In March, the New England Patriots made a significant move by securing offensive lineman Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract. This financial commitment underscores the value the team places on Onwenu, who was a sixth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Despite being drafted in the later rounds, Onwenu has demonstrated versatility and resilience, carving out a critical role on the Patriots' offense.
Onwenu entered the NFL as a right tackle, a position where he spent his rookie season establishing himself. His adaptability became evident in his second year as he split time between right and left tackle, showcasing his ability to maneuver across different spots on the offensive line. In 2022, the Patriots opted to move him primarily to right guard, although he still found himself at right tackle by the end of the season.
The off-season practices have continued to highlight Onwenu's adaptability. During OTAs, he returned to right tackle but shifted back to right guard during mandatory minicamp, a role he maintained throughout the first practice of training camp. This constant switching highlights coach Jerod Mayo's strategy of ensuring the best five players are on the field. Mayo has been clear about his position on this rotational policy, stating, "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."
During a notable practice session, Calvin Anderson took over the right tackle position, while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot. Additionally, Sidy Sow played at left guard, David Andrews was positioned at center, and quarterback Jacoby Brissett took reps during the session. This dynamic practice setting underscores the Patriots' approach to keeping their offensive line fluid and flexible.
Onwenu has embraced his role, reflecting on his experiences and the constant changes. "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," he explained. This inherent flexibility is something Onwenu seems to handle with equilibrium and professionalism.
The off-season has been a period of understanding and gaining a sense of which players fit best in which positions. "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," added Onwenu. This statement not only highlights the importance of adaptability but also the significance of practices in determining the most effective lineup.
Onwenu’s journey and adaptability reflect a broader philosophy within the Patriots organization—a belief in versatility and the willingness to place the best talents in the spots where they can make the most impact. It’s a strategy that requires every player to be ready to switch positions at a moment's notice, contributing to a cohesive and dynamic team.
The Patriots’ approach, which involves constantly evaluating players in different positions, not only ensures the best five are on the field but also prepares the team to deal with any unforeseen changes such as injuries or tactical adjustments during the season. This kind of flexibility and preparedness is a hallmark of successful NFL teams.
Looking ahead, it's evident that the Patriots will continue to evaluate their offensive line as the season progresses. Mike Onwenu's ability to adapt will remain a valuable asset to the team’s success. With the regular season fast approaching, keeping an eye on how this fluid approach to the offensive line will unfold is imperative for fans and analysts alike.