Wyatt Milum Competes for Guard Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jacksonville Jaguars wrap up their 2025 preseason and finalize their offensive line rotation, one of the most compelling position battles has centered on second-year player Wyatt Milum, who is vying for a starting or key backup guard spot. Wyatt Milum Competes for Guard Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a preseason storyline—it’s a test of whether Milum, a former college standout, can translate his potential into NFL production, while also addressing a positional need that plagued the Jaguars in 2024. For an offense that relies on protecting Trevor Lawrence and opening lanes for Travis Etienne, the guard position is critical, and Milum’s emergence has added both depth and competition to a unit still finding its rhythm. As the Jaguars aim to contend for an AFC South title, Milum’s performance in this battle could shape the success of their entire offensive line.

Wyatt Milum Competes for Guard Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars comes after a rookie season where Milum showed flashes of promise but lacked consistent playing time. Drafted by the Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of West Virginia University, Milum spent his first year on the practice squad and active roster, appearing in just five games (primarily on special teams or as a reserve lineman). At West Virginia, however, Milum was a force: he started 38 games at left tackle and left guard, earning All-Big 12 honors twice and establishing himself as one of the conference’s most reliable linemen. His collegiate versatility—he excelled at both tackle and guard—caught the Jaguars’ attention, as it allowed them to develop him as a “swing lineman” who could fill multiple roles. What sets Milum apart is his combination of size (6’6”, 325 lbs) and agility: he has the strength to block interior pass rushers and the footwork to pull on run plays, a skillset that aligns with Doug Pederson’s zone-running scheme. After a year of learning the NFL game, Milum has entered 2025 training camp ready to compete for meaningful snaps.

A key driver of Wyatt Milum Competes for Guard Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars is the Jaguars’ need to upgrade their guard position after inconsistent play in 2024. Last season, the Jaguars rotated three different players at right guard and two at left guard, with none delivering the consistency needed to protect Lawrence or create running lanes. The interior line allowed 28 pressures on Lawrence (12th-most in the NFL) and struggled to open holes in short-yardage situations—converting just 62% of third-and-1 attempts, well below the league average of 71%. This inconsistency forced Pederson to adjust his playcalling, limiting aggressive passing plays and relying more on Etienne’s mobility to compensate for line gaps. Milum’s competition for a guard spot directly addresses this issue: if he can win a starting role or become a reliable backup, he’ll provide stability to a unit that lacked it. “We need guys who can step in and play at a high level every week,” offensive line coach Phil Rauscher said. “Wyatt has the tools—now it’s about proving he can do it consistently. This battle isn’t just about him; it’s about making our entire line better.”

Wyatt Milum Competes for Guard Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars has been fueled by Milum’s standout preseason performance, which has turned heads among the Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff and fans. In three preseason games, Milum played 89 snaps at both left and right guard, allowing just one pressure and no sacks—impressive numbers for a player still adjusting to full-time NFL reps. His best game came against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, where he started at right guard and helped the Jaguars rush for 182 yards (including 105 from Etienne) while keeping Lawrence clean on 15 pass attempts. Milum’s ability to handle both run and pass blocking has made him a favorite among coaches, who value versatility in their linemen. The Jacksonville Jaguars have also been impressed by his football IQ: Milum quickly adjusts to defensive shifts and communicates well with center Ben Sinnott, ensuring the line stays aligned. “Wyatt’s grown a lot since last year,” Rauscher noted. “He’s not just reacting—he’s anticipating. That’s the difference between a practice squad player and someone who can contribute on Sundays.”

Another layer of Wyatt Milum Competes for Guard Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars is the competition he’s facing, which includes incumbent backup guard Chandler Brewer and rookie seventh-round pick Micah Vanterpool. Brewer, a four-year veteran, has more NFL experience but struggled with injuries in 2024, while Vanterpool is a raw prospect with athleticism but limited technique. This three-way battle has pushed all three players to improve: Milum has refined his hand placement to avoid holding penalties, Brewer has focused on durability and consistency, and Vanterpool has worked on his footwork to handle faster interior pass rushers. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff has emphasized that the best player—not the most experienced—will win the spot, creating a merit-based environment that rewards effort. For Milum, this competition is personal: “I came into camp with something to prove,” he said. “Last year, I watched from the sidelines. This year, I want to be out there helping the team win. Every rep, every drill—I’m giving it my all.” This mindset has resonated with teammates, including Lawrence, who has praised Milum’s work ethic.

Looking ahead, Wyatt Milum Competes for Guard Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars is a critical storyline as the Jacksonville Jaguars head into the 2025 regular season. If Milum wins a starting guard spot, he’ll join a line that includes left tackle Andre Dillard and center Sinnott—forming a younger, more athletic group that could grow together. If he lands as a backup, he’ll still play a key role as a swing lineman, ready to fill in at guard or tackle if injuries strike. For the Jaguars, this competition is about more than just one player: it’s about building an offensive line that can protect Lawrence for years to come and support an offense capable of competing for a Super Bowl. Milum’s journey from practice squad to potential starter is also a reminder of the Jaguars’ commitment to developing young talent—a strategy that has paid off with players like Travis Hunter. As Week 1 approaches, all eyes will be on the Jaguars’ guard rotation, and Wyatt Milum will have one final chance to prove he belongs. Wyatt Milum Competes for Guard Spot with Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just about a position battle; it’s about a young player seizing an opportunity—and a team building the foundation for a championship run.