In March, the New England Patriots made a significant commitment to their offensive line by signing Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract. This deal underscores the importance the Patriots place on Onwenu, who has proven his versatility across multiple positions since being drafted.
Mike Onwenu's Journey
Mike Onwenu was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Starting his career as a right tackle, Onwenu quickly established himself as a reliable player. During his rookie season, he cemented his role at right tackle, showcasing his skills and potential. In his second year, Onwenu demonstrated his adaptability by splitting duties between right and left tackle, which further highlighted his value to the team.
The 2022 season saw another strategic shift for Onwenu. The Patriots moved him to right guard for the majority of the season, further leveraging his flexibility. "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 commented on the constant position changes.
Role Changes and Team Dynamics
By the end of 2022, Onwenu found himself back at right tackle. His ability to adapt didn't end there. During OTAs, he resumed his role at right tackle, but the dynamic nature of the Patriots' strategy saw him shift to right guard again during mandatory minicamp, a position he maintained throughout the first practice of training camp. This fluid approach to positioning is a testament to Onwenu’s versatility.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo has emphasized the necessity of flexibility and adaptability among the offensive linemen. “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 explained.
The Patriots' strategic decisions during practice sessions reflect this mindset. Calvin Anderson occupied the right tackle position during a notable practice session while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot. Sidy Sow took on the role at left guard, with David Andrews at center, creating a solid front line for the team. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett was also involved, taking reps during these critical practice sessions.
Onwenu's Perspective and Team Goals
Onwenu himself has adapted well to these changes. “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,” he remarked, reflecting on his career and the various roles he has undertaken.
Looking ahead, Onwenu recognizes the importance of these early training sessions and their impact on the team's performance. “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,” he noted, emphasizing the significance of these formative periods.
Conclusion
Mike Onwenu's journey with the New England Patriots highlights a broader narrative of adaptability and strategic role assignment within NFL teams. His ability to switch between positions and still perform at a high level is a valuable asset to the Patriots' offensive line. With the continued guidance of Head Coach Jerod Mayo and the collaborative efforts of his teammates, Onwenu's role will undoubtedly be a pivotal element in the Patriots’ quest for success in the upcoming season.