In March, the New England Patriots made a significant move by signing Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract. This marks a notable commitment by the Patriots to a player they initially picked in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Onwenu's journey from an under-the-radar draft pick to a pivotal part of the offensive line is a testament to his versatility and skill.
Onwenu's Evolution Across the Line
Mike Onwenu entered the NFL as a right tackle and spent his rookie season securing his place in that position. His adaptability became evident in his second year when he split duties between right and left tackle. By 2022, the Patriots shifted him to right guard for most of the season, though he returned to right tackle by year-end.
During organized team activities (OTAs), Onwenu resumed his role as right tackle, only to shift back to right guard during mandatory minicamp, maintaining this position throughout the first practice of training camp. This constant repositioning underscores the Patriots' strategy of using Onwenu's flexibility to their advantage. The strategy was highlighted by Head Coach Jerod Mayo, who emphasized the team's commitment to placing the best five players on the field, regardless of their primary positions. “I've had this conversation with AVP [Alex Van Pelt]. I've also talked to Mike and the rest of those offensive linemen. Look, we're going to put the best five players out there on the field as an offensive line. If that means you've got to play guard or play tackle, I don't know. We'll see, it'll play itself out in camp. That's my mindset, it's about putting the best players on the field,” Mayo stated.
Practice and Versatility
Onwenu himself spoke to the fluid nature of the offensive line during practices. “It was essentially just practice in a few places. Days in and days out, we’re going to be switching around, and it’s going to be different lines, so just getting the best five out there and practicing, every guy practicing each position, and just knowing that you can play that position,” he explained. His perspective sheds light on the daily grind and the necessity for players to be adaptable.
Indeed, the transition didn't come without its surprises for Onwenu. “It was a little surprising. Pretty much as a football player, I’ve done it in the past. I started as a guard, started as a jumbo tackle, and then I played tackle. It’s just one of the positions that I play,” he remarked, reflecting on his experience and the multiple roles he has filled since his collegiate days.
Building the Best Offensive Line
The Patriots' offensive line configuration also saw contributions from other players, with Calvin Anderson stepping into the right tackle spot during a notable practice and Chukwuma Okorafor holding down the left tackle position. Sidy Sow was positioned at left guard, with David Andrews at center, weaving a complex tapestry of talent and adaptability that aims to fortify the Patriots' offensive capabilities. Jacoby Brissett's participation in these sessions adds another layer of interest, as positions and roles continue to crystallize through ongoing practice sessions.
Onwenu underscored the importance of these early sessions and their role in determining the best lineup. “It is very important. It’s early now so we had the OTAs, we had the spring, but we’re getting into live football now. As the practices and the days go on, we’ll see who fits where and how that fits with the best five,” he stated.
As the Patriots continue to experiment with their lineup in preparation for the upcoming season, Mike Onwenu's ability to adapt and excel in multiple positions stands out as a critical asset. This strategic flexibility aims to ensure that the team fields the strongest possible offensive line, providing crucial protection for the quarterback and creating opportunities for offensive plays.
The synergy between seasoned players and strategic coaching is shaping up to be a defining aspect of the Patriots' approach. With Onwenu’s skill and versatility at the core, the team is poised to navigate the challenges of the season with a dynamically composed and resilient offensive line.