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Could Second-Year G Wyatt Milum Earn Starting Job?
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- Could Second-Year G Wyatt Milum Earn Starting Job?
(USA TODAY Network/Reuters Connect)
The offensive line is one of the biggest question marks on this year's Jacksonville Jaguars squad, as the team added players through the draft and could front one of the youngest starting units in the NFL.
Second-year guard Wyatt Milum is one intriguing piece of the puzzle, as he has been getting a lot of run during the first few practices this week.
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"We saw Milum spend a significant amount of time playing with the first-team offense..." Big Cat Country reporter Gus Logue said on Wednesday. "The Jaguars may just be experimenting with Milum."
Whether its experimental or not, Milum adds another dimension to the Jags' O-line group, having played more snaps towards the end of last season.
An injury in rookie camp delayed Milum's start of his NFL career, but he has seemingly returned to full strength in year two.
In early May, former Jaguars linebacker Tom McManus took over the 1010XL Jaguars radio show, where he mentioned Milum as a player he is excited to see this season.
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"Two guys I do want to see out there aren't rookies and that is Caleb Ransaw and Wyatt Milum. I want to see both those guys. I want to see how they look," McManus said. "Both of them should have a year, but Wyatt should have a year under his belt getting bigger, stronger."
With the recent additions of rookie guard Garrett DiGiorgio and 2021 sixth rounder Cole Van Lanen to the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list , Milum may be in line for a starting gig to begin the season.
In college, Milum was a dominant force with West Virginia, earning Consensus First Team All-American honors from the NCAA in his senior campaign (2024).
According to West Virginia athletics, Milum did not allow a sack in 34 of the last 36 games in which he played, including not allowing a sack over his last two years, while spearheading a strong Mountaineers rushing attack.
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With just 96 snaps taken last season, Milum's PFF grades are not high enough to be compared amongst his peers, but the numbers are solid.
Jacksonville will need Milum's run-blocking prowess to shine, as the running back room has underwent a makeover.
Following the departure of longtime starter Travis Etienne in free agency, Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. will vie for carries, as both backs bring different running styles to the rushing attack.
Rodriguez is a physical runner, doing a lot of his damage in between the tackles.
Tuten, on the other hand, has blazing speed, and has turned a lot of heads during the offseason, as head coach Liam Coen has gushed about his big-play ability.
