In a strategic move this March, the New England Patriots secured versatile offensive lineman Mike Onwenu with a three-year, $57 million contract. Onwenu, initially selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has become a pivotal figure in the Patriots' offensive lineup, demonstrating his adaptability and skill across various positions on the line.
A Journey Through Versatility
Mike Onwenu entered the NFL spotlight as a right tackle, quickly establishing his presence on the field during his rookie season. His impressive performance in this role laid a solid foundation for his professional career. However, Onwenu's versatility soon became apparent as he took on split duties between right and left tackle in his second season, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in different roles.
In 2022, the Patriots made a strategic decision, moving Onwenu to right guard for the majority of the season. This shift didn't hinder his performance; instead, it highlighted his flexibility and skill, qualities highly valued by the coaching staff. By season's end, Onwenu found himself back at right tackle, further emphasizing his role as a versatile asset to the team.
Navigating Position Changes
During Offseason Training Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp, Onwenu continued to demonstrate his adaptability. Initially resuming his role at right tackle, he later shifted to right guard and maintained this position throughout the first practice of training camp. This movement underscores the Patriots' strategy of optimizing their lineup based on the players' strengths and situational demands.
Reflecting on these changes, Onwenu shared his perspective: “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.”
Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics
Head Coach Jerod Mayo's approach to building a formidable offensive line aligns with Onwenu's experiences. Mayo has emphasized the importance of putting the best five players on the field, regardless of their specific 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 explained.
This philosophy is echoed in the team's practice sessions, where different alignments and positions are tested. Notably, during a key practice session, Calvin Anderson held down the right tackle position while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle spot. Sidy Sow played at left guard, with David Andrews at center, and Jacoby Brissett taking reps during the drills. Such configurations aim to identify the optimal lineup that balances skill, chemistry, and adaptability.
Looking Ahead
As training camp progresses and the Patriots inch closer to the upcoming season, the focus remains on refining the offensive line. Onwenu's ability to transition between guard and tackle positions is invaluable, providing flexibility and depth to the Patriots' strategies. “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,” Onwenu commented on his varied roles.
Ensuring the best alignment and performance of the offensive line is crucial for the Patriots. As Onwenu pointed out, “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.”
With Onwenu's flexibility and the coaching staff's strategic vision, the Patriots are poised to optimize their offensive line, enhancing their overall team performance for the upcoming season. The focus on adaptability and excellence continues to drive the team's preparations, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.