In March, the New England Patriots made a significant move by securing offensive lineman Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract, solidifying their investment in a player who has shown immense versatility and reliability since being drafted. Onwenu, who entered the league as a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has continually evolved, seamlessly transitioning between various positions on the offensive line.
A Journey of Versatility
Initially stepping into the league as a right tackle, Onwenu quickly demonstrated his potential. His rookie season saw him solidifying his role at right tackle, showcasing a level of play that belied his draft position. His impressive performance didn’t go unnoticed, and he continued to build on it in the following seasons.
By his second year, Onwenu began splitting duties between right and left tackle, proving his ability to adapt and perform at a high level regardless of where he was positioned. This flexibility became a cornerstone of his value to the Patriots' offensive line.
Adapting to Changes
The 2022 season brought another shift for Onwenu, as the Patriots moved him to right guard for the majority of the year. The transition was smooth, further underlining his adaptability. By the end of the season, he was back at right tackle, ready to take on whatever role was necessary for the team's success.
His willingness to adapt was evident during OTAs, where he resumed his role at right tackle. However, during mandatory minicamp, he shifted back to right guard, a position he held throughout the first practice of training camp. This shuffling of positions highlights Onwenu's commitment to the team's needs and his readiness to excel wherever he is placed.
During a notable practice session, Calvin Anderson filled the right tackle spot, while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle position. Sidy Sow played at left guard, and David Andrews was at center, forming a line-up that aimed to find the best combination of players.
Commitment to the Best Lineup
“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,” Onwenu explained. His words capture the essence of the coaching staff's strategy to build the most effective offensive line through rigorous practice and evaluation.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo echoed this sentiment: “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.”
Onwenu's personal journey also reflects his readiness for change and versatility. “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, illustrating his experience across different positions on the line.
The Importance of OTAs and Minicamp
With the importance of OTAs and minicamp not being lost on the players or coaches, Onwenu emphasized, “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.” His statement underscores the critical nature of these practices in determining the optimal lineup for the season.
The Patriots' strategy of rotating players and ensuring that each lineman is well-versed in multiple positions will likely continue throughout the training camp, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate and decide on the best group to protect their quarterback and bolster their offensive game.
With Onwenu's versatility and the collective commitment of the team, the New England Patriots are positioning themselves for a robust offensive season. The constant shuffle and evaluation aim to harness the strengths of each player, ensuring that the best possible lineup is ready to face the challenges ahead.