Wisconsin offensive lineman Jack Nelson left, and West Virginia offensive lineman Wyatt Milum run a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. (AP Photo)

MORGANTOWN — West Virginia had just one player drafted in this year’s NFL Draft, Wyatt Milum to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Milum was projected as a third-round pick and was selected as such, adding to the Jaguars’ offensive line that needs to protect franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

There were multiple NFL Draft experts that liked the pick. Milum has a lot of upside and in the closing days was jumping up draft boards as far as to the first round potentially being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles. There were some concerns over his arm length, but it was overlooked because of his production at WVU.

Milum was picked in the third, but still warranted a trade up from the Jaguars. He still was seen as a great value pick.

“Guard Wyatt Milum was perfect value on the offensive front (my 89th prospect, going No. 89),” ESPN Draft Expert Mel Kiper Jr. said.

Milum fits well in an organization that’s attempting to turn things around with a new general manager and head coach. The franchise is building around Lawrence, who is the second-highest paid quarterback by year and the second-highest total contract value, so offensive line is a point of emphasis. The Jaguars also drafted a center in the later rounds to add depth and signed four linemen in free agency.

The Jaguars offensive line last season allowed 41 sacks last season, which isn’t horrible compared to the rest of the league. But Lawrence suffered a concussion last year on an ugly hit that kept him out for three games, ending his season, so keeping him upright is urgent.

Milum was selected as a guard, but he could play anywhere on the line.

Milum probably won’t be a Day 1 starter with the signing of Baltimore Ravens right guard Patrick Mekari, but could definitely see action sometime this season.

Other West Virginia signings

There was only one player drafted for the Moutaineers, but a majority who entered the NFL Draft, were picked up in undrafted free agency.

WVU had six players sign on Saturday after the draft and had two more on Sunday that were invited to rookie mini-camp, linebacker Ty French and offensive lineman Nick Malone.

French was invited to camp by the San Francisco 49ers, who heavily drafted defense this year, and Malone was invited by the Miami Dolphins.

French transferred to WVU from Gardner-Webb to play one season for the Moutaineers. He played in 13 games at Spur, finishing with 22 tackles, including 12 solo stops, 2.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup and three quarterback hurries.

French will look to make the fall roster or practice squad, and he adds depth to 49ers defensive unit that lost a five defensive starters in free agency.

Malone didn’t come to WVU through the portal like French. He was a home-raised talent as a Morgantown native and played 53 career games, making 17 starts at tackle. In his final season, Malone made the Academic All-Big 12 Conference First Team and and made other All-Big 12 teams from some outlets.

The Dolphins are in the same situation as the Jaguars. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has a scary history with concussions, and they have invested a lot of money into him being the franchise guy. Tagovailoa has the third-highest salary for quarterbacks in the NFL at $53.1 million a year.

Protecting Tagovailoa is a top priority, but the Dolphins only drafted one lineman this year and focused more on defense using four of their first five picks on defenders.

Malone has a shot to make the roster if he impresses at mini-camp, hoping to find a spot on the 53 man roster or the practice squad come the fall.