In March, the New England Patriots made a significant move by securing offensive lineman Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract. The Patriots' confidence in Onwenu is evident from this substantial commitment, reflecting their belief in his versatility and pivotal role in the team's future.
A Journey Through Positions
Mike Onwenu's journey in the NFL has been marked by adaptability and resilience. Selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Onwenu initially entered the league as a right tackle. His rookie season was spent cementing his role at the position, earning praise for his reliability and skill.
In his sophomore year, Onwenu's duties expanded, and he was seen splitting his time between right and left tackle. This flexibility showcased his value to the team, allowing the Patriots to address various positional needs throughout the season.
The 2022 season brought another shift, with the Patriots moving Onwenu to right guard for the majority of the season. However, by year's end, he had once again found himself playing at right tackle, demonstrating his ability to adapt and perform wherever he was needed.
Settling In During Practice
During offseason training activities (OTAs), Onwenu resumed his familiar role at right tackle. This consistency suggested the Patriots were preparing him for a permanent position for the upcoming season. Yet, the mandatory minicamp introduced another change—Onwenu shifted back to right guard and maintained this position throughout the first practice of training camp.
The practice session saw Calvin Anderson taking on the right tackle responsibilities, while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot. Sidy Sow played at left guard, with David Andrews positioned at center. This configuration highlighted the Patriots' strategy of finding the optimal combination of players to form the most effective offensive line.
Leadership's Take
Head Coach Jerod Mayo provided insight into the team's approach during these intensive practice sessions. “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 said.
Mike Onwenu echoed this flexible mindset, highlighting the importance of practice and readiness to adapt. “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.
Routine Adjustments
The frequent adjustments did not deter Onwenu, who expressed a seasoned understanding of his role within the team. “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.
With training camps intensifying, Onwenu stressed the importance of these early evaluations. “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 stated.
As the preseason progresses, the New England Patriots continue to evaluate and refine their offensive line, with Mike Onwenu's versatility playing a critical role. His ability to switch seamlessly between positions offers the team invaluable flexibility and solidifies his status as a cornerstone for the franchise’s offensive strategies. The ultimate goal remains clear: putting the best players on the field to ensure a competitive edge heading into the regular season.