Introduction: Raiders Training Camp Sparks Questions About Offensive Line Strategy
As the Las Vegas Raiders enter training camp, the spotlight isn’t just on quarterbacks, receivers, or defensive standouts—it’s focused squarely on the offensive line, particularly the center position, where the team has made a puzzling strategic decision that has caught many by surprise. From offseason projections to actual on-field decisions, things have shifted unexpectedly, especially for rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson (JPJ), who was widely expected to step into the starting center role this season.
Despite having all the credentials and experience at center from his college days and early pro reps, JPJ has not been firmly placed as the top option. Instead, the Raiders have opted to test a different approach: giving first-team reps at center to Jordan Meredith, a player who played guard last year and has no prior in-game NFL experience at the center position. This has raised eyebrows across the league, among fans, and in media circles alike.
Jackson Powers-Johnson: The Logical Choice?
Heading into camp, most analysts and insiders viewed Powers-Johnson as the obvious choice to start at center. Selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he was widely regarded as one of the most complete and polished interior linemen in college football. His reputation stemmed from his impressive blocking ability, high football IQ, and leadership at the line of scrimmage. The Raiders even gave him snaps at center during the latter part of his rookie season, and he handled them with composure and solid execution.
Given that background, it seemed logical that Las Vegas would let JPJ seamlessly transition into the full-time center role. All signs pointed toward that reality taking shape—until the team made a sudden and unexpected adjustment in camp.
Jordan Meredith’s Surprising Role at Center
Instead of easing Powers-Johnson into a starting position, the Raiders made an unexpected decision to give Jordan Meredith the starting nod at center during initial training camp drills. This move was not anticipated. Meredith had previously played guard and had no known NFL experience at the center position. However, despite this unorthodox choice, he has been heavily involved with the first-team offense, receiving the bulk of the reps at center.
JPJ, meanwhile, has rotated in and out, sometimes practicing at center and sometimes lining up at right guard. This creates further complexity in understanding the coaching staff’s vision. To add more intrigue, veteran guard Alex Cappa, an experienced and reliable player, has also taken snaps at right guard, creating even more competition and fluidity on the interior of the offensive line.
Is This a Sudden Change? Not Really
For those assuming the coaching staff is making last-minute adjustments or trying to send a message, it turns out the idea to use Meredith at center has been in the works for a while. After a recent practice, Jordan Meredith shared with ESPN’s Ryan McFadden that the staff spoke with him during the offseason and gave him an early heads-up.
According to Meredith, they approached him before OTAs and told him directly, “Get ready to play center.” This initiated a months-long process of preparation where Meredith worked on his technique, assignments, and snapping fundamentals to be ready for camp. He didn’t hesitate when informed—he embraced the opportunity. While it’s still an unfamiliar position for him, he has fully committed to making the transition.
Why Is This Move Surprising?
The move is being scrutinized and debated for several reasons. First, as previously mentioned, Jackson Powers-Johnson is a natural center. He’s comfortable at the position, has game tape to support his effectiveness, and fits the mold of what the Raiders were expected to prioritize: toughness, intelligence, and positional discipline in the trenches.
On the other hand, Jordan Meredith has never played center in an NFL game. Despite playing reasonably well as a guard in 2024 when he got the chance, shifting him into such a crucial and cerebral role as center—where line calls, snap timing, and blocking assignments are critical—is inherently risky.
The center is not just a blocker; he’s the anchor of the offensive line, often tasked with reading defensive alignments, calling out protections, and maintaining timing with the quarterback. Experience matters in that role, and the decision to give reps to someone still new to it—even if they are preparing diligently—can be seen as a gamble.
Possible Explanations: What’s Going on Behind the Scenes?
So why would the Raiders opt for this approach? Several theories are circulating.
1. Internal Concerns About JPJ?
One potential reason could be that the coaching staff has reservations about JPJ’s readiness. This could be related to his physical health, performance in team meetings, or some aspect of his development that hasn’t progressed as expected. Though there’s no official word indicating a setback, the absence of a clear-cut explanation invites speculation.
2. Creating Competition
Another theory is that the Raiders are intentionally challenging Powers-Johnson. By not simply handing him the starting role, they could be trying to light a fire under him and push him to earn it, rather than having it gifted based on draft position or past play. Coaches often use this strategy to build mental toughness and leadership qualities, especially in younger players.
3. Meredith’s Versatility and Performance in Practice
It’s also possible that Jordan Meredith impressed the coaching staff during OTAs and early practices, showcasing a grasp of the position’s mental requirements and executing well enough physically to make them comfortable experimenting with him as a center. If Meredith has been consistent with snaps and has handled blocking schemes well in practice, that could justify his increased reps.
4. Long-Term Flexibility
With Meredith trying out at center and JPJ working both center and guard, the Raiders may be attempting to build flexibility across the offensive line. Injuries are common, and teams need players who can shift between positions without losing cohesion or productivity. This cross-training strategy could pay off down the stretch.
How Does Veteran Alex Cappa Factor In?
In addition to the Meredith-JPJ dynamic, Alex Cappa’s involvement further clouds the situation. A proven NFL veteran, Cappa brings experience and stability to the interior line. He’s received significant time at right guard, which is the same spot where JPJ has also lined up during camp.
This leads to a three-way shuffle at two positions: center and right guard. If Cappa locks down right guard, does that limit JPJ’s opportunity to start unless he wins the center job outright? Alternatively, if JPJ starts at right guard and Meredith holds center, what happens with Cappa? It’s a situation still unfolding and will likely depend on preseason performance, injury status, and overall cohesion with the starting five.
Public Perception and Analyst Reaction
Many analysts are confused by the situation. Giving a player with no live NFL snaps at center the bulk of the reps over a high draft pick who specializes in that position isn’t conventional thinking. Fans have also taken to social media to question the coaching strategy, while others are preaching patience—trusting the process until the regular season.
Some believe the Raiders could be playing a long game, developing both Meredith and JPJ so they have depth and redundancy in case of injury or poor performance. Still, for a team that wants to solidify its offensive identity, clarity at center would be reassuring, especially with a quarterback needing clean protection and timing from the interior.
What Happens Next? Looking Ahead to Preseason
The Raiders will begin preseason games shortly, and those matchups will be critical in determining who takes control of the center position. Coaches can’t hide from poor snaps, missed blocks, or inconsistent reads when the lights come on. If Meredith struggles, JPJ could swiftly reclaim the presumed starting role. But if Meredith holds his own, the team might have to re-evaluate JPJ’s role or extend the competition further.
Additionally, how the offensive line performs collectively will also impact decisions. If the unit plays well regardless of who is at center, it could buy the staff more time to make final calls.
Final Take: It’s Unusual, But the Raiders May Be Planning Long-Term
Ultimately, the Raiders’ decision to have Jordan Meredith compete seriously for the starting center role—despite lacking in-game NFL experience—represents a bold departure from expectations. Whether it’s rooted in performance evaluations, strategic flexibility, or psychological motivation, it signals a shift in approach under the current coaching regime.
The situation serves as a reminder that NFL teams don’t always follow the conventional script. High draft status doesn’t guarantee a starting job, and sometimes the internal evaluations made by coaching staffs defy external assumptions. It’s still early in the process, and things can change quickly.
The center position, by its nature, demands trust, leadership, and consistency. Whether it’s JPJ, Meredith, or even another player who ends up winning the job, the Raiders must ensure that the final decision contributes positively to the overall performance and chemistry of the offensive line. If they can achieve that, all the current noise will fade away once the season kicks off.
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