One of the reasons the Jacksonville Jaguars went 4-13 in 2024 was that several players who were expected to take a step forward regressed. Right tackle Anton Harrison most definitely fell in that category. After all, the 2023 first-round pick flashed as a rookie but left much to be desired last season.
Then, a new regime took over early in 2025, and Harrison had to prove he deserved to keep his job. He struggled early in the offseason and had to share reps with free-agent acquisition Chuma Edoga. However, the former Oklahoma Sooner came through and is now enjoying a career revival under head coach Liam Coen.
Anton Harrison is quickly becoming a key cog on the Jaguars O-Line
Anton Harrison is off to a strong start to the 2025 season, allowing just two total pressures while posting a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 72.8. Trevor Lawrence, for his part, is hyped up to see the third-year offensive tackle step up in Year 3, noting that he's risen up to the challenge.
"Yeah, he's been a guy that just has really embraced, like you said, he was challenged from Day 1 with, not only Liam, just the whole staff and the system, and we asked a lot of them," Lawrence said ahead of the 49ers game. "It was cool to see him just respond to the offseason and to see the attitude he brought to work every day, and just that growth mindset of wanting to get better. You know, he really pushed himself. And I think you're seeing, obviously, his play speaks for that."
Lawrence continued, "And he's played really well his whole career, and has a ton of talent, and to see him really apply himself. And just to, you know, he's been working his tail off really all offseason and on-season. So I'm proud of them and glad he's glad he's up there blocking for me, that's for sure."
In the same breath, John Shipley of Sports Illustrated recently highlighted just how dominant Harrison has been.
Jaguars gave their OTs a lot of chip help, but Harrison is playing some of the best individual ball of his Jaguars career overall in 2025
— John Shipley (@_John_Shipley) September 23, 2025
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Anton Harrison may give the Jaguars a tough decision in 2026
If Anton Harrison can keep playing at a high level, he'll give the Jaguars a tough decision in 2026. As a first-round pick, the team can pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. But he'll also be eligible for a contract extension, so Jacksonville will decide how to proceed.
Linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne are in contract years, while pass rusher Travon Walker is a candidate for an extension. Add Harrison to the list of players deserving of a new contract, and the Jags won't be able to keep everyone.
Working in the Jaguars' favor is that, unlike Lloyd and Etienne, Harrison will still be under contract in 2026, so they still have a bit of time to work things out. That said, the sooner they take care of him, the better, as they won't have to worry about the right tackle position.