New England Patriots Secure Versatile Offensive Lineman Mike Onwenu with Three-Year Deal
In a strategic move to reinforce their offensive line, the New England Patriots have locked down Mike Onwenu with a lucrative three-year, $57 million contract in March. The former sixth-round pick from the 2020 NFL Draft has proven to be a reliable and adaptable force, transitioning seamlessly through different positions on the line.
Onwenu’s journey in the NFL began at right tackle where he quickly made a name for himself during his rookie season, solidifying his role with commendable performances. His versatility became evident in his second year, where he adeptly split duties between right and left tackle.
“It was essentially just practice in a few places,” Onwenu stated. “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.”
In 2022, the Patriots saw another shift in Onwenu’s responsibilities, moving him to right guard for the bulk of the season. Despite this, he found himself back at right tackle by the end of the season, showcasing his flexibility once again.
During the Offseason Training Activities (OTAs), Onwenu resumed his role at right tackle, only to switch back to right guard during mandatory minicamp. He maintained this position throughout the first practice of training camp, demonstrating his commitment to positional fluidity.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo emphasized the importance of adaptability within the offensive line, stating, “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.”
Practice sessions during camp saw Calvin Anderson and Chukwuma Okorafor hold down the right tackle and left tackle positions, respectively. Sidy Sow was seen taking reps at left guard, with David Andrews continuing to anchor at center.
The dynamic nature of the Patriots' training approach is certainly keeping the players on their toes. Onwenu himself acknowledged the surprise that comes with frequent position changes, remarking, “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.”
With Jacoby Brissett taking reps during the practice session, the team is clearly working towards identifying the optimal lineup. Onwenu noted the importance of these early practices, commenting, “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.”
This proactive approach to training and positional rotation illustrates the Patriots’ strategy to build a robust and responsive offensive line. Securing Onwenu, a player who embodies versatility and adaptability, underlines their commitment to maintaining a flexible and formidable lineup capable of adapting to the rigors of an NFL season.
As the Patriots continue to navigate through the preseason, all eyes will be on how these strategic moves and training decisions will come to fruition once the regular season kicks off.