Mike Onwenu’s Role Evolves as Patriots Focus on Versatility
In March, the New England Patriots made a decisive move to secure their offensive line by signing Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract. This comes after a series of dynamic shifts for Onwenu, who has showcased his adaptability since being selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The 2020 NFL season saw Onwenu step into the professional arena as a right tackle, where he quickly solidified his role. His impressive performance in his rookie year laid a foundation for the fluidity that would characterize his career. Moving into his second year, Onwenu demonstrated his versatility by splitting his duties between right and left tackle, exhibiting a robust flexibility pivotal for any NFL offensive lineman.
The Patriots further tested Onwenu’s adaptability in the 2022 season by repositioning him to right guard for the majority of the year. However, he eventually returned to the right tackle position by the season's end, underscoring the perpetual musical chairs that is the Patriots’ offensive line.
During the organized team activities (OTAs), Onwenu resumed his role at right tackle. Come mandatory minicamp, the narrative shifted once more, with Onwenu moving to right guard, where he remained throughout the initial practice sessions of training camp. This consistent repositioning speaks not only to Onwenu's skill but also to the Patriots’ strategic emphasis on leveraging player versatility.
In a notable practice session, Calvin Anderson was seen holding down the right tackle position, while Chukwuma Okorafor took charge of the left tackle spot. Sidy Sow played at left guard and David Andrews served as the anchor at center, creating a dynamic and forward-thinking offensive line unit. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett also took significant reps during the session, further highlighting the Patriots' comprehensive preparation strategies.
Onwenu’s take on these shifts reflects a seasoned professional’s outlook: “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.” This versatility mantra is not just a cliché; it aligns with Head Coach Jerod Mayo’s overarching philosophy.
Coach Mayo articulated his strategy as well: “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.”
The reshuffling of the offensive line may initially come as a surprise to observers, but for Onwenu, it’s another day in the trenches. Reflecting on his past duties, 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 seasoned adaptability cements Onwenu as a linchpin within the Patriots’ evolving offensive framework.
His focus remains steadfast on ensuring the unit’s cohesiveness and readiness for the season. “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 remarked, underscoring the critical nature of these early training sessions.
This constant fluidity within the Patriots' offensive line may pose challenges, but it also signifies a robust adaptability—a quality that could very well carve the path to success in the forthcoming season. With experienced anchors like Onwenu and strategic leadership under Coach Mayo, the Patriots are positioned to field a dynamic and formidable offensive line, ready to adapt and excel in all scenarios.