Latest news with #ConsensusAll-American
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jaguars' Rookie Wyatt Milum Could Be Answer to Offensive Line Struggles
Jaguars' Rookie Wyatt Milum Could Be Answer to Offensive Line Struggles originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Jacksonville Jaguars have an issue or two that needs worked out on the offensive side of the ball. Advertisement Last season, the Jaguars finished their season 25th in the NFL in yards per game offensively, managing just 306.2 yards per game offensively. A large part of the criticism for that has fallen on the team's offensive line, which might be why the team selected two players in the NFL Draft to join that position room. Nov 30, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Wyatt Milum (74) prepares to block Texas Tech Red Raiders back Amier Washington (88) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn ImagesMichael C. Johnson-Imagn Images One of those players, former West Virginia Mountaineers offensive tackle Wyatt Milum, could end up being a big difference maker in the trenches for the Jaguars this season. "He's a big way the guy plays, the toughness," Jaguars' Head Coach Liam Coen said during the team's minicamp sessions. "He's rooted in that. That's kind of what he prides himself on being, and that's what he is kind of known for around that building is being a guy that finishes, that plays the game the right way, that approaches it the right way.' Advertisement Milum was a stud for the Mountaineers -- he started 43 games for WVU football over his four-year career, and his senior season saw him become the 14th player in program history to be named a Consensus All-American. He was also named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2024. Milum is particularly adept at protecting his signal caller -- he allowed zero sacks over his final two collegiate seasons, and as a senior he also allowed zero quarterback hurries and only gave up seven quarterback pressures. That's good news for Jaguars' quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has struggled with injuries the past two seasons and is feeling pressure to have a big season. For Milum, the Jaguars' 32 sacks allowed in 2024 was about 32 too many. 'That's our don't want anyone touching the quarterback,' Milum said during minicamp. 'I feel like that's our identity as our offensive line at this point.' Despite his massive 6-foot-6 frame, the Kenova, native has been moved from tackle to guard by the Jaguars, with his shorter wingspan and quickness viewed as potential weaknesses at tackle. But Milum, who helped the Mountaineers average 210 rushing yards per game during his final two seasons with the program, has been receptive to the change. Advertisement 'Wherever they want to put me, I'm willing, as long as it gets me on the field,' he said. 'If I'm succeeding, that's all that matters to me. Anywhere is good with me.' Perhaps the easiest place to look to see Milum's potential entering his rookie season is in Pittsburgh -- Milum's former teammate Zach Frazier was selected by the Steelers on Day Two of the 2024 NFL Draft, and slid into the starting rotation as a rookie. By the end of the season, he had started 14 games, was named to the PFWA All-NFL Rookie Team, and was given the Joe Green Great Performance Award as the top rookie for the Steelers. If Milum can mimic his former teammate and fellow native West Virginian's efforts this season, it could be good news for the Jaguars. Related: Pressure Mounts on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence Ahead of Critical Season Related: Jaguars Drop Hint on How Travis Hunter Will Be Used This Season Related: Jaguars Dealt Concerning Trevor Lawrence Revelation Liam Coen Can't Fix This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Way-too-early predictions for Malaki Starks' rookie season with the Ravens
Way-too-early predictions for Malaki Starks' rookie season with the Ravens A handful of interceptions highlight predictions for Malaki Starks' season with the Baltimore Ravens There aren't many sure things in the NFL. There are a few. We know fan support for the Baltimore Ravens will never die. We know this team won't leave in the middle of the night like the Colts once did. It's certain that, as long as Lamar Jackson lines up under center (or in the shotgun formation), this team has a shot at beating anyone. Other talking points are debatable. Can Derrick Henry run for 2,000 yards in this offense? He'll certainly have an opportunity to do so. He's already a member of the 2k Club, but recently, conversations about all things Ravens have brought up one of the young guys. Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on rookie Malaki Starks. This may sound premature, but he's one of those 'sure things'. Bold predictions for Malaki Starks' first season (that are probably way too early). Most have kept up with his journey and how he's been doing since his arrival. As a Freshman All-American in 2022, he helped usher the Georgia Bulldogs to a College Football Playoff National Championship win. He was a Consensus All-American in 2023 and a First-Team All-American a year later. That 2024 season doubled as his final run at the NCAA level, one he punctuated with his second consecutive First-Team All-SEC mention. The Ravens made him the 2025 NFL Draft's 27th selection in Round 1. The hope was that his phenomenal resume would translate. There's no reason to think it won't. Stories of his work ethic and his blooming relationship with his position coach, Chuck Pagano, have leaked. That has only stoked the flames of a blaze building around him. Now comes the question. What might be the reasonable expectations for his first season in black, metallic gold, and purple? Well, it's wonderful that you would ask that question! 4-5 interceptions and a sack in his first Ravens season Malaki Starks never topped three interceptions during his career at Georgia, but he also never played a 17-game regular season. Fear not, there isn't any danger of him hitting the 'rookie wall'. The opposite will happen. The extra games will allow him to showcase his brilliance to a larger audience. Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey are elite playmakers in their own right. Opposing quarterbacks would like to avoid throwing in any of these guys' direction, but they'll have to test them at some point. Chances are they go after the rookie. Starks will be up to the challenge. Extra opportunities and elite talent around him are key ingredients for a rookie season full of highlights, one that includes four to five interceptions and a sack. Malaki Starks finishes third in tackles (with just under 100 total) Expect the rookie to roam around the formation, but expect Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton to lead this team in tackles. Starks finishes third. He also finishes third in solo stops, and during a 17-game season, 90-95 takedowns seems like a fair number. The PFWA All-Rookie Team This one feels like destiny. Each season, the Pro Football Writers Association releases its All-Rookie Team. This season, that team will add Malaki Starks' name to that list. 'Sure things' remember? This is another one. Starks ends his first season as a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist After accomplishing all of this and enjoying an outstanding rookie campaign, Starks will, no doubt, have a date with the NFL Honors on his agenda in February. Hopefully, the Ravens won't be attending because they're playing in Super Bowl 60, but you get the idea. Baltimore's rookie safety already feels like a Defensive Rookie of the Year nominee. Sadly, it feels as though a snub is coming. It just feels like this award will go to a pass rusher, but that shouldn't diminish any of the excitement built during Malaki's first season. Buckle up. There are sure to be fireworks.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Malaki Starks' response to a 5am film text says it all about his mental makeup
The only thing better than having an elite talent at the safety position is potentially having two of them. That's the situation the Baltimore Ravens are in. Kyle Hamilton enters year four at football's highest level. He has already established himself as one of the best players at his position, and this past April, he was given his partner in crime. Former Georgia Bulldogs star Malaki Starks was the 27th player taken during the most recent NFL Draft. His resume at the collegiate level was the stuff of legend: Freshman All-American (2022), College Football Playoff National Champion (2022), 2023 Consensus All-American, 2024 First-team All-American, two-time First-Team All-SEC nod. If all of that translates to the professional level, the Ravens are on to something. Advertisement Starks is so talented that one can make the argument that bad coaching would be the only thing to prevent a supernova elevation. He won't have that issue as part of the Ravens. John Harbaugh enters year 18 at the helm. Baltimore is led on defense by Zach Orr, and the secondary is led by a familiar face who recently came home after sitting out of coaching for four seasons. Chuck Pagano wins Malaki Starks over The last time we saw Chuck Pagano on an NFL sideline, he was the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator. The last time Chuck was in Baltimore, he led the Ravens' secondary for three seasons (2008-10) before becoming the defensive coordinator in 2011. Chuck has already won over his young group. His rookie safety recently spoke with media members and thanked his position coach for a 5 am text message, stating, "That's how I want to be coached." We shouldn't be surprised. Starks cut his teeth under Kirby Smart and Will Muschamp at UGA. Long story short, he's no stranger to being coached hard. Advertisement The rookie is off to a good start by catching the eye of his position coach. Chuck knows what it takes to be great in this league, having coached Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs. He has certainly seen some talent come through the Ravens locker room, and now he has an opportunity to reach and mold Hamilton, Starks, Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, and Chidobe Awuzie. This is a special unit. Starks couldn't have landed in a better situation. This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Chuck Pagano wins Malaki Starks over with an early morning text
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Malaki Starks' response to a 5am film text says it all about his mental makeup
Malaki Starks' response to a 5am film text says it all about his mental makeup Malaki Starks welcomed and appreciated a 5am coaching text from Chuck Pagano. The only thing better than having an elite talent at the safety position is potentially having two of them. That's the situation the Baltimore Ravens are in. Kyle Hamilton enters year four at football's highest level. He has already established himself as one of the best players at his position, and this past April, he was given his partner in crime. Former Georgia Bulldogs star Malaki Starks was the 27th player taken during the most recent NFL Draft. His resume at the collegiate level was the stuff of legend: Freshman All-American (2022), College Football Playoff National Champion (2022), 2023 Consensus All-American, 2024 First-team All-American, two-time First-Team All-SEC nod. If all of that translates to the professional level, the Ravens are on to something. Starks is so talented that one can make the argument that bad coaching would be the only thing to prevent a supernova elevation. He won't have that issue as part of the Ravens. John Harbaugh enters year 18 at the helm. Baltimore is led on defense by Zach Orr, and the secondary is led by a familiar face who recently came home after sitting out of coaching for four seasons. Chuck Pagano wins Malaki Starks over The last time we saw Chuck Pagano on an NFL sideline, he was the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator. The last time Chuck was in Baltimore, he led the Ravens' secondary for three seasons (2008-10) before becoming the defensive coordinator in 2011. Chuck has already won over his young group. His rookie safety recently spoke with media members and thanked his position coach for a 5 am text message, stating, "That's how I want to be coached." We shouldn't be surprised. Starks cut his teeth under Kirby Smart and Will Muschamp at UGA. Long story short, he's no stranger to being coached hard. The rookie is off to a good start by catching the eye of his position coach. Chuck knows what it takes to be great in this league, having coached Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs. He has certainly seen some talent come through the Ravens locker room, and now he has an opportunity to reach and mold Hamilton, Starks, Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, and Chidobe Awuzie. This is a special unit. Starks couldn't have landed in a better situation.
USA Today
07-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens DC Zach Orr offers A1 critique of their new safety tandem
Ravens DC Zach Orr offers A1 critique of their new safety tandem Zach Orr sees something special brewing in the Ravens starting safety tandem. Pay close attention to the backend of the Baltimore Ravens' defense as mandatory minicamp and training camp ensue. How's that for stating the obvious, right? Several OTA practices have already given us so much to talk about. Rashod Bateman is set to enter another tax bracket after signing an extension. Ar'Darius Washington is in a contract season, but he is unfortunately injured. That has seemingly opened the door for the nearly-forgotten Jalyn Armour-Davis, who has since gotten some snaps and worked at the safety position. For the Ravens to take another step in the right direction and get back to the AFC Championship Game, the backend of their defense will need to take a few steps of their own. We know there isn't much to worry about with Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton. The latter has missed a few OTA sessions, but there's a lot of optimism in the tandem he will form with a newly-acquired and highly-touted rookie. Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr has a ton of faith in his starting safety duo. The first three seasons of Kyle Hamilton's career were good enough to inspire the potential envy of NFL stars who are five years his senior. He earned a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association's All-Rookie Team in 2022. He has only gotten better since then. A member of the past two Pro Bowl rosters, he earned a First-Team All-Pro nod in 2023 before being named a Second-Teamer in 2024. One star alone, however, does not an elite safety tandem make, so Baltimore found an answer and an upgrade during the first round of this past April's draft in Malaki Starks. Saying defense coordinator Zach Orr is excited would be a massive understatement. This past week, he expressed his expectation for Hamilton and Starks as a duo. The NFL is a long way from college football in terms of level of competition, but Starks looks like a sure thing. Baltimore is hoping his skill set translates to the highest level of football. During his time in Athens with the Georgia Bulldogs, he was named a Freshman All-American and became a College Football Playoff National Champion. He was a Consensus All-American in 2023, a First-team All-American in 2024, and has two First-Team All-SEC (2023, 2024) to show for his trouble. He's used to playing in big games. He's certain to play in several this season, and fortunately for him, though the pressure to perform will come quickly, he doesn't have to do everything on his own.
