Oregon OL Jackson Powers-Johnson declares for 2024 NFL Draft

Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, he announced via social media. He is regarded as one of the nation’s top centers.

Powers-Johnson was the recipient of the 2023 Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding center in college football. After the regular season, has was also named as a first-team All-American by the Associated Press.

Before Oregon, Powers-Johnson played high school football at Corner Canyon (UT) High School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 198 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. He was the No. 13 IOL in his class.

He also released a lengthy statement thanking everyone in and around the Ducks’ program:

“A community that welcomed me with open arms. For opportunities to play the game I love. For the Big Jax Burger and Bigger Dreams come true. For new friends who feel like old friends,” he wrote. “For teammates, roommates, classmates and teachers For tests, tutors, and a brief moment believing I had a touchdown! … For Coach Cristobal, Coach Mirabal and Coach Klemm For “The Law Firm” of Coach Terry, Coach Cavanaugh and Coach Cutter. For Juicy Pumps, for Wilson Love and the Strongest Strength Staff ever For letting me play defense, and my best friend Casey. For a Fanbase that votes you up, pancakes and PAC12 awards. For autographs, selfies, posters, and cheering from your liver.

“… Thank you for giving me the chance to LIVE my Dreams! I’m headed out to test my mettle in the NFL – Go Ducks Forever!!”

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcast throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.