Mike Onwenu's Journey with the New England Patriots
Mike Onwenu's Journey with the New England Patriots
In March, the New England Patriots made a strategic move by securing offensive lineman Mike Onwenu with a three-year, $57 million contract. This significant investment underscores the team's confidence in Onwenu, who has shown versatility and skill since being selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Onwenu entered the league as a right tackle and made an immediate impact, cementing his role during his rookie season. His adaptability and talent were on full display in his second year, as he skillfully managed duties between both right and left tackle positions. By 2022, the Patriots decided to optimize his skill set by moving him to right guard for most of the season, though he returned to right tackle by the year's end.
Shifting Roles During Training Camps
As the Patriots prepared for the upcoming season, Onwenu once again showcased his versatility during OTAs, resuming his role at right tackle. However, during mandatory minicamp, he was shifted back to right guard, holding this position throughout the first practice of training camp. This fluid approach to positioning highlights the Patriots' strategy of maximizing Onwenu's utility on the offensive line.
“It was essentially just practice in a few places,” Onwenu explained. “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.”
Building a Cohesive Offensive Line
The Patriots' focus on adaptability and excellence is shared by Head Coach Jerod Mayo, who has been clear about the team's commitment to fielding the best players in optimal positions. “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 shared.
This philosophy is evident during practice sessions where the lineup is expected to fluctuate. For instance, during a notable practice session, Calvin Anderson took up the right tackle position while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot. Additionally, Sidy Sow was positioned at left guard, with David Andrews at center.
Onwenu's Reaction to Position Changes
Onwenu’s reaction to his shifting roles demonstrates his professional adaptability and team-first mentality. “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 reflected.
This willingness to adapt is crucial as the Patriots continue their training camp. “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 stated.
A Promising Future
As the Patriots gear up for the forthcoming season, the strategic deployment and training of players like Mike Onwenu will be pivotal. His journey from a late-round draft pick to a key player on the Patriots' offensive line is a testament to his hard work and the coaching staff's strategic vision. With veteran voices and emerging talents working in synergy, the Patriots' offensive line aims to be a formidable force in the NFL. The ongoing developments in training camp will be closely watched as the team moves towards establishing a lineup that can deliver optimal performance on game day.
