Before training camp, Wyatt Milum was seemingly in a position to seize the starting job at right guard. However, he failed to seize the opportunity. When you factor in that the Jacksonville Jaguars are dealing with injuries across the offensive line, it wasn't particularly shocking to see them acquire Daniel Faalele from the New York Giants in return for a sixth-round selection.
Faalele wasn't particularly great the past two years but made 32 consecutive starts. He immediately adds depth and experience in the Jacksonville offensive trenches. At worst, the former Minnesota Golden Gopher will be a valuable depth piece, but there's a chance, albeit a slim one, that he could be thrust into the starting lineup come Week 1.
This begs the question, if Milum's stock was soaring before training camp, why did the Jags feel the need to trade for Faalele?
The Jaguars may not have been impressed with Wyatt Milum
A third-round pick in 2025, Milum made a strong impression in training camp last year. More specifically, his grittiness and physicality stood out. However, a knee injury forced him to miss time in his rookie campaign. Once the former West Virginia Mountaineer was back in the mix, he didn't get much playing time.
With Patrick Mekari struggling at right guard last season, Milum was supposed to compete with him for the starting job. However, Mekari missed the offseason program and training camp with a back injury, so Milum had a clear path. But despite his favorable situation, the Kenova, West Virginia native wasn't able to win the job. In particular, he left much to be desired in the preseason opener.
Compounding the issue is that backup Chuma Edoga will miss time after suffering an injury in the preseason opener. Similarly, Mekari underwent a procedure days after the game. When you add it all up, you can see why Jacksonville traded for Faalele.
Granted, Faalele gave up more than 30 total pressures each of the past two seasons. Moreover, he was the backup behind Francis Mauigoa and Jon Runyan, so there was no room for him with the New York Giants.
In Jacksonville, though Faalele will benefit from a fresh start and a chance to compete.
What does the Jaguars trade for Daniel Faalele mean for Wyatt Milum?
Liam Coen said that Daniel Faalele offers immediate depth on the offensive line, but he will probably get a chance to compete for the starting job. Walker Little suffered an injury during the mock game before the preseason opener, but he's back in the fold at right tackle.
Little will likely hold the fort at right tackle while Cole Van Lanen continues to recover from a knee injury, and that could be for a handful of weeks to start the regular season. Once Van Lanen returns, Little could move to right guard. But for the time being, Faalele will be an option.
Wyatt Milum was the first in line to start at right guard, but he failed to take advantage of his chance. During the joint practice against the Carolina Panthers, Ezra Cleveland switched to the right side, but he could return to his more familiar left side at any given time. Emmanuel Pregnon gives Jacksonville another alternative, but if the team's brass doesn't want to rush him, Faalele is the best short-term option to start at right guard.
Again, the Jaguars might not have traded for Faalele if they had felt good about Milum taking over at right guard. However, they couldn't wait for him to hit his stride, so they brought in external help.
The Jaguars were in desperate need of help on the offensive line. Since Wyatt Milum couldn't provide it, they traded for Daniel Faalele.
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