JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Anton Harrison is the newest Jaguar.
After trading back twice from the 24th overall pick, the Jags drafted the former Oklahoma offensive tackle at 27th overall Thursday night in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Jags General Manager Trent Baalke and Head Coach Doug Pederson said Harrison stood out to them since the NFL Combine and they feel he can add versatility to their offensive line, especially with the departure of starting RT Jawaan Taylor this offseason and the news of starting LT Cam Robinson's violation of the NFL's performance enhancing drugs policy.
"For me the interaction we had with him at the Combine stood out. Really a mature young man. Good head on his shoulders. Spoke well about a lot of things. Spoke well of his family. That was important to him. That's important to us. Just really felt the culture fit was ideal for us," Baalke said.
"You know obviously when we get our hands on him, when Coach Rauscher gets his hands on him he'll just be able to continue what he's built and what he has put on tape. There's a lot of consistency in his game. You love everything about his length and his athleticism, how he moves, his strength. All things as Trent mentioned that will fit us. We're just excited for Anton and just getting in that offensive line room, getting around the other guys in that room and getting to work," Pederson said.
Harrison met with the media Friday afternoon over at TIAA Bank Field following the first round of the Draft.
"It means a lot for me, just being young all the sacrifices and work we put in me, myself and my family. The love and sacrifice they did for me helped me get here. It's big for all of us," Harrison said.
Harrison said he's excited to be joining the Jaguars specifically.
"I watched Jacksonville a lot last season. I know it's a young team, an exciting team. Have a lot going for 'em. I'm excited to be a part of it. I'd say I learned a lot just being here since I've been here just the family environment everybody loves being here, loves working here so I'm just glad to be here," Harrison said.
Harrison flew to Jacksonville Friday with his mother, father, aunt and two brothers.