Onwenu's Multi-Position Journey To Strengthen The Patriots' O-Line
In a move that signifies trust and a vision for versatility, the New England Patriots secured Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract this March. A standout talent, Onwenu has been a cornerstone of the Patriots' offensive line, showcasing his adaptability since being selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
A Versatile Path
Onwenu's career trajectory with the Patriots has been marked by his ability to excel at multiple positions. Initially stepping into the league as a right tackle, he spent his rookie season cementing his role there. By his second year, the coaching staff began to tap into his versatility, having him split duties between right and left tackle.
In 2022, the Patriots decided to leverage Onwenu’s broad skill set even further by moving him to right guard for the majority of the season. However, by the end of the year, he found himself back at right tackle, underlining his capacity to plug into different spots on the line as required by the team’s dynamic needs.
A Shifting Line in Training Camp
As the Patriots entered OTAs, Onwenu resumed his role at right tackle. However, mandatory minicamp introduced another shuffle. Onwenu shifted to right guard, a position he held throughout the first practice of training camp. His flexibility is invaluable in an offensive line that prioritizes the best five players on the field at any given time.
“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 commented on the constant adjustments.
Coaches' Insights
Head Coach Jerod Mayo has been vocal about the strategy behind these positional shifts. He emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure the best combination of players on the field. “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 explained.
Adapting to Change
This flexibility is not new territory for Onwenu. “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 noted, affirming his preparedness to meet the team’s demands.
As practices progress and the team gets deeper into training camp, the coaching staff will continue evaluating the best configuration for the offensive line. During a notable practice session, other key positions saw Calvin Anderson at right tackle, Chukwuma Okorafor anchoring the left tackle spot, Sidy Sow at left guard, and David Andrews at center. Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett took reps, reflecting the ongoing competition and evaluation process.
Looking Ahead
Onwenu understands the importance of these early evaluations and practices. “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 stated, showing his commitment to the team's long-term success.
The Patriots are keen on crafting an impenetrable offensive line, and with players like Onwenu who bring both talent and flexibility, the team is poised to optimize their line-up configurations for the upcoming season. Both fans and the team alike will be keenly watching as the best five solidify their places in this adaptive and strategic offensive line.