In an impressive move this March, the New England Patriots secured Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract, demonstrating their confidence in his abilities and versatility. Selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Onwenu has proven to be a vital asset for the Patriots, transitioning seamlessly across multiple positions on the offensive line.
The Early Years
Onwenu entered the NFL as a right tackle, a role he solidified during his rookie season. His performance as a right tackle was a key factor in earning him this substantial contract extension. As he transitioned to his second year, Onwenu's flexibility became apparent as he split duties between right and left tackle, showcasing his adaptability and breadth of skill.
Positional Shifts
The 2022 season marked another change for Onwenu. Primarily playing as a right guard, he continued to demonstrate his proficiency across the offensive line. By the season's end, he was once again seen at right tackle, revealing the Patriots' strategic deployment of his versatility. During offseason training activities (OTAs), Onwenu resumed his role at right tackle, only to switch back to right guard during mandatory minicamp, maintaining this position into the first practice of training camp.
Reflecting on these positional shifts, Onwenu commented, “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.” His ability to transition between positions is both a testament to his skill set and an invaluable asset to the Patriots' offensive strategy.
Building the Best Lineup
Head Coach Jerod Mayo echoed Onwenu’s sentiment regarding the dynamic nature of their offensive line strategy. “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.
Adapting to Changes
Onwenu’s experience and adaptability have been crucial to his successful transitions. Speaking about his journey, Onwenu noted, “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.” His willingness to adapt is reflected in his career, moving from right tackle to guard, and sometimes back again, depending on the team’s needs.
Preparing for the Season
With the season approaching, Onwenu emphasized the importance of the early practice sessions. “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 explained. This preparatory phase is crucial for ensuring the team fields the best possible lineup.
Current Lineup Observations
During a notable practice session, Calvin Anderson took on the right tackle position, while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot. Sidy Sow played at left guard with David Andrews at center, rounding out the essential positions on the offensive line. Jacoby Brissett also took reps during the practice session, integrating into the continuous shuffle as the team fine-tunes its strategy.
As the New England Patriots navigate through training camp, Mike Onwenu’s versatility remains a cornerstone of their offensive line. His ability to shift seamlessly between positions ensures that the Patriots can adapt their line based on emerging strategies and player performances. With a substantial contract reinforcing their commitment, the Patriots clearly recognize and value the unique adaptability and skill Onwenu brings to the field.