3 Jaguars rookies not named Anton Harrison who can have a huge impact in 2023

The Jacksonville Jaguars would have surely wanted to keep right tackle Jawaan Taylor on a long-term deal but they had a limited amount of cap space at their disposal, so they ultimately chose to let him walk in free agency.

To replace Taylor, the Jags selected Oklahoma offensive tackle Anton Harrison in the first round of this year's draft. Harrison is expected to start at right tackle in the opener but he might not be the only rookie that could end up having a featured role for Jacksonville in 2023. Here are other first-year players who could end up having a big impact.

No. 3 Rookie who could make a huge impact for the Jaguars: Tank Bigsby, RB

Travis Etienne missed his rookie campaign after suffering a Lisfranc tear in the 2021 preseason. However, he showed last year he could be a workhorse running back. Without having to spend time in rehab this offseason, the former Clemson Tiger has been working on being even better.

That's great news for the Jaguars when you take into account that Etienne totaled 1,414 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns last season. On the other hand, the coaching staff might feel inclined to lessen his workload due to the arrival of rookie Tank Bigsby.

A third-round pick in the 2023 draft, drafting Bigsby seemed unnecessary because Jacksonville had already inked D'Ernest Johnson in free agency and brought back JaMycal Hasty on a two-year deal. However, the front office couldn't pass up the chance to add a talent of Bigsby's caliber.

Bigsby has already made a strong impression in offseason workouts. It's true that it's hard to assess how good (or bad) a player is until the pads go on but the former Auburn Tiger has the skills to be a three-down back in the NFL. While it's hard to see him starting over Etienne in 2023, his performance could convince the coaching staff to split the workload evenly and deploy a committee.

No. 2 rookie who could make a huge impact for the Jaguars: Yasir Abdullah, OLB

The Jaguars' pass rush is currently in a state of influx. While outside linebacker Josh Allen recognizes that he wasn't good enough last year and needs to be better, the team's brass most likely wants better production from edge rusher Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, next season. Also, Jacksonville will need their younger players to step up to soften the impact of defensive end Arden Key's departure in the offseason.

Defensive line coach Brentson Bucker is high on fourth-year outside linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson but the player known as Swiper hasn't done enough over the last three seasons to make you think he could put it all together in 2023.

Outside linebacker De'Shaan Dixon will also compete for playing time but it could be rookie Yasir Abdullah the one that becomes an important cog on the pass-rush rotation.

Despite the fact that upgrading the pass rush was at the top of the Jags' priority list in the draft, they waited until Round 5 to take Abdullah. Then again, that could turn out to be a great decision, as his selection has gotten positive reviews.

At 6'1" and 237 pounds, the former Louisville Cardinal consistently showcased the athleticism and lateral agility to get after the quarterback at the college level. However, he'll need to bulk up and widen his repertoire of pass-rush moves to make the transition to the pros.

If Abdullah can improve in those two areas in training camp, he should then be able to crack the Jags' pass rush rotation at some point in the regular season.

No. 1 Rookie who could make a huge impact for the Jaguars: Antonio Johnson, DB

Here's another pick that earned the Jags rave reviews across the NFL. Just like the pass rush, the nickel position was seen as a need throughout most of the offseason but instead of signing someone in free agency or using an early-round selection, the Jaguars chose to take care of it until Round 5 to take care of it, sort of.

See, Antonio Johnson showcased the ability to line up at several spots in the backfield even though he was listed as a safety on the Texas A&M defense. That versatility made him a candidate to go in the first or second round of this year's draft. However, he slid to the fifth round for some reason, so general manager Trent Baalke decide to put an end to his tumble.

If Johnson plays up to his talent, he could challenge veteran Tre Herndon for the nickel job. An undrafted free agent in 2018, Herndon will tentatively start inside but Johnson could end up seizing the job at one point of the offseason if he can make the transition to nickel full-time.

But even if Johnson needs time to get acclimated, he could get on the field in sub packages as a third safety. The East St. Louis native needs to do a better job of reading offenses and he needs to take better angles when tackling. However, he's got the type of game-changing skills that should help him earn a spot in the starting lineup down the road.