West Virginia offensive lineman Wyatt Milum was the lone Mountaineer selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he’s heading into a strong situation with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who picked him in the third round.
Milum, a versatile lineman with starting experience and high potential, was projected as a third-rounder by many analysts—and that’s exactly where he landed, going 89th overall.
Milum had briefly drawn first-round attention before the draft, with some insiders suggesting teams like the Philadelphia Eagles were considering him.
Concerns about his arm length didn’t overshadow his solid performance at WVU, which included protecting multiple quarterbacks and playing across the line.
The Jaguars valued Milum so highly that they traded up to get him, looking to strengthen a unit responsible for protecting franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, now one of the highest-paid QBs in the league.
Jacksonville’s O-line allowed 41 sacks last season, and Lawrence’s concussion late in the year only highlighted the need for more protection.
Milum will initially provide depth at guard, though his versatility means he could fill in at other positions along the line. While not expected to start immediately—especially after the Jaguars signed former Ravens guard Patrick Mekari—Milum could still see playing time in 2025.
Undrafted Mountaineers Find Opportunities
Although Milum was the only WVU player drafted, several teammates found homes shortly after the draft via undrafted free agency or rookie mini-camp invites.
Linebacker Ty French, who transferred to WVU for his final season from Gardner-Webb, was invited to the San Francisco 49ers mini-camp. He played in 13 games and recorded 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and three quarterback hurries. The 49ers, having lost several defensive starters in free agency, are looking to bolster depth, giving French a solid chance to compete for a spot.
Offensive lineman Nick Malone, a Morgantown native, was invited to mini-camp by the Miami Dolphins. Malone played 53 games at WVU and made 17 starts. Known for his academic accolades and leadership, he adds value to a Dolphins squad that also needs to protect a highly paid quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who has a history of concussions.
The Dolphins only drafted one offensive lineman this year, instead focusing on defense. That opens the door for Malone to potentially earn a roster spot or land on the practice squad, depending on his mini-camp performance.
In total, six WVU players signed NFL deals following the draft, with two more receiving invites to mini-camps, keeping the Mountaineer tradition alive at the professional level. With Milum’s draft selection and others fighting for roster spots, West Virginia’s 2025 class is making its mark across the NFL.
