Anton Harrison – Syndication Server

All-22 review: How the Jaguars can beat the Colts

The Jacksonville Jaguars enter Week 5 as the only winless team in the NFL following their 24-20 defeat at Houston last Sunday.

But not all hope is lost in Jacksonville as the Jaguars head into a potentially favorable matchup against Indianapolis.

Jacksonville has not played functional, sound football this year, although we saw the Jaguars’ offensive identity begin to emerge in their loss to the Texans.

This offense can balance the run with a dose of play-action and can take advantage of favorable explosive mismatches. If the Jaguars want to avoid sinking to 0-5 this weekend, their offensive game plan from last week gives them the best chance to win.

Sunday presents a Colts team without star running back Jonathan Taylor, likely without starting quarterback Anthony Richardson and with an underperforming defense that could lend the Jaguars their first win of the season.

Jaguars Wire reviewed the All-22 to present a few ways for Jacksonville to secure a victory against Indianapolis.

Lean on Trevor Lawrence and the rushing attack

The focus of this film review begins with the $275 million man, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, whose play is under scrutiny after a rough start to the season. It seems he is pressing as a passer, staring down targets and playing flat-footed at times. His footwork has certainly become a concern.

Lawrence has also shown to bail from clean pockets and put even more stress on his offense. Despite offering the pre-snap acumen required to operate as an NFL quarterback, he has been inconsistent with his post-snap awareness this season.

Some have called the former No. 1 draft selection “broken,” and while that might be the case right now, his issues are fixable.

Surprisingly enough, it is Lawrence and Jacksonville’s run game that makes the Jaguars go. If he can get into a stretch within games where he can play in rhythm more consistently, this unit will look much improved.

Using play-action more frequently could help with this as the Colts’ defense has allowed opposing quarterbacks to go 21-for-35 with 298 yards, one touchdown and one interception against such calls this year.

Entering Sunday, the Colts rank dead-last in the NFL in yards-per-game allowed, next-to-last in rushing yards and rushes of 10-plus yards allowed, and 25th in passing yards allowed.

Indianapolis’ defense has underperformed relative to its expectations which has cost the Colts games to this point. Jaguars running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby could be in for plenty of touches and big play opportunities, accordingly.

Jacksonville enters the weekend ranked No. 2 in football in rushing yards per play and No. 9 in team rushes of 10-plus yards. This is an advantageous matchup for the Jaguars’ run game to explode onto the scene.

Jaguars’ improved trench play vs. Colts’ underperforming defensive front

One of the bright spots from Sunday’s loss to Houston was the steady improvement of Jacksonville’s offensive line and the trenches overall. In general, the Jaguars’ front five displayed better consistency in pass protection while opening up rushing lanes for Etienne and Bigsby.

Offensive tackles Anton Harrison and Cam Robinson were specifically better, especially in their pass sets moving rushers beyond the arc and giving Lawrence clean pockets. The offensive line also did a better job handling games such as twists and stunts, displaying better communication on this front.

However, when the offense looked to run a play-action with a set-slide protection, the line did not wash defenders out as cleanly as it needed to, allowing pressure on Lawrence almost immediately.

Still, this was the offensive line’s best performance of the season and the unit must build on it, especially against a subpar Colts defense.

Defensively, coordinator Ryan Nielsen knows how to make offenses one-dimensional. That’s what Jacksonville will have to do against Indianapolis’ rushing attack.

With players like linebacker Devin Lloyd and safety Darnell Savage Jr. expected to return from injury, the Jaguars should be able to limit the Colts’ big play opportunities on the ground.

The Jaguars’ consistent defensive line rotation has generated plenty of pressure from the four-man fronts deployed. Rookie interior lineman Maason Smith flashed at times against Houston, including an impressive swim move in the first quarter that got pressure on C.J. Stroud. He could present an intriguing rotational rush threat on passing downs against the Colts.

Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker were fantastic last Sunday with Walker producing a team-high seven pressures on 33 pass rushes and Hines-Allen recording six pressures on 19 rushes. Hines-Allen cleared concussion protocol on Saturday and is set to play.

Target Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr.

The Colts’ passing defense remains an underwhelming unit in 2024 and that should leave Kirk and Thomas licking their chops at the opportunity for a productive weekend. Indianapolis has allowed the fifth-most yards in downfield passing attempts at 13.3, per Next Gen Stats.

Kirk saw his targets increase from four and three in Weeks 1 and 2 respectively to 10 and 12 against Buffalo and Houston. Kirk is very good at setting up defenders with hesitation moves and fakes along with great short-area quickness.

Furthermore, Kirk is light on his feet and offers smooth acceleration in and out of breaks. He was open on almost every target last week. Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor must utilize him in motions and grant him free releases to create potential mismatches.

Thomas is already the most talented playmaker on the roster four games into his career, as he flashed vertical separation and the necessary quickness to cut routes short and work back to the football.

Next Gen Stats shows Thomas is leading all rookies in deep directions and receiving yards this season while his average route depth is the third-deepest among first-year receivers. His 16.2 yards per catch rank No. 14 among all qualifying NFL pass-catchers.

When Jacksonville attacks Indianapolis through the air Sunday, Trevor Lawrence needs to continue looking Kirk and Thomas’ way.

Doug Pederson updates six injured Jaguars starters entering Week 5

The Jaguars are banged up entering Week 5 and ahead of their second consecutive AFC South showdown, against the Colts at home on Sunday.

Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson provided updates for six hurt Jaguars starters Monday, including confirmation that star defensive end Josh Hines-Allen entered the NFL’s concussion protocol after taking a thud against Houston in Week 4.

Running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) and right tackle Anton Harrison (ankle) will “be fine” after getting hurt in the Jaguars’ 24-20 loss against the Texans, too, per Pederson.

Linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee) was somewhat surprisingly made inactive before kickoff in Week 4. He appeared on Jacksonville’s injury report last Thursday and was questionable entering the game, although Pederson said Friday that the linebacker was dealing with soreness and “should be fine.”

“[Lloyd] had just a contusion the week before. It was kind of sore during the week, hopefully he would make it. Just went to warm up prior to the game and just felt like he couldn’t give 100 percent, so we put him down,” Pederson explained Monday.

Tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) and safety Darnell Savage Jr. (quadriceps) each missed their third consecutive game Sunday. Savage entered the weekend questionable but was downgraded to out Saturday.

Pederson indicated Savage did not suffer a setback, but rather, he did not get to 100% athletically during practice last week, leaving him sidelined for at least one more game. Engram enters Week 5 “day-to-day.”

“I’m hoping Savage [will be available in Week 5]. He went last week. Pushed it pretty hard. Didn’t feel like he could really open up last week – not a setback, nothing like that. We’ve just got to get him to burst,” said Pederson.

“Evan, I think is going to be day-to-day right now. Felt good today, we’ll see where he’s at here in a couple of days.”

Jaguars vs. Texans: Friday injury reports and game statuses

The Jaguars and Texans have deemed a combined six players questionable and five players out of their Week 4, AFC South matchup in Houston.

Jacksonville will be without starting tight end Evan Engram for a third consecutive game, and starting linebacker Foyesade Oluokun for the first of what is expected to be several weeks.

Additionally, three starting Jaguars — wide receiver Gabe Davis, linebacker Devin Lloyd and safety Darnell Savage Jr. — enter the weekend questionable. So does Savage’s backup, Jarrian Jones.

Houston similarly won’t have a pair of starters available Sunday, wide receiver Tank Dell and safety Jimmie Ward. Starting running back Joe Mixon enters the game questionable while his backup, Dameon Pierce, is out.

However, star Texans receiver Nico Collins intends to play after joining the injury report on Thursday.

Find Jacksonville and Houston’s Friday injury reports and initial game statuses for Week 4 below.

* indicates status upgrade from the previous practice

Jaguars injury report

OL Cam Robinson (knee) — full*
OL Anton Harrison (knee) — full*
CB Montaric Brown (chest) — full*
RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) — limited
WR Gabe Davis (shoulder) — limited
LB Devin Lloyd (knee) — limited*
CB Jarrian Jones (shoulder) — limited
S Darnell Savage Jr. (quadriceps) — limited
TE Evan Engram (hamstring) — did not participate
DL Arik Armstead (veteran rest) — did not participate
LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) — did not participate

Jaguars game statuses

WR Gabe Davis: QUESTIONABLE
LB Devin Lloyd: QUESTIONABLE
CB Jarrian Jones: QUESTIONABLE
S Darnell Savage Jr.: QUESTIONABLE
TE Evan Engram: OUT
LB Foyesade Oluokun: OUT

Texans injury report

WR Nico Collins (hamstring) — full*
TE Dalton Schultz (ankle) — full
OL Kenyon Green (illness) — full
OL Jarrett Patterson (calf) — full
RB Joe Mixon (ankle) — limited*
DT Folorunso Fatukasi (shoulder) — limited
RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring) — did not participate
WR Tank Dell (chest) — did not participate
S Jimmie Ward (groin) — did not participate

Texans game statuses

RB Joe Mixon: QUESTIONABLE
DT Folorunso Fatukasi: QUESTIONABLE
RB Dameon Pierce: OUT
WR Tank Dell: OUT
S Jimmie Ward: OUT

Pederson updates Jaguars’ injuries vs. Bills; Engram, Savage

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson shared a handful of injury updates Tuesday following Jacksonville’s 47-10 loss at Buffalo in Week 3, for four players who went down against the Bills and two who missed the game after getting hurt earlier in the season.

Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (foot), right tackle Anton Harrison (knee), rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones (shoulder) and wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) each left the Monday Night Football at different times.

Pederson suggested Oluokun’s situation is more serious than the others but that each player would be evaluated on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis.

“Jarrian is kind of as tolerated with his shoulder. Everything medically this morning, his check-up and things were good. It’s just going to be as tolerated with him,” Pederson explained. “Anton, again it’s his knee, same one he injured the week before. He’s just going to be day-to-day this week, so we’ve got to be careful with him and make sure he’s feeling good going into Sunday.

“Gabe, you know, his shoulder at the end, it’s just something that he’s, again, day-to-day but should be fine, you know, for the game. And then Foye, it’s his foot. His is probably more week-to-week right now, and you know, there is a chance that he misses this football game.”

Oluokun leads the Jaguars with 22 tackles through three games, including one sack and three tackles for loss, He has also defended two passes.

Harrison, Jacksonville’s first-round NFL draft pick last year, missed one play against Cleveland in Week 2 due to his hurt knee. He took the field for 47 of the Jaguars’ 71 offensive snaps against the Bills in Week 3.

Jones, who has filled in for injured safety/nickel cornerback Darnell Savage Jr. over the last two weeks, has tallied six tackles to begin his debut NFL campaign. He hurt his shoulder while tackling Buffalo running back James Cook on Jacksonville’s first defensive series of the game.

Davis experienced a shoulder injury in the matchup’s final minutes after catching two passes for 18 yards.

Pederson shared that Savage (quadriceps) should return to action in Week 4 against Houston after being sidelined against Cleveland and Buffalo. After signing a three-year, $21.8 million free-agent contract with Jacksonville in March, Savage tallied two pass breakups in his Jaguars debut versus Miami.

Pederson did not express as much confidence in tight end Evan Engram’s availability, however, after he, like Savage missed Weeks 2-3. Engram caught one pass for four yards in Week 1.

“It’ll be close, it’ll be close. But again, a short week. I don’t want to risk anything with Evan. We’ll see. We’ll see tomorrow where he’s at and go from there,” said Pederson. “But we should have Savage back this week, which will be good.”

Key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns

Coming off a tough loss in South Florida, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set for their home opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday as both teams look to avoid an 0-2 start.

This week Jacksonville looks to be more consistent with its offensive production while Cleveland is again forced to deal with quarterback Deshaun Watson and his off-field issues as the Browns await the return of all-world running back Nick Chubb.

Week 2 will give both teams a better picture of what and who they are moving forward into the 2024 campaign. The Jaguars hope for better execution in their offensive approach following their blown lead to the Miami Dolphins.

With that in mind, Jaguars Wire is here to identify some key matchups for Jacksonville’s Week 2 matchup with Cleveland. Here are three matchups the Jaguars must win to avoid a winless start to the season.

Cleveland QB Deshaun Watson vs. Jacksonville’s defense

One of the key takeaways from this past Sunday was the Jaguars’ admirable defensive performance against the explosive Dolphins offense. They mostly limited significant explosive plays and generated four-man pressures through their front four.

Browns head coach and play-caller Kevin Stefanski is known for his offensive creativity and has put Watson in positions to succeed. But since returning from suspension nearly two seasons ago, the former Clemson standout has yet to return to his pre-2021 form.

Watson’s performance against the Dallas Cowboys offered a clear sign of his current abilities.

According to Next Gen Stats, Watson was pressured on 44.6% of dropbacks, finishing 5-of-17 for 22 yards against pressure while being sacked six times. His 23.2 percent dropback success rate was the lowest in a game in the Next Gen Stats era.

Watson has declined, and the Jaguars have the defense to force him off his spot and into bad decisions. Plus, Jacksonville has the athletic defenders necessary to stick with Watson in quarterback contain.

If defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s unit can generate pressures and rattle Watson early, it should be a good day for Jacksonville.

Jacksonville’s offensive line vs. Cleveland’s defensive line

The trenches will be a key matchup in this game but none more crucial than the Jaguars offensive line against the Browns stellar pass rush, led by All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.

Jacksonville’s front five did a decent job of protecting franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence against the Dolphins, allowing a pressure rate of 32%, ranking No. 14 in the NFL in Week 1.

However, Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is arguably the best in the game at his position and finds ways of consistently getting to the QB. Against the Cowboys, most of the Browns’ pressures came from a defensive front featuring three defensive ends and one defensive tackle.

Having an extra edge rusher lined up at the three-technique could prove disadvantageous for Jacksonville’s guards due to the speed and quickness of Cleveland’s rushers. Schwartz will likely deploy this fairly often in passing situations.

The biggest concern will be if the Jaguars can limit Garrett, arguably the best pass rusher in the world. This offensive line will also have to account for defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris, and defensive ends Za’Darius Smith and Alex Wright.

Jacksonville seems up for the challenge considering its Week 1 performance. Right guard Brandon Scherff must have a better game after an up-and-down showing in Miami. However, left guard Ezra Cleveland and center Mitch Morse held their own against the Dolphins and can build upon their performances this week.

Tackles Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison will have a lot on their plate Sunday, but another solid day from these five linemen could signal success for the Jaguars in Week 2.

Jacksonville’s skill players vs. Cleveland’s back-seven

Once again, the Jaguars’ group of offensive skill players will face another tough secondary only this time on their home turf.

The Browns have a defensive unit that allowed a negative .20 expected points added (EPA) per play allowed. Their back seven is led by star linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward with more quality defenders roaming the second and third level.

For most teams, including Jacksonville, facing Cleveland’s back seven is a tall task. Nevertheless, the Jaguars have last week’s first-half performance to go off of when it comes to taking on other stout back seven defenders.

Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. must be a focal point Sunday. The offense was humming when he was being targeted and he adds a level of explosiveness and playmaking ability this unit has not had in quite some time. His zero targets in the second half were inexcusable.

This weekend could be a good time for the Jaguars to deploy Evan Engram into the passing game in his new versatile role as the F-move tight end and fullback. He could be the X-factor against a tough Browns secondary.

Finding explosive plays and getting the ball to the team’s best playmakers will be another crucial aspect in their pursuit of a home-opener victory.

Three key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins

The Jacksonville Jaguars kick off their regular season with a road trip to South Florida to take on the Miami Dolphins in a significant early-season game on Sunday.

Both teams enter the 2024 campaign with eyes toward the postseason. Jacksonville is looking to return to the playoffs after squandering a healthy record late in the season while Miami is eyeing a third consecutive trip.

Week 1 does not always offer a clear snapshot of a team’s strengths and weaknesses. However, it will allow the Jaguars to assess theirs against an opponent some consider possible Super Bowl contenders.

Identifying the key battles this weekend is important. With that in mind, here are three matchups the Jaguars must win to pull off a victory in Miami Gardens.

Jacksonville’s defense vs. Miami’s offense

These two units are the strengths of their respective teams and should provide an enticing head-to-head matchup.

The Dolphins have one of the most explosive offenses in the league due to the brilliance of head coach and offensive play-caller Mike McDaniels. He takes after his former coach in San Francisco, Kyle Shanahan, with exotic formations, route concepts, shifts and motions that generate chaos and confusion with opposing defenses.

One thing that should comfort Jaguars fans is that Jacksonville has a defense that is more than capable of slowing down the speedy talents of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is one of the few in his position that gets his players to elevate their play while remaining disciplined, as seen in the tremendous growth of Atlanta’s defense under his leadership last year.

While the Jaguars have some depth questions at cornerback, Nielsen has a defensive line capable of generating pressure off four-man rushes alone.

No matter how it’s put, Miami’s offense remains a tough one to tame. The biggest question around this unit is whether it can become more physical up front despite losing guard Robert Hunt in free agency offseason.

Bringing a physical element versus the run and remaining even-keeled against a terrific wide receiver duo will be a significant key in Jacksonville’s hopes of winning this game.

Protecting Trevor Lawrence from the Dolphins’ pass rush

When a team has a franchise quarterback as Jacksonville and Miami do, protecting its star is of utmost importance. Having a capable offensive line is a necessary step in that direction.

The Jaguars’ offensive line looks to be a much more steady group after last season’s debacle. The team signed former Buffalo center Mitch Morse in the offseason, shoring up the middle of their line and giving Trevor Lawrence an added layer of protection.

This offensive line will take on a group that lost two key defensive linemen this offseason, Christian Wilkins and Andrew Van Ginkel. It’s unclear if star pass rusher Jaelan Phillips will be playing at full speed coming off a torn Achilles last season.

Yet, Miami’s defensive front and pass rush still feature a fair amount of talent for Jacksonville to contend with.

The Dolphins will likely deploy first-round selection Chop Robinson in sub-packages as a third-down pass rusher, using his speed and explosiveness to get by the likes of tackles Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison.

Defensive tackle Zach Sieler, meanwhile, could prove to be a handful for guards Ezra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff.

If the Jaguars can limit the Dolphins’ pressures while adding some creativity to their offensive scheme, their chances of victory will increase.

Trevor Lawrence vs. Tua Tagovailoa

While it’s impossible for quarterbacks to have a legitimate one-on-one matchup, the dual between these two signal callers will be quite intriguing for fans of both teams and those of the wider NFL.

Lawrence and Tagovailoa were on the receiving end of historic contract extensions this offseason, with the former receiving a five-year, $275 million extension and the latter four years, $212.4 million.

Now, the two quarterbacks will go toe-to-toe to showcase why they deserved their top-dollar contracts.

The biggest question with Lawrence entering the season is if he can remain consistent and play to the level that got Jacksonville off to an 8-3 start in 2023.

The former No. 1 overall selection is looking to prove he is still one of the better signal-callers in the game. The former Clemson standout had issues last season with protecting the ball and some have questioned whether he still be an elite quarterback in the NFL.

This will be a good first test for Lawrence against a defense coached by new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. There’s no question he’s a better talent than Tagovailoa, but both have their own approaches to how they play.

Tagovailoa understands how to operate the offense he plays while being a high-level processor to distribute the ball to his playmakers. Lawrence has the same capability but with a gunslinger mentality, inviting risks. Who makes the biggest throw in the biggest moment will be key on Sunday.

The Dolphins will likely be another strong defensive unit that will likely give any quarterback fits, especially with safety Jevon Holland and, if he is available, cornerback Jalen Ramsey in the secondary.

A win and a strong outing by Lawrence & Co. at Hard Rock Stadium will give Jacksonville a bolt of confidence heading into their home opener against the Cleveland Browns.

Danny Stutsman featured on CBS Sports top 50 NFL draft big board

Oklahoma will need to take another step forward on defense in 2024.

The 2024 college football season is right around the corner, but some are already looking ahead to next April. That’s when the 2025 NFL Draft will be held, and if you follow football, you know that some analysts cover the draft year-round.

CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson released his annual preseason Top 50 Draft Board on Monday, identifying the best pro prospects in college football before the season gets rolling. He has one OU player inside of his top 32.

Oklahoma Sooners linebacker [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag] cracks the first round at No. 28 overall on Wilson’s list. He’s the third-ranked linebacker behind LSU‘s Harold Perkins and Clemson‘s Barrett Carter.

Stutsman’s much anticipated senior season comes after he led the Sooners with 104 tackles in 2023, including 16 for a loss. He had three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery last year, as well as his pick-six against Tulsa. He also had three pass breakups in coverage.

He only played in a little over eleven games last season and the Sooners were 10-1 in games he started and finished, only losing against Arizona in the Alamo Bowl. His injury early in the the Kansas loss led to him being held out the next week, a loss against Oklahoma State. Those were the only two games OU failed to win during the regular season, and both came right down to the wire.

Stutsman’s presence in the middle of Oklahoma’s defense is huge for head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and new defensive coordinator/linebackers coach [autotag]Zac Alley[/autotag]. He’s become the heart and soul of the unit and gives OU a chance to make another leap on the defensive side of the ball in 2024.

Heading into the [autotag]SEC[/autotag], the Sooners will need to start putting even more players into the NFL, especially on the defensive side of the ball if they want to keep up in recruiting and the portal. Though the Sooners have produced seven first round picks in the last decade, six of them have come on the offensive side of the ball. Two have come in the last two years, both on the offensive line ([autotag]Anton Harrison[/autotag] in 2023 and [autotag]Tyler Guyton[/autotag] in 2024).

[autotag]Kenneth Murray[/autotag] is the only first-rounder on defense in that time period, all the way back in 2020. The early days of the [autotag]Bob Stoops[/autotag] era, when Venables was the co-defensive coordinator, produced first-rounders on defense on a number of occasions.

Stutsman is trying to be the first to restart that trend, and with another good season this year could find himself selected in the first 32 picks when April rolls around.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.

CBS poses ‘biggest question’ for Jaguars entering training camp

Will center Mitch Morse’s addition to Jacksonville’s offensive line be enough to elevate the unit?

That’s what CBS analyst Bryan DeArdo wondered when he penned the “biggest question” every AFC team faces ahead of training camp, which opens to fans in Jacksonville on July 24.

Because, aside from Mirse’s free agent signing in March, Jacksonville is running it back up front, returning its intended starters from 2023 at left and right tackle and left and right guard.

Did they do enough to improve the O-line?

The Jaguars believe that injuries and a lack of continuity were the main reasons why their O-line struggled last year, especially when it came to running the ball. To help address those issues, the Jaguars made a [splash] in free agency when they were able to sign former Pro Bowl center Mitch Morse.

Personally, I think the Jaguars’ O-line will be better this year with the addition of Morse and the expected growth of Ezra Cleveland second-year right tackle Anton Harrison. The development of rookie fourth-round pick Javon Foster (whom the Jaguars view as their future swing tackle) is also key. But the Jaguars need veterans Brandon Scherff and Cam Robinson to stay healthy after injuries hindered their effectiveness in recent years.

The Jaguars finished last season with 59.6 pass-blocking and 40.6 run-blocking grades, ranking No. 21 and No. 31 in the NFL in those respective categories, per Pro Football Focus.

Morse is expected to replace Luke Fortner, Jacksonville’s starting center since his third-round selection by the club in 2022. Fortenr’s 44.3 PFF offensive grade ranked No. 56 of 57 NFL centers who logged at least one snap in 2023; Morse’s 64.5 mark ranked No. 22.

Otherwise, the Jaguars hope the unit can benefit from continuity, and believe it will perform better with improved health and availability.

Cam Robinson enters his eighth year as Jacksonville’s left tackle after missing eight games in 2023, four due to suspension at the beginning of the campaign and another four near the end due to injury. Opposite is Anton Harrison, the Jaguars’ 2023 first-round pick, who flashed promise as a rookie right tackle against several premier NFL edge rushers.

Seasoned NFL veteran and rising third-year Jaguars right guard Brandon Scherff is back on a restructured contract. So is Ezra Cleveland on the left, who Jacksonville traded for around midseason in 2023 and re-signed in March.

Cleveland dealt with multiple injuries during the season, a foot injury with Minnesota before the trade and a knee injury with the Jaguars.

“If you look at it, Week 18 was kind of that snapshot of what the offensive line was supposed to look like with Cam, Ezra, Luke, Brandon and Anton,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said in March.

“When we got Ezra, that was supposed to be what it looked like. They only played one game together. We’re excited for this upcoming offseason to get those guys working together.”

In addition to Javon Foster’s acquisition, Walker Little also returns to the Jaguars’ offensive line after serving as a backup tackle/guard hybrid in 2023. Jacksonville’s second second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Little has started 17 games in three seasons.

Watch: Analyst praises Anton Harrison’s rookie year with Jaguars

Anton Harrison has been lauded for his rookie performance on the Jaguars’ otherwise underwhelming offensive line in 2023, perhaps no more in detail than by film analyst James Foster of A to Z Sports.

Foster published an 18-minute breakdown of Harrison’s first season in the NFL via YouTube on Monday, using All-22 footage to analyze the Jacksonville right tackle’s strengths, areas needing improvement and general performance compared to other rookie tackles in 2023.

Watch the full video below.

“He has the combination of physical traits and advanced technique to be a shut-down right tackle,” Foster said in the video’s introduction. “He still needs to put it all together consistently but he has a chance to be a top-five pass-blocking tackle and it’s looking like one of the best picks from the first round last year.”

Harrison, Jacksonville’s No. 27 overall selection in the first round of last year’s draft, started 17 games in 2023 and ranked No. 2 on the team in offensive snaps logged with 1,113. He did so while playing through a shoulder injury that required minor surgery after the season.

Harrison allowed five sacks over the first eight games of his debut campaign but did not give up another over the final nine matchups, per Pro Football Focus, ending the year on a hot streak in pass protection and letting him enter 2024 with confidence.

Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor believes the self-assurance Harrison generated throughout his rookie year will benefit him as he approaches his second pro season.

“I think 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 through Week 18 in just understanding what each week looks like,” Taylor said. “I think that’s one of the biggest things, especially for young guys. Their season ends around Thanksgiving. Well, 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 and continue to grow. Now you know what to expect in year two. You expect to see that confidence, walk around with a little bit more swagger [and] approach each week with just more understanding of what is coming.”

Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton drafted No. 29 overall by the Dallas Cowboys

Oklahoma Sooners offensive tackle Tyler Guyton taken No. 29 overall by the Dallas Cowboys.

The Oklahoma Sooners have another first round offensive tackle to tout. Former Oklahoma Sooner Tyler Guyton is headed to the Dallas Cowboys to play with former Sooner turned Cowboy [autotag]CeeDee Lamb[/autotag].

Guyton was selected with 29th overall by the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Guyton has been on NFL radars since his excellent showing against fellow first-round draft pick Jared Verse in the Cheez-It Bowl.

The Cowboys lost two starters on their offensive line when left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz signed with the New York Jets and Washington Commanders. With Smith headed to the Jets, the opportunity to select a high-upside left tackle prospect was too much for the Cowboys to pass up.

Guyton, who is 6-foot-7 and 322 pounds, excels in pass protection. He needs to work on his hand placement and consistency as a run blocker, but he’s the type of player that Dallas has successfully developed in recent years.

With his first-round selection, Guyton becomes the fourth offensive lineman since 2010 to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft, joining [autotag]Anton Harrison[/autotag] (2023), [autotag]Lane Johnson[/autotag] (2013), and [autotag]Trent Williams[/autotag] (2010).

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on X @thatmanbryant.