Jaguars expect Anton Harrison's confidence to carry over to 2024

The Jacksonville Jaguars probably won't regret letting right tackle Jawaan Taylor walk in 2023. Leaving aside that Taylor struggled with his new team, they found a more than adequate replacement in Anton Harrison, who more than held his own as a rookie. The Jags know that Harrison is just reaching the surface and expect him to be even better in Year 2.

Offensive coordinator Press Taylor met with the local media on the second week of Organized Team Activities. He says that Harrison went through an adjustment period but improved as 2023 progressed.

"There's a level of confidence that you expect to see from a guy that played the whole season. You saw his confidence grow from Week 1 to Week 18," Taylor said in regards to Harrison. "Understanding what each week looks like because that's one of the biggest things, especially for young guys. Their season ends around Thanksgiving. We're in the middle of our season right there. There's a long push."

"Each week is a new set of challenges. You face that. You overcome a lot of that, you continue to grow. Now, you know what to expect in Year 2. So expect to see that confidence walk around with a more swagger approach each week, with more understanding of what's coming," Taylor said.

Taylor is right about Harrison. After giving up five sacks in the first eight games, he didn't surrender any the rest of the way. Granted, not everything was sunshine and flowers. The Oklahoma product struggled early in the season, especially when he went against Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones. He called the experience his "Welcome to the NFL moment." On the other hand, Jones praised the young right tackle, noting that he had a bright future in the league.

Jaguars RT Anton Harrision will build off of his rookie year

The Jaguars could've easily plugged Walker Little at right tackle last year. He competed for the starting job with Jawaan Taylor in 2022 but ended up losing. Little took things to the wire, though, and it's fair to assume that another season on the right side would've helped him get a full grasp of the position.

By putting in Little at right tackle, Jacksonville could've addressed another position in the draft but they couldn't pass on Harrison's immense upside. One year later, it looks like the right call. When you add the fact that Harrison thrived while switching sides, his rookie season looks even more impressive.

There's been chatter the Jaguars could return Harrison to left tackle, his natural position. But the best course of action would be to keep him on the right side and let him keep improving. This would make sense if the Jaguars didn't have options at left tackle but they have a pair of capable starters in Cam Robinson, ranked 28th among offensive tackles by Pro Football Focus, and Little.

Anton Harrison already showed he can play righ tackle. Leaving him there could help him have an even better 2024 season.

More Jaguars analysis here: