In March, the New England Patriots made a significant move by securing offensive lineman Mike Onwenu with a three-year, $57 million contract, cementing their belief in his capabilities and versatility. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Onwenu has demonstrated his adaptability on the field, evolving through various roles along the offensive line.
Rookie Season and Development
Onwenu entered the NFL as a right tackle, where he spent his rookie season establishing his presence and proving his mettle. His performance laid the groundwork for his future versatility, evidenced by the shift in his roles over the succeeding seasons. In his sophomore year, Onwenu showcased his ability to perform under pressure, splitting duties between right and left tackle, further emphasizing his flexibility and team-centric mindset.
Position Shifts and Adaptability
The 2022 season saw another pivotal adjustment for Onwenu as the Patriots moved him primarily to the right guard position. His adaptation to this role throughout the majority of the season highlighted his comprehensive understanding of the game and his adherence to team needs. Towards the season’s end, Onwenu made another switch back to right tackle, illustrating his reliability and the coaching staff’s trust in his capabilities.
During the OTA sessions, Onwenu resumed his right tackle responsibilities, continuing to exhibit his readiness and adaptability. However, the dynamic nature of the Patriots' strategy became evident during mandatory minicamp when Onwenu transitioned yet again to right guard, a role he maintained during the initial practices of training camp. This frequent repositioning underscores the strategic flexibility that Onwenu brings to the Patriots' offensive line.
Building the Best Offensive Line
Patriots' head coach Jerod Mayo encapsulated the strategy succinctly, saying, “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 forward-thinking and performance-centric approach was also echoed by Onwenu when he remarked, “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.”
A Versatile Lineman in Action
During a notable practice session, the team’s configuration saw Calvin Anderson anchoring the right tackle position, with Chukwuma Okorafor stationed at left tackle. Meanwhile, Sidy Sow operated at left guard, and David Andrews took his place at center. Such configurations are indicative of the Patriots’ approach to developing a robust and responsive offensive line, continually optimizing player positions based on performance and strategic need.
Reflecting on his journey and the adaptability he brings to the table, Onwenu stated, “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.” This statement underscores his comprehensive skill set and his intrinsic value to the team, capable of adjusting as required by the coaching staff.
Looking Ahead to Live Football
As the Patriots progress into live football situations, the clarity and solidity of their offensive line will further unfold. Onwenu emphasized the importance of these later practices, saying, “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.”
Through Onwenu's journey, the New England Patriots continue to sculpt an offensive line that emphasizes flexibility, performance, and strategic alignment. With players like Onwenu, who bring a wealth of positional knowledge and adaptability, the team is poised to navigate the challenges of an NFL season with a robust and dynamic approach to offensive line configuration.