Mike Onwenu’s Journey Through Versatility and Adaptability
The New England Patriots have secured a crucial piece of their offensive line by inking Mike Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract in March. Entering the league as a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Onwenu has demonstrated remarkable versatility and adaptability, contributing significantly to his team’s dynamic offensive unit.
Onwenu initially made his mark as a right tackle during his rookie season, quickly solidifying his role on the offensive line. His second year saw him splitting duties between the right and left tackle positions, showcasing his capability to adapt to different roles as needed.
The 2022 season brought further changes for Onwenu, with the Patriots choosing to move him primarily to right guard. By the end of the season, however, he found himself back at right tackle, proving once again his ability to handle multiple positions along the offensive line. The offseason provided yet another shift, as Onwenu resumed his right tackle role during OTAs, only to switch back to right guard during mandatory minicamp, maintaining this position through the first practice of training camp.
His adaptability was put to the test again as he shared the practice field with Calvin Anderson and Chukwuma Okorafor, who took on the right and left tackle positions, respectively, while Sidy Sow occupied the left guard spot and David Andrews anchored the center. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett also took reps, underscoring the importance of fluidity and teamwork in practice sessions.
“It was essentially just practice in a few places,” Onwenu remarked, shedding light on the continuous adjustments and rotations within the offensive line. “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.”
Head Coach Jerod Mayo echoed Onwenu's sentiments, highlighting the coaching staff’s commitment to assembling the best possible lineup. “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.”
Onwenu’s ability to transition between roles is something he has grown accustomed to throughout his career. “It was a little surprising,” he admitted, reflecting on his various assignments. “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.”
There's an emphasis on finding the right fit as the team progresses through the preseason. “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 conveyed, underlining the continuous evaluation and development process.
Mike Onwenu’s journey from a sixth-round pick to securing a lucrative contract reflects his dedication, skill, and willingness to evolve. As the Patriots continue to fine-tune their roster, Onwenu’s versatility and resilience will undoubtedly be pivotal in achieving their offensive objectives and overall team success.