In March, the New England Patriots made a strategic move by securing offensive lineman Mike Onwenu to a lucrative three-year, $57 million contract. This decision underscores Onwenu's growing influence and versatility on the team's offensive line, a characteristic that has become increasingly evident since he was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
A Journey of Versatility
Mike Onwenu's journey in the NFL has been marked by his adaptability and willingness to embrace various roles. Initially stepping into the league as a right tackle, Onwenu spent his rookie season solidifying his place in that position. His prowess and work ethic did not go unnoticed, setting a firm foundation for his professional career.
In his sophomore season, Onwenu showcased his flexibility by splitting his duties between right and left tackle positions. The following year in 2022, the Patriots shifted him to right guard for the majority of the season, further highlighting his utility across the offensive line. By the end of the season, he had returned to his initial position at right tackle, proving his versatility yet again.
Adapting to Changes
During the offseason training activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp, Onwenu continued to demonstrate his adaptable skill set. Initially resuming his role at right tackle during the OTAs, he then shifted to right guard throughout the first practice of training camp. This constant shuffling not only underscores the Patriots' strategy to maximize Onwenu's talents but also their objective to find the optimal configuration for their offensive line.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo emphasized the importance of flexibility and finding the best mix of players for the 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.
Practice and Positioning
Onwenu's attitude towards these positional changes has been notably positive and professional. Discussing his experiences, Onwenu said, “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.” His pragmatic approach reflects a deeper understanding of the team's broader objectives and his role within it.
During a notable practice session, the Patriots continued their evaluations with Calvin Anderson occupying the right tackle position, Chukwuma Okorafor anchoring the left tackle spot, Sidy Sow playing at left guard, and David Andrews at center. These trials are part of the team’s rigorous process to establish the most effective lineup for the upcoming season.
Looking Forward
Onwenu acknowledged the element of surprise in his transitions while expressing his readiness for any role. “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 remarks highlight his extensive experience and adaptability across various positions on the offensive line.
As the preseason progresses and the team gears up for another competitive season, Onwenu’s importance becomes increasingly apparent. “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, emphasizing the importance of these early practice sessions in determining the final lineup.
The evolution of Mike Onwenu’s role within the New England Patriots serves as a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and the strategic foresight of the coaching staff. As the Patriots continue their preparations, Onwenu stands out as a key player whose versatility will be crucial in the quest for success in the fast-approaching NFL season.