In a significant offseason move, the New England Patriots secured Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract this March. A versatile and highly regarded offensive lineman, Onwenu has seen a dynamic evolution in his position since entering the NFL.
Chosen in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Onwenu initially stepped into the league as a right tackle. He spent his rookie season cementing his role at right tackle, showcasing his potential and earning a spot as a reliable starter. His adaptability on the offensive line became more apparent during his second year, as he split duties between right and left tackle. This flexibility proved invaluable for the Patriots, providing stability across multiple positions.
Shifting Roles
The 2022 season marked another transition for Onwenu, this time to right guard for the majority of the season. The constant adjustments in positioning, however, did not deter him, and by the end of 2022, he was back at right tackle. This shifting between positions continued during offseason training activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp. During these sessions, Onwenu resumed his role at right tackle but later moved to right guard.
Onwenu's willingness to adapt is a testament to his team-first mentality. Reflecting on the continuous changes, Onwenu noted, “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.”
Building the Best Line
The Patriots' approach under Head Coach Jerod Mayo emphasizes putting the best combination of players on the field, regardless of their primary positions. Mayo has been clear about this strategy, saying, “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.”
During the first practice of training camp, this philosophy was evident. Onwenu held the right guard position, while Calvin Anderson occupied the right tackle spot. Meanwhile, Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle position, Sidy Sow played at left guard, and David Andrews was the center. The mix-and-match strategy during these practice sessions is designed to evaluate the best fit for the players and the team as a whole.
Versatility as a Strength
For Onwenu, playing multiple positions is nothing new and something he approaches without hesitation. “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 explained.
Despite the constant shuffling, Onwenu understands the importance of these early evaluations. He stated, “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.”
In addition to assessing individual performance, the Patriots appear to be focusing on cohesion and chemistry within the offensive line. Jacoby Brissett, who took reps during one of the notable practice sessions, will also benefit from a solid and united front, which is crucial for successful offensive drives.
As the Patriots continue their preparations for the upcoming season, the adaptability and readiness of players like Mike Onwenu will be key to their pursuit of success. The culmination of these efforts in training camp will ultimately determine the strongest lineup, aiming to provide optimal protection and create opportunities on the field.