The New England Patriots have made a significant move by locking in Mike Onwenu with a three-year, $57 million contract in March, underscoring their confidence in his versatility and talent across the offensive line. Initially selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Onwenu’s journey in the NFL has been marked by adaptability and development.
Onwenu’s Versatile Track Record
Onwenu entered the league as a right tackle, where he spent his rookie season solidifying his position. Displaying remarkable flexibility, he split his time between right and left tackle in his second year, demonstrating his ability to handle multiple roles on the offensive line effortlessly. His adaptability did not go unnoticed; in 2022, Onwenu primarily took on the role of right guard but returned to right tackle by the end of the season, showcasing his ability to pivot based on team needs.
This versatility continued into recent trainings. During OTAs, Onwenu resumed his duties at right tackle. However, he shifted to right guard during mandatory minicamp, maintaining this position throughout the initial practices of training camp. Calvin Anderson and Chukwuma Okorafor were seen occupying the right and left tackle spots, respectively, during notable practice sessions, with Sidy Sow at left guard and David Andrews anchoring the center.
Commitment to the Best Five
Onwenu’s flexibility and dedication are highly valued by the Patriots’ coaching staff. He candidly spoke about the dynamic nature of his role: “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.”
Head Coach Jerod Mayo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing 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.”
Adapting to Changing Roles
Onwenu himself admits to the surprising yet familiar nature of switching positions: “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.” This adaptability, which he has showcased since his early days in the league, continues to be an asset for the Patriots.
As the team transitions from the spring sessions to more intensive live football practices, the stakes grow higher in defining the most effective lineup. Onwenu acknowledges the process ahead: “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.”
With a lucrative contract and a proven track record, Mike Onwenu stands as a testament to the Patriots’ strategic vision and commitment to versatility. His journey from a sixth-round pick to a cornerstone of New England’s offensive line is a narrative of resilience and indispensable adaptability, attributes that will undoubtedly be pivotal in the upcoming season.