First-round draft pick Anton Harrison is expected to be the only rookie in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ starting lineup, as he’ll likely fill the void at right tackle left by Jawaan Taylor’s departure.
Fortunately for the Jaguars, Harrison couldn’t have a better player at his side as he begins his NFL career. The rookie tackle will be right next to five-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, who is already helping Harrison get up to speed.
“It’s big,” Harrison said of Scherff’s impact, via a Jaguars.com podcast. “Especially coming in, wanting to prove myself early. So just leaning on a guy like that: an All-Pro, Pro Bowler, guy that I watched growing up. Being from D.C., he was with Washington at first, so just growing up watching him.
“Playing beside him right now is great, just to lean on him, ask him any questions. He always says ‘No question is a dumb question.’ So he’s always just helping me out with anything, trying to have me out there playing freely, playing my best.”
Scherff, 31, spent the first seven years of his career in Washington before joining the Jaguars in 2022 on a three-year, $49.5 million contract. In his first season with the team, Scherff earned team captain honors.
Helping a rookie get ready to be an immediate starter won’t be a new experience for Scherff. Just last year, he had a rookie on his other side in 2022 third-round pick Luke Fortner, who was the Jaguars’ full-time starter at center.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was sacked 27 times during the 2022 season, 18th most in the NFL. However, he averaged 2.52 seconds to throw, third fastest in the league behind only Tom Brady and Joe Burrow.
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