Press Taylor: Jaguars’ 1st-Round Pick Anton Harrison ‘Did a Good Job’ in NFL Debut
The Jacksonville Jaguars have high hopes for rookie right tackle Anton Harrison. And while the sample size is small, Harrison has nothing to dampen those hopes as the 2023 season has kicked off.
After a strong preseason in pass-protection, Harrison got his first NFL start in Week 1 vs. the Indianapolis Colts. Harrison played 100% of the snaps, giving up two pressures in 36 dropbacks and holding his own against Kwity Paye and a tough Colts' defensive front.
“I thought Anton did a good job," Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor said this week.
"He did a great job on the run game and on the backside of some things, some combinations with him and Brandon [Scherff] when Brandon was playing in there that we were excited to see."
The key for Harrison in Week 1 was the running game, with Harrison delivering several impressive blocks to help spring Travis Etienne. It is the passing game where Harrison will continue to develop, though he has shown the traits so far to recover when his youthful inexperience leads to a loss.
"He had one pass protection where he might’ve gotten beat on a play action, but did a good job to recover because he’s an athletic guy," Taylor said.
"He created a pocket, Trevor [QB Trevor Lawrence] was able to maneuver in the pocket and had a big play. We’re excited about Anton’s growth, we expect him to be better in Week 2 than he was in Week 1.”
A four-star recruit out of high school, Harrison went on to play three seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners. The 21-year-old was a one-time All-Big 12 Selection and appeared in 34 contests, mostly at the left tackle spot, with one start coming at right tackle in their 2022 season opener against UTEP.
The Jaguars will now see Harrison make his second start this Sunday vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.