Mike Onwenu's versatility on the offensive line has consistently proven to be a valuable asset for the New England Patriots. The franchise recently underscored his importance by securing his services through a three-year, $57 million contract signed in March. This substantial deal reflects the confidence the Patriots have in Onwenu's ability to adapt and excel in multiple positions within the offensive line.
Onwenu's NFL journey began in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Initially stepping into the league as a right tackle, he quickly displayed his potential during his rookie season. The promising young player cemented his role at right tackle, demonstrating his strength and technique against some of the league's top defenders.
In his second year, Onwenu's flexibility became more evident as he split his duties between right and left tackle. This adaptability ensured that the Patriots could rely on him to fill gaps wherever necessary, contributing to a more stable offensive line overall. By 2022, another shift saw Onwenu primarily stationed at right guard, showcasing his ability to transition seamlessly across the line.
The 2022 season concluded with Onwenu returning to right tackle, a position he resumed during the Organized Team Activities (OTAs). However, the constant shifts did not end there. During mandatory minicamp, Onwenu was once again placed at right guard, maintaining this position throughout the first practice of training camp.
In one notable practice session, Calvin Anderson took over the right tackle position while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot. Sidy Sow filled the role at left guard, with David Andrews positioned at center. This arrangement emphasizes the ongoing efforts by Patriots' coaching staff to determine the optimal lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo emphasized the importance of fielding the best combination of players, regardless of their traditional roles. "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.
Onwenu echoed this sentiment, highlighting the fluid nature of player assignments during training. “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,” he stated.
Reflecting on his own experience, Onwenu mentioned the initial surprise of shifting positions but remained confident in his adaptability. “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 said.
Despite the constant changes, Onwenu remains focused on the bigger picture. “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,” he remarked.
The Patriots' strategy of mixing and matching their offensive linemen during practice sessions is a testament to their commitment to excellence. Each player's ability to adapt to different roles not only enhances their personal skill set but also fortifies the team's overall performance. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively the Patriots can harness this versatility to protect their quarterbacks and pave the way for their running backs.