The Jacksonville Jaguars are bringing back most of their starting offensive linemen from 2025, but they'll make one substantial change. Once Cole Van Lanen returns from the knee injury he suffered last year, he'll play right tackle, paving the way for Anton Harrison to line up at left tackle.
Although the Jags originally played down the move early in training camp, it eventually became abundantly clear that Harrison would move to left tackle permanently. This was noteworthy because he made a combined 48 starts at right tackle the past three seasons.
Then again, the Washington D.C. native played left tackle in his college career, and the team's brass is confident that he'll have no trouble going back to his natural position.
The Jaguars are confident Anton Harrison can handle the switch to left tackle
James Gladstone had an exchange with the local media following the roster cutdown deadline. He talked about Anton Harrison's switch to left tackle, noting that he's naturally fit to play that position.
"That's a good question. Don't know about the second part of that question, but I think that he is naturally someone who fits the bill for the left tackle spot, and I think he would tell you that as well," Gladstone told reporters (14:48 mark). "It's where he's most comfortable naturally, and I don't think anybody would say that they're concerned or have some sense of questioning whether or not he can perform at a high level there, or any different than he did at right tackle.
And Cole [Van Lanen], on the other hand, says something really similar, that look, 'I can do either.' Naturally, I feel best suited at right tackle, but from Cole's perspective, he can play any position across the offensive line, regardless of what side it's on. So I think it's certainly a new take, but one that we feel really strongly about heading into this season."
For context, the second part of the question Gladstone is referring to is whether Harrison would have made the switch at left tackle if Cole Van Lanen hadn't gotten hurt.
Although Harrison struggled at times in his first years with the Jags, he had a banner 2025, posting a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 71.9, the best of his career.
Understandably, the Jaguars want Harrison, their best offensive lineman, to protect Trevor Lawrence's blind side. Given that Harrison is returning to his natural left tackle spot, he should be up to the task.
The Jaguars are setting up Anton Harrison for success (and a big pay day)
Cole Van Lanen played multiple spots for Jacksonville last season before settling at left tackle. That's why it may be odd, at least at first sight, to see the team's brass move him to the right side. Then again, the former Wisconsin Badger also showed in 2025 that he can play at a high level at right tackle.
With Van Lanen slated to play right tackle, Anton Harrison can line up at left tackle, which gives the Jaguars their best possible combination on the edges of their offensive line.
For his part, Anton Harrison should be incentivized to have a banner season. Although salaries for right tackles have gone up in recent years, they still lag behind those of their left tackle counterparts. Harrison is already eligible for an extension and will enter a contract year in 2027. If he thrives next season, he'll set himself up for a nice payday.
Even though Anton Harrison's position switch is somehow flying under the radar, the truth is that Trevor Lawrence and the offense will benefit greatly. He'll also reap the rewards if he shows out.
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