In a strategic and potentially game-changing move, the New England Patriots have secured Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract as of March. Onwenu, initially selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has demonstrated remarkable versatility and resilience in his NFL career. His journey through various roles along the offensive line exemplifies his adaptability and value to the Patriots.
A Journey Across the Offensive Line
Mike Onwenu entered the NFL as a right tackle, solidifying his role in this position throughout his rookie season. However, his second year saw a shift in responsibilities, as he split duties between right and left tackle. Such movements are not uncommon in the NFL, but Onwenu's seamless adaptation to different roles speaks volumes of his skill set and training.
The 2022 season brought another shift for Onwenu, with the Patriots moving him to right guard for the majority of the year. Despite this change, he found himself back at right tackle by the season's end. This constant oscillation between positions might unsettle many players, but not Onwenu.
During the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Onwenu returned to his familiar role at right tackle. However, the dynamics shifted yet again during mandatory minicamp. The coaching staff placed him at right guard, a position he maintained throughout the first practice of training camp. This consistent repositioning underscores the Patriots' strategy of employing their most adaptable player where he is needed most.
Strategic Decisions and Training Camp Dynamics
Head Coach Jerod Mayo articulated the team's approach during training camp, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and the goal of fielding the best talent. “I've had this conversation with AVP [Alex Van Pelt]. I've also talked to Mike and the rest of those offensive linemen,” Mayo revealed. “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.”
Indeed, the Patriots' strategy during training camp became evident in one notable practice session. Calvin Anderson took over at right tackle, while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot. Sidy Sow stepped in at left guard, with David Andrews maintaining his position at center. Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett took reps during the practice session, hinting at a broader evaluation of the offensive line's cohesion and effectiveness.
Onwenu’s Perspective
Onwenu himself has taken this journey in stride, demonstrating both confidence and a team-first mentality. Reflecting on the constant positional changes, he remarked, “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.”
Despite the shifts, Onwenu remains unfazed and adaptable. “It was a little surprising. Pretty much as a football player, I've done it in the past,” he said, pointing to his history of playing multiple positions. “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.”
As the practices continue and the days progress, Onwenu and his teammates are setting the stage for a season where versatility and adaptability could become the Patriots' hallmark. “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,” Onwenu emphasized. “As the practices and the days go on, we'll see who fits where and how that fits with the best five.”
In a league where adaptability often translates to longevity, Mike Onwenu's journey through the Patriots' offensive line configurations stands as a testament to his skill and readiness to meet the team's needs. His new contract not only recognizes his past contributions but also sets the stage for continued versatility and impact in the seasons ahead.