Mike Onwenu's Journey with the New England Patriots: A Versatile Asset on the Offensive Line
In March, the New England Patriots made a significant move by securing Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract, solidifying his importance to the team's offensive line. Onwenu, originally selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has proven to be a versatile and crucial player for the Patriots, seamlessly transitioning between multiple positions on the line.
When he first entered the league, Onwenu stepped into the role of right tackle, spending his rookie season cementing his position. His ability to adapt and perform at a high level did not go unnoticed, as he split duties between right and left tackle in his second year, showcasing his versatility and reliability.
By 2022, the team recognized Onwenu's potential at right guard, moving him to this position for the majority of the season. Despite this shift, Onwenu's adaptability came to the forefront once again when he ended the season playing at right tackle. “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 remarked, highlighting his readiness to adapt for the team's benefit.
During Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Onwenu resumed his role at right tackle, continuing to prove his worth across different positions. However, in mandatory minicamp, he shifted back to right guard and maintained this position throughout the first practice of training camp. Such transitions are not new for the experienced lineman. “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,” Onwenu reflected on his positional flexibility.
The Patriots' coaching staff, led by Head Coach Jerod Mayo, continuously strives to put the best five players on the field at any given moment. Mayo emphasized this approach, 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.”
As training camp progresses, other linemen have also been positioned to support the team's strategy. Calvin Anderson has occupied the right tackle position during notable practice sessions, with Chukwuma Okorafor anchoring the left tackle spot. Additionally, Sidy Sow has stepped in at left guard, and David Andrews has taken his place at center. This shuffling and experimentation are part of the Patriots' broader strategy to identify the best configuration for their offensive line.
Among the shifts and adjustments, Mike Onwenu's experience and comments lend insight into the mindset required for such transitions. “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 noted, underscoring the importance of these practice sessions in determining the optimal lineup.
With the start of the season approaching, the Patriots will continue to rely on Onwenu's adaptability and skill to maintain a robust and effective offensive line. His journey from a rookie right tackle to a multi-position player exemplifies his dedication and the strategic foresight of the New England Patriots' coaching staff. As they continue to evaluate and practice, the ultimate objective remains clear: to field the best possible lineup to drive success in the upcoming season.