The Packers Just Moved In on a Raiders Lineman Everyone Thought Was Untouchable — Until He Suddenly Vanished from the Lineup.QQ

The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line has been a quiet Achilles’ heel in 2025, holding back an offense brimming with potential. While not a screaming emergency, the unit’s inconsistency has kept the team from reaching its full explosive potential. With the NFL trade deadline looming, the Packers have a golden opportunity to address this issue by targeting a surprising name: Las Vegas Raiders’ second-year lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson. After a mysterious benching by Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, the 22-year-old run-blocking specialist, who boasts a 70.4 PFF run-blocking grade, could be the key to unlocking Green Bay’s offensive potential.

A Rising Star’s Unexpected Fall

Jackson Powers-Johnson, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, burst onto the scene as a rookie with the Raiders. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, showcasing his versatility and prowess across the interior offensive line. With a 70.4 PFF run-blocking grade that ranked 24th among guards last season, Powers-Johnson proved he could dominate in the trenches. His ability to play center, left guard, and right guard made him a valuable asset, and his college pedigree—highlighted by winning the 2023 Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center at Oregon—suggested a bright future.

However, 2025 has been a different story. After a promising rookie campaign, Powers-Johnson has struggled to find his footing under the Raiders’ new coaching regime. Moved to right guard—a position less familiar to him—his performance dipped, culminating in a rough outing against the Kansas City Chiefs. Shockingly, Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly responded by benching the young lineman, a decision that has raised eyebrows across the league. Despite this setback, Powers-Johnson’s 72.0 PFF run-blocking grade in 2025 still ranks 11th among guards, a testament to his talent even in a “down” year.

Why the Packers Should Pounce

The Raiders’ apparent lack of faith in Powers-Johnson has sparked speculation that he could be a sleeper trade candidate before the deadline. Analysts like Levi Dombro of Just Blog Baby and Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report have both flagged him as a potential trade piece, noting that his struggles may stem more from a positional mismatch and coaching preferences than a lack of ability. For the Packers, this presents a rare opportunity to pull off what could be a deadline heist.

Green Bay’s interior offensive line has been a weak link, with no lineman coming close to Powers-Johnson’s run-blocking prowess. Sean Rhyan, the team’s best interior lineman, has a PFF run-blocking grade of just 61.0—well below Powers-Johnson’s mark. Acquiring the 22-year-old could provide an immediate boost, allowing him to compete for a starting guard spot and open up running lanes for the Packers’ ground game. His ability to maul defenders in the run game would complement Green Bay’s offensive scheme, giving quarterback Jordan Love more time and the running backs bigger holes to exploit.

Moreover, Powers-Johnson’s versatility makes him an even more attractive target. While he could slot in at guard immediately, his experience at center—where he didn’t allow a single sack in three years at Oregon—positions him as a potential long-term replacement for Elgton Jenkins. With Jenkins’ future in Green Bay uncertain due to potential cap constraints in the offseason, Powers-Johnson could step in as the starting center, providing stability for years to come. His college run-blocking grades of 84.5 and 83.6 underscore his elite potential in this role.

A Deadline Heist in the Making

If the Raiders are willing to part with Powers-Johnson for a Day 2 draft pick, the Packers should be on the phone with Pete Carroll immediately. The Raiders’ decision to bench a player of his caliber is puzzling, especially given his youth and proven track record. At just 22, Powers-Johnson is far from a finished product, but his upside is undeniable. A change of scenery could help him regain the form that made him a standout rookie and a dominant force in college.

For Green Bay, this move would be a low-risk, high-reward gamble. The Packers don’t need a complete overhaul of their offensive line, but adding a player like Powers-Johnson could elevate the unit from a liability to a strength. His run-blocking expertise would help the offense shift into high gear, creating opportunities for big plays on the ground and through the air. If the Raiders continue to undervalue him, Green Bay should seize the chance to acquire a potential cornerstone for their offensive line.

Conclusion

The NFL trade deadline is a time for bold moves, and the Packers have a chance to make one by targeting Jackson Powers-Johnson. His mysterious benching in Las Vegas doesn’t diminish his talent or potential. With a 72.0 PFF run-blocking grade and a versatile skill set, he could be the missing piece to supercharge Green Bay’s offense. If the Packers can pull off this trade, they’ll not only address a pressing need but also secure a long-term asset for their offensive line. Don’t be surprised if the Packers make a call to Vegas—and don’t hang up until the deal is done.