nasty player who showed tremendous growth at center for Oregon this year, but he also has experience as a guard. The Cowboys can slide him across the line, giving them depth at multiple positions."

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Powers-Johnson's versatility is what will perhaps give Mike McCarthy the green light on the selection due to the various needs Dak's protection has. Given that his natural position is along the interior of the offensive line (center but can play guard), his selection could mean that Tyler Smith gets shifted out to left tackle and Powers-Johnson then takes up a spot at guard or center.

Prescott was sacked 39 times last season (second-most of his career), so getting the protection right is paramount. In JPJ's case, he allowed just ONE pressure in his 13 games for the Ducks last season.

JPJ fills a pressing need, but there is still more work to do. Given that Dallas' next pick isn't until No. 56 (second round), the lineman would have thinned out by then.

Given Prescott's contract situation, which has hamstrung the front office from making moves (their own doing) even the idea of signing a cost-effective free agent seems a long way off, but at least with JPJ, Dallas fills one need.

In an "all-in" season that has both McCarthy and Prescott entering the final year of their contracts simultaneously, if the Cowboys are to amount to anything substantial, Dak needs to be at his MVP level from last season.

To do that, he needs protection and in Powers-Johnson, his grit and nastiness could help pave the way for improved offensive line play in a season where the Cowboys need it the most.