New England Patriots Secure Mike Onwenu with Multi-Year Contract
March brought a significant development for the New England Patriots as they locked in Mike Onwenu with a three-year, $57 million contract. This move underscores the team's confidence in Onwenu, who has demonstrated versatility and resilience since he was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Rookie Season and Initial Positioning
Onwenu initially made his mark in the NFL as a right tackle. His rookie season was a testament to his abilities, as he quickly cemented his role at this position. "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 reflected on his early days.
Adapting to Different Roles
By his second year, Onwenu's flexibility became apparent as he split duties between right and left tackle. This adaptability proved valuable for the Patriots, allowing them to test different line configurations and maximize Onwenu's potential across the offensive front.
In 2022, the Patriots further demonstrated their strategic use of Onwenu by moving him to right guard for the majority of the season. However, as the season concluded, he found himself back at right tackle. This shuffling continued into the offseason, with Onwenu practicing at right tackle during OTAs before shifting back to right guard during mandatory minicamp and the first practice of training camp.
Training Camp Dynamics
During a notable practice session, the Patriots employed a varied lineup: Calvin Anderson filled the right tackle position, Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot, Sidy Sow played at left guard, and David Andrews held steady at center. This session also saw quarterback Jacoby Brissett taking reps, indicating the evaluative and flexible nature of the Patriots' training strategy.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo emphasized this approach: "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 statement encapsulates the coaching staff’s commitment to optimizing player positions to enhance the team's overall performance.
Onwenu himself reflected on his varied roles: "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 experience and willingness to adapt are crucial to the Patriots' offensive line strategy.
Looking Forward
As the team progresses through training camp, the focus remains on placing the best players in the most effective positions. As Onwenu noted, "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."
The coming season will reveal how these tactical decisions and Onwenu's versatility contribute to the Patriots' pursuit of success. For now, securing a reliable and adaptable lineman like Onwenu marks a decisive step in strengthening the team's competitive edge.