New England Patriots' Mike Onwenu: Versatility and Value
In March, the New England Patriots made a significant move by securing Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract. This investment in Onwenu underscores the offensive lineman's value and versatility, key aspects that have been pivotal since he was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Onwenu entered the NFL initially as a right tackle, spending his rookie season solidifying his role in that position. His first year saw him establishing himself as a reliable asset on the right side of the line. However, Onwenu's adaptability became more apparent during his second season when he split duties between right and left tackle, showcasing his agility and proficiency across different spots on the line.
In 2022, the Patriots made a strategic shift, moving Onwenu primarily to right guard, though he eventually returned to right tackle by the end of the season. This positional flexibility has been a hallmark of Onwenu's career thus far, enabling the Patriots to dynamically adjust their offensive line based on need and performance.
During OTAs, Onwenu resumed his role at right tackle. However, in mandatory minicamp, he shifted to right guard and maintained this position throughout the first practice of training camp. This move highlights the coaching staff’s ongoing assessment of where Onwenu can best contribute to the team's success. On one notable practice session, Calvin Anderson occupied the right tackle position while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot, Sidy Sow played at left guard, and David Andrews positioned himself at center. Jacoby Brissett took reps during this session, indicating the team's explorative approach to their lineup.
Onwenu’s perspective on his shifting roles is practical and team-focused. “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 stated.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of flexibility within the offensive line. “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 willingness to adapt is further highlighted by his own reflections. “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. This adaptability is not new to Onwenu, who perceives his multi-positional experience as a strength rather than a challenge.
As the Patriots progress through their training and into the regular season, the positional arrangements will continue to evolve. “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,” Onwenu added. This evaluation process is critical as the team seeks to optimize their offensive line configuration.
Mike Onwenu’s journey with the Patriots, marked by his contractual security and his substantial positional flexibility, paints a picture of a player whose value transcends any single spot on the line. His adaptability and team-first mindset are critical assets that the Patriots will continue to leverage as they aim for success in the coming seasons.