Pro Football Focus: Dallas Cowboys Projected to Grab Nation's Top enter

Pro Football Focus’ Cris Collinsworth projects the Cowboys to select the premiere offensive center to fortify their offensive line

Oct 14, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) / Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

In his last 2024 NFL mock draft for Pro Football Focus, Cris Collinsworth predicted the Cowboys will select offensive center Jackson Powers-Johnson from the University of Oregon at the 24th pick of the first round on Thursday night. Powers-Johnson is arguably the best interior offensive line prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Collinsworth Analysis

Collinsworth opined that the selection "fills a glaring hole" for the Cowboys who saw lineman Tyron Smith, the starting left tackle and Tyler Biadasz, the starting center, depart.

Collinsworth loved Power-Johnson size and toughness inside, stating that "he's not a Jason Kelce–like athlete, but he is quick and can get to second blocks with a powerful first punch and bounce to second level. At 324 pounds, he is a force inside as defenses go smaller. He loves to get quick rib shots on engaged defenders before moving to his next block. Despite his size, he rarely gets out-quicked inside."

He is projected Johnson-Powers to be a day one starter and Collingsworth noted his leadership skills, identifying him as "the clear leader of any offensive line."

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

• Junior
• 6' 3", 320 lbs
• Birthplace: Draper, UT

2023 Accolades:

• Won the Rimington Trophy (nation's top center)
• First-team Associated Press All-American
• First-team All-Pac-12 Conference
• Started 13 games at center
• Oregon's o line was a Joe Moore Award finalist (nation's top offensive line)

Dallas Cowboys 2024 Draft Picks

Round 1: No. 24 overall

Round 2: No. 56

Round 3: No. 87

Round 5: No. 174

Round 6: No. 216

Round 7: No. 233 (via Las Vegas)

Round 7: No. 244