In March, the New England Patriots made a significant commitment to their offensive line by signing Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract. The sizeable investment highlights the team's confidence in Onwenu's versatility and performance, which has been evident since he entered the NFL.
Onwenu's journey with the Patriots began when he was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His initial role was at right tackle, where he not only held his own but also built a solid foundation during his rookie season. In his second year, Onwenu demonstrated his flexibility by splitting duties between right and left tackle, proving himself to be a valuable, adaptable asset on the field.
A Shift in Strategy
The 2022 season saw a strategic shift for Onwenu as the Patriots moved him to right guard for most of the season. By the end of the year, however, he found himself back at right tackle. This constant movement underscored not just his flexibility but also the team's ongoing search for the optimal configuration of their offensive line.
When asked about these changes during OTAs, Onwenu resumed his role at right tackle, only to shift again during mandatory minicamp to right guard—a position he held throughout the first practice of training camp. Calvin Anderson took over the right tackle position during a notable practice session, while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot. Sidy Sow played at left guard, and David Andrews was stationed at center. Even Jacoby Brissett took reps during this period, adding another layer to the team's preparation complexity.
Team Strategy and Versatility
Mike Onwenu spoke candidly about these adjustments, emphasizing the importance of flexibility within the team. “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 shared. His comments reflect a broader strategy that involves continuous adaptation and readiness to take on different roles as needed.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the team's commitment to putting the best players on the field regardless of their position. “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 stated.
Looking Forward
For Onwenu, the constant repositioning doesn't come as a surprise. “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 remarked. His experience across various positions on the line makes him a crucial figure in the Patriots' strategy as they navigate through training camp and prepare for the upcoming season.
The evaluation of the team's line configuration is an ongoing process, with heads looking towards how players can best complement each other in live play situations. “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.
The Patriots' investment in Mike Onwenu and their strategic maneuvering of the offensive line illustrate a commitment to versatility and excellence. As the team continues to adjust and refine their formation, Onwenu's adaptability and skill set make him an indispensable member of the roster, poised to contribute significantly in whatever role he may play.