Jaguars' Rookie Wyatt Milum Could Be Answer to Offensive Line Struggles
Jaguars' Rookie Wyatt Milum Could Be Answer to Offensive Line Struggles originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have an issue or two that needs worked out on the offensive side of the ball.
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Last season, the Jaguars finished their season 25th in the NFL in yards per game offensively, managing just 306.2 yards per game offensively. A large part of the criticism for that has fallen on the team's offensive line, which might be why the team selected two players in the NFL Draft to join that position room.
Nov 30, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Wyatt Milum (74) prepares to block Texas Tech Red Raiders back Amier Washington (88) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn ImagesMichael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
One of those players, former West Virginia Mountaineers offensive tackle Wyatt Milum, could end up being a big difference maker in the trenches for the Jaguars this season.
"He's a big dude...the way the guy plays, the toughness," Jaguars' Head Coach Liam Coen said during the team's minicamp sessions. "He's rooted in that. That's kind of what he prides himself on being, and that's what he is kind of known for around that building is being a guy that finishes, that plays the game the right way, that approaches it the right way.'
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Milum was a stud for the Mountaineers -- he started 43 games for WVU football over his four-year career, and his senior season saw him become the 14th player in program history to be named a Consensus All-American. He was also named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2024.
Milum is particularly adept at protecting his signal caller -- he allowed zero sacks over his final two collegiate seasons, and as a senior he also allowed zero quarterback hurries and only gave up seven quarterback pressures. That's good news for Jaguars' quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has struggled with injuries the past two seasons and is feeling pressure to have a big season. For Milum, the Jaguars' 32 sacks allowed in 2024 was about 32 too many.
'That's our motto...we don't want anyone touching the quarterback,' Milum said during minicamp. 'I feel like that's our identity as our offensive line at this point.'
Despite his massive 6-foot-6 frame, the Kenova, W.Va native has been moved from tackle to guard by the Jaguars, with his shorter wingspan and quickness viewed as potential weaknesses at tackle. But Milum, who helped the Mountaineers average 210 rushing yards per game during his final two seasons with the program, has been receptive to the change.
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'Wherever they want to put me, I'm willing, as long as it gets me on the field,' he said. 'If I'm succeeding, that's all that matters to me. Anywhere is good with me.'
Perhaps the easiest place to look to see Milum's potential entering his rookie season is in Pittsburgh -- Milum's former teammate Zach Frazier was selected by the Steelers on Day Two of the 2024 NFL Draft, and slid into the starting rotation as a rookie. By the end of the season, he had started 14 games, was named to the PFWA All-NFL Rookie Team, and was given the Joe Green Great Performance Award as the top rookie for the Steelers.
If Milum can mimic his former teammate and fellow native West Virginian's efforts this season, it could be good news for the Jaguars.
Related: Pressure Mounts on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence Ahead of Critical Season
Related: Jaguars Drop Hint on How Travis Hunter Will Be Used This Season
Related: Jaguars Dealt Concerning Trevor Lawrence Revelation Liam Coen Can't Fix
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
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