The Raiders announced on Monday that second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson has inked his rookie contract. As a result, all eight members of the team’s draft class are now attached to their initial NFL deals. 
The offensive tackle class was a headliner in 2024, but Powers-Johnson was one of the top interior blockers available. The Oregon product served as a full-time starter over the past two seasons, establishing himself as one of the most well-regarded interior linemen in college football during that span.
Powers-Johnson spent much of his time at right guard in 2022, but last season he was used exclusively a center. That produced a stellar campaign for the 6-3, 328-pounder; Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Trophy as the country’s top center (becoming the first Pac-12 player to do so). He was also named a unanimous first-team All-American, helping cement his draft stock.
Graham Barton was the only center to hear his name called on Day 1 of the draft, but Powers-Johnson (just like Zach Frazier) was selected in the second round. Starting roles likely await all three players in their rookie seasons, but Powers-Johnson is positioned to start his NFL tenure at right guard. The Raiders used Greg Van Roten at that spot last season, but he is unsigned.
Vegas has added Cody Whitehair to the fold as an interior blocker with starting experience. The same is also true of Andrus Peat, who has seen time at both tackle and guard and signed a deal last week. Those veterans will give head coach Antonio Pierce a number of potential combinations (alongside Powers-Johnson) to consider as training camp takes place.
Here is the full breakdown of the Raiders’ 2024 draft class:
- Round 1, No. 13: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 44: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 77: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 112: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 148: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 208 (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 223 (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 229 (from Vikings): M.J. Devonshire (CB, Pitt) (signed)
Here is a change in the operation of the organization. In the past there has been a thought of waiting to sign the draft picks until just prior to camp in an attempt to keep the young rookies from hitting the strip as a newly minted millionaire.
Nothing like JUST having become a millionaire a couple days before having to focus on practice. I think I prefer this method where they can get it out of their system a bit and get used to it.
I agree 100%. I guessing most of these players would like nothing more than to spend the day in the gym. Getting calls from your agent is probably counter-productive.