Onwenu's Versatile Journey with the Patriots
In March, the New England Patriots made a significant move by securing Mike Onwenu with a three-year, $57 million contract, cementing their confidence in the versatile lineman. Onwenu, who entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in the 2020 Draft, has demonstrated his capacity to adapt across multiple positions on the offensive line.
Initially brought into the league as a right tackle, Onwenu spent his rookie season solidifying this role. However, in his second year, he started to showcase his flexibility, splitting duties between the right and left tackle positions. By 2022, the Patriots opted to move Onwenu to right guard for the majority of the season, further highlighting his utility.
As the 2022 season concluded, Onwenu found himself back at right tackle, only to return to right guard during mandatory minicamp sessions. This adaptability has not gone unnoticed among the Patriots' coaching staff. Calvin Anderson was seen occupying the right tackle position during a notable practice session, while Chukwuma Okorafor and David Andrews anchored the left tackle and center spots, respectively. Sidy Sow held down the left guard position. This dynamic arrangement illustrates the coaching staff’s strategy of positioning the best players across the line.
During training camp, Head Coach Jerod Mayo shared his perspective on the team's strategy: “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.”
This philosophy underscores the importance of versatility and performance. With the Patriots' offensive line undergoing frequent rotations during practice sessions, players like Onwenu must be prepared for any role they’re assigned.
“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,” said Onwenu. His words reflect the fluid nature of the team’s training regimen, where adaptability is key.
Onwenu himself acknowledges the unconventional nature of his journey, stating, “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 experience across various positions has undoubtedly contributed to his value on the team.
The preseason camps, including organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp, have set the stage for live football, where real-time performance will be crucial in determining the final lineup. Onwenu emphasized the significance of these practices: “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.”
As the Patriots’ training camp progresses, the spotlight remains on which combination of players will form the optimal offensive line. With Onwenu’s proven flexibility and the coaching staff’s commitment to fielding the best lineup, the upcoming season looks promising for the Patriots' front line.