Dallas Cowboys Host 30 Visit With Draft Target Jackson Powers-Johnson; Trade Back and Pick?

The Dallas Cowboys have been linked to Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson for much of the NFL Draft cycle. Does his top 30 visit chance that projection?

Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) / Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

For as long as it became clear that center Tyler Biadasz’s future with the Dallas Cowboys was in doubt, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson has frequently been mocked as a replacement.

However, a lackluster free agency has thrown the Dallas roster into a state of unsteadiness. Replacing left tackle Tyron Smith likely takes priority over the center position, and no moves to address receiver Michael Gallup’s departure or two edge rushers heading to the Washington Commanders have been made. Each need is underlined by the maybe-threat of having to replace quarterback Dak Prescott next season. 

Subsequently, the Cowboys have several options available to them at No. 24, from another first-round lineman to a dynamic threat on the boundary. The consensus has largely pegged the top tackle remaining to America’s Team, but Powers-Johnson certainly isn’t out of the running.

Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) / Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

Unsurprisingly, Dallas has already held a visit with Powers-Johnson. Per reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have, too.

It’s worth noting that the Oregon product’s hype has been driven more from non-sourced media than analysts known to have a thumb on the pulse of decision-makers. That isn’t to disparage the draftniks that have granted him Round 1 grades – he was impressive this past season – but to some, a slide to Round 2 wouldn’t be surprising. 

Powers-Johnson’s critics will point to poor knee bend that saps him of power and a lack of athletic testing that could have eased some concerns. Additionally, Oregon’s offense was designed to get the ball out quick, leaving some wondering how much he was truly asked to do in pass protection. 

Given how the league seems to view him, he may be a priority for the Cowboys if they trade back from No. 24.

Despite his flaws, Powers-Johnson was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded center from this past season and allowed just a single pressure. He was a single-year starter, but it’s hard to have a more promising campaign than he produced. Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Trophy for his efforts as the best center in the country.

For now, fans can consider the top 30 visit an act of due diligence. As a legitimate candidate for one of the team’s first two picks, and one of the best players at his position, the Cowboys were always going to give him an extended look.

There are legitimate concerns in his profile, but depending on how the board shakes out, Powers-Johnson could be the best player available. He projects as a Day 1 starter, and with the state of Dallas’ line, that could give him an advantage over offensive linemen viewed as projects with massive upside.