In an assertive move this March, the New England Patriots locked in Mike Onwenu with a lucrative three-year, $57 million contract, underscoring the franchise's trust and investment in his versatile skills. Initially emerging from the 2020 NFL Draft as a sixth-round pick, Onwenu’s journey within the NFL has been nothing short of dynamic.
A Versatile Journey
Onwenu’s career began with a steady presence at right tackle during his rookie season, a role in which he quickly made a name for himself. However, his versatility truly came into the spotlight during his sophomore year when he split his duties between right and left tackle, showcasing a high level of adaptability that is often sought but rarely found in the league.
The year 2022 saw a strategic shift as the Patriots transitioned Onwenu predominantly to right guard, highlighting his multifaceted capabilities. Despite this mid-season move, he ended the year back at his initial right tackle spot, reaffirming his flexibility and competence across multiple positions.
Adjustments and Adaptability
During Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Onwenu was poised once again at right tackle, only to be repositioned to right guard during mandatory minicamp and the early practices of training camp. This fluid movement within the offensive line reflects an underlying strategy aimed at optimizing the team's performance by finding the best fit for every situation.
Calvin Anderson, meanwhile, took on the right tackle duties during a notable practice session, with Chukwuma Okorafor securing the left tackle position. Sidy Sow handled left guard responsibilities while David Andrews anchored the center position. Jacoby Brissett’s involvement in the session also added depth and a competitive edge to the practice.
Strategic Decisions
Onwenu himself addressed the team’s strategy of constant rotation and practice in various positions, emphasizing, “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.” This strategy aims to ensure readiness and adaptability across the line, preparing the team for any scenario that the season might present.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the importance of fielding the best combination of players. “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.”
Anchoring the Offensive Line
For Onwenu, his role is second nature, regardless of its specifics. “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 history of switching between roles makes him an invaluable asset to the Patriots’ offensive line.
Understanding the importance of these preseason adjustments, Onwenu added, “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’s journey from a sixth-round pick to a key player underlines a narrative of growth, adaptability, and resilience. With the Patriots continually fine-tuning their lineup, his role and versatility will undoubtedly continue to be pivotal in their quest for excellence on the field.