In March, the New England Patriots took a significant step to fortify their offensive line by securing Mike Onwenu to a lucrative three-year, $57 million contract. Originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Onwenu's journey in the NFL has been marked by versatility and adaptability, traits highly valued by both coaches and teammates.
A Journey Through the Positions
Onwenu first entered the league slated as a right tackle, a position where he spent most of his rookie season establishing himself. However, his second year in the NFL saw a broader scope of responsibilities, as he split duties between right and left tackle. The Patriots' coaching staff recognized his flexibility, leading to a pivotal decision in 2022 to move Onwenu predominantly to right guard for the majority of the season.
The coaching staff's strategy with Onwenu was a calculated one. By the end of the 2022 season, he was back playing at right tackle, a testament to his adaptability. This adaptability was again on display during Organized Team Activities (OTAs), where he resumed his role at right tackle. Nevertheless, when mandatory minicamp rolled around, Onwenu was shifted back to right guard and held this position throughout the first practice of training camp.
Building the Best Offensive Line
Head Coach Jerod Mayo emphasized the importance of flexibility and fielding the best combination of players on the offensive line. "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.
During these practice sessions, various players filled key roles. Calvin Anderson took over the right tackle position in one notable practice, while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot. Sidy Sow held down left guard, with David Andrews commanding the center position. Even backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett was seen taking reps, further indicating the competitive environment within the team.
Embracing Change and Team Dynamics
For Onwenu, moving between positions on the offensive line is not just a challenge, but a facet of his game he embraces. "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 elaborated.
Such flexibility has defined Onwenu's career. Reflecting on his transition between roles, he shared, “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.” For Onwenu, this adaptability isn't just about personal growth; it's about ensuring that the best possible lineup takes the field for every game.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, the Patriots will continue to evaluate their options, aiming to solidify their offensive line as they prepare for the upcoming season. The strategic shuffling during OTAs and minicamp is not just about filling spots; it's about identifying who fits best where and how that alignment can benefit the team most effectively. "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 observed.
With a substantial contract underscoring his value to the team and a demonstrated ability to handle multiple positions, Mike Onwenu stands as a critical asset in the Patriots' pursuit of excellence. His journey serves as a microcosm of the team's broader philosophy: adaptable, resilient, and committed to putting the best possible lineup on the field each week.