In the world of professional football, sometimes the boldest moves are the ones that pay off in the long run. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the time has come to make a daring decision on whether or not to cash out on Anton Harrison while his stock is still high.
With the Jaguars' roster still in need of a few more key pieces, trading away a promising young talent like Harrison could help provide the necessary assets to accelerate their current rebuild. While it may seem counterintuitive to part ways with a first-round pick so early in his career, the Jaguars must consider the bigger picture and the opportunity to set themselves up for sustainable success.
Jan 7, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; the Jacksonville Jaguars logo is displayed a mid field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Jacksonville Jaguars hired James Gladstone as general manager.
Anton Harrison was the 27th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. He has shown flashes of potential, but the numbers tell a more nuanced story. According to PFF, Harrison ranked 68th among qualifying offensive tackles in pass-blocking efficiency and 91st in run-blocking efficiency in 2024. He has allowed nine sacks and 36 pressures through two years-hardly the output expected from a franchise cornerstone.
While still developing, his inconsistent footwork and struggles against elite edge rushers have raised questions about his long-term fit in Jacksonville's new system under head coach Liam Coen. As one anonymous AFC scout told The Athletic*, "*He's athletic, but not irreplaceable. If you can flip him for premium draft capital or a veteran difference-maker, you have to think about it."
With tackle depth improving around the league and Harrison's rookie contract still team-friendly, the Jaguars are in a rare position to sell high and reinvest in more critical areas of need with added draft capital.
Trading Harrison would allow the Jaguars the opportunity to address multiple roster deficiencies in one stroke. The pass rush is inconsistent, the tight end room is full of question marks, and the interior defensive line could use a boost. By leveraging Harrison's perceived upside, Jacksonville could demand a high Day 2 pick or package him for an established veteran and a draft selection-potentially filling two holes in one move.
In an offseason where Liam Coen is implementing a new system and culture, flexibility and roster balance are paramount. Holding onto Harrison out of fear of regret could ultimately cost the Jaguars the chance to build a more complete team.
The NFL rewards teams that are willing to make calculated, forward-thinking decisions-and the Jaguars have the opportunity to do just that. Moving on from Anton Harrison may ruffle feathers in the short term, but standing pat with a player who hasn't proven to be a long-term solution could stunt the team's growth.
With a new regime under Liam Coen and a narrow window to maximize Trevor Lawrence's limited ability, now is the time for Jacksonville to act decisively. Bold moves build winners, and if the Jaguars want to take the next step, turning Harrison into tangible upgrades in multiple other areas might be the bold next step for the team to take to get back to the top of the AFC South.