Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson “can anchor the offensive line for the next 10 years”

Jackson Powers-Johnson is the best center in college football and is widely expected to be the first player off the field in the NFL Draft.

Powers-Johnson, the unanimous All-America and Rimington Trophy winner, did not allow a sack and forced just one pressure in 471 pass-blocking opportunities, leading the way in pass-blocking grades (91.3 points) and overall (83.2 points) and ranked first among all FBS centers. Run blocking grade (83.1) according to Pro Football Focus.

Seven centers have been drafted in the first round over the past decade, and the former Oregon State star could be the next center.

“It’s hard to find a player that big who can move that much,” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. “He weighs 334 pounds. You can’t get past him. He just kind of catches guys and absorbs them in pass pro. He’s quick to get to the second level. He’s really good at combo blocking. . He’s kind of mean. He’s a bulldog. He’s got some snap and some pop on his hands.

“He had a great week at the Senior Bowl before he got hurt. I think he’s going to be in the bottom of the first round. He’s such a clean player that he’s going to be your offensive line for the next 10 years. He’s a supportive player.”

Jeremiah is taking Powers-Johnson No. 35 in this year’s draft class ahead of next week’s NFL Combine.

Powers-Johnson was one of 13 underclassmen invited to this year’s Senior Bowl and was performing well before aggravating a hamstring injury on the second day of practice.

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