Patriots Secure Mike Onwenu with $57 Million Deal
In a significant move this March, the New England Patriots locked in Mike Onwenu to a lucrative three-year contract valued at $57 million. Having been drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Onwenu's journey from a late-round pick to a cornerstone of the Patriots' offensive line has been nothing short of impressive.
Transitioning Roles Across Seasons
Onwenu’s versatility has become a hallmark of his career. Stepping into the league initially as a right tackle, he spent his rookie season solidifying his position. However, his adaptability was soon put to the test as the Patriots needed him to split duties between right and left tackle during his sophomore year.
By 2022, the team found an even more pivotal role for him. The Patriots shifted Onwenu to right guard for much of the season, but by its conclusion, he was back at right tackle, showcasing his capacity to seamlessly move across different positions on the offensive line.
During the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Onwenu resumed his role at right tackle. Coach Jerod Mayo highlighted the continuous evolution and experimentation within the team's practice sessions. “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,” Onwenu explained.
Adapting Strategies at Minicamp
The mandatory minicamp brought another twist in Onwenu’s role. He shifted to right guard and held this position throughout the first practices of the training camp. It was during these sessions that Calvin Anderson stepped into the right tackle spot while Chukwuma Okorafor anchored the left tackle position. Sidy Sow and David Andrews complemented the setup playing at left guard and center, respectively.
Head Coach Jerod Mayo weighed in on the strategic adjustments, emphasizing the fluid nature of the team's roster decisions. “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,” said Mayo.
For Onwenu, the shifting of positions was not entirely new. He remarked, “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.”
Strategic Flexibility for Success
The Patriots' approach towards maximizing their offensive line talent emphasizes flexibility and constant evaluation. “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, highlighting the ongoing process of fine-tuning the lineup.
Another notable figure in the training sessions was Jacoby Brissett, who took reps, adding another layer of strategic depth to the drills. With an array of talent being experimented with in different positions, the Patriots seem to be meticulously crafting a line-up that balances skill and adaptability.
Mike Onwenu’s journey with the Patriots underscores the importance of versatility in professional football. His transformation from a late-round draft pick to a multi-million-dollar lineman provides a blueprint for success through adaptability and resilience. As the training sessions progress and the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Onwenu and the rest of the offensive line gel together, aiming to bring stability and strength to the Patriots' formidable lineup.