The Jacksonville Jaguars struggled to keep Trevor Lawrence upright and run the ball last season. That's why it wasn't particularly shocking that they spared no expense to beef up the offensive line in the offseason. Despite the upgrades, an NFL analyst isn't impressed with the group. On the other hand, he believes a Jags rookie could be special.
Dan Fornek of FTN Fantasy ranked all 32 offensive lines ahead of the draft and gave Jacksonville the 20th spot, pointing out that there's no standout in the group but Wyatt Milum could turn out ot be an impact starter.
"One player who could make an impact is 2025 third-round pick Wyatt Milum." Fornek wrote. "Milum was a left tackle at West Virginia but will move to guard at the NFL level. He is a ferocious run blocker (89.2 run-blocking grade in 2024) who didn't allow a sack in his final three collegiate seasons. He is too compact and stiff to stick at tackle at the NFL level, but don't be surprised if he overtakes Ezra Cleveland at left guard this season. He can be an impact lineman on a team full of solid starters."
Fornek continued, "There isn't a single star in this positional group, but it is a collection of steady veterans that should be consistent week in and week out."
Even since the Jags drafted him 89th overall, Milum has gotten rave reviews, and it's easy to see why. He didn't give up a single sack on 1,028 pass blocking snaps dating back to 2002. Chad Reuter of NFL Media and Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports gave Jacksonville an A for the pick, and both of them think the former West Virginia Mountaineer is a starter in the making. But as promising as he is, he's far from the only addition to the offensive line that should make an impact next season.
The team's brass signed Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsay in free agency to start at right guard and center, respectively. Neither is a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but both of them should give the offensive trenches a boost. On the other hand, Walker Little should provide stability at left tackle. Whether he has to compete with Fred Johnson for the starting job, he will be protecting Lawrence's blindside come Week 1.
The biggest question mark upfront could turn out to be right tackle Anton Harrison, who split first-team reps with free-agent acquisition Chuma Edoga at mandatory minicamp. It could spell trouble for Jacksonville if Edoga, a career backup, starts next season.
Wyatt Milum needs to work out cut out to be the Jaguars starter at LG
The Jacksonville Jaguars like Wyatt Milum a lot. General manager James Gladstone made it clear when he said the rookie offensive lineman gives them lots of flexibility, pointing out that he brings security and competition up front. And that's the thing, he won't be handed the starting job.
Although Milum lacks ideal arm length to play left tackle in the NFL, it won't be an issue at left guard. Of course, he'll need to make the transition, but his physicality could give him the edge over incumbent Ezra Cleveland.
A second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, Cleveland was traded to Jacksonville at the 2023 deadline. While he's a solid starter when healthy, he hasn't been able to shake off the injury bug. The former Boise State Bronco will need to fend off Milum if he wants to keep his job.
Cleveland won't give up his job without a fight, but it's clear that the Jaguars would rather see Milum become the starter. Otherwise, they wouldn't have drafted him.