Patriots OL Michael Onwenu settles big question about his role in 2024
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – During the 2023 season, Mike Onwenu became one of the most important pieces on the New England Patriots roster despite all the struggles the offense had. And it was because of his versatility along the offensive line. In 2024, that ability to play multiple positions will be helpful again. After the Patriots […]
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – During the 2023 season, Mike Onwenu became one of the most important pieces on the New England Patriots roster despite all the struggles the offense had.
And it was because of his versatility along the offensive line. In 2024, that ability to play multiple positions will be helpful again.
After the Patriots lost Trent Brown in free agency, it seemed like a done deal that Onwenu would be a starting tackle in Jerod Mayo's first season as the head coach. But they decided to go in a different direction.
Onwenu spoke exclusively with A to Z Sports after the Patriots' second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Asked if the plan was for him to play at guard going into the season, he was direct.
"Yeah, as far as I know, that's where I'll be," Onwenu replied.
Internally, there has been no talk about moving him back to tackle. Instead, they will either stick with Vederian Lowe or look towards rookie Caedan Wallace.
The Patriots brought in Chukwuma Okorafor, who has been playing mainly on the right side. So with that, they moved Onwenu back to right guard.
New lineup
On the left side, Sidy Sow is expected to start at guard, and Vederian Lowe at tackle. But Lowe's performance so far has not instilled faith that he can handle some of the top defensive lines in the NFL.
That brought into question whether they would move Onwenu back to tackle.
But based on what the offensive lineman said, he's staying put for now.
Track record
Onwenu was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and played his rookie season as a tackle. He moved inside to guard in 2021 and 2022. During the 2023 season, the coaching staff moved him back to tackle midseason, and his performance was good enough for the lineman to keep the starting job.
Concerns
The offensive line has been the biggest problem on Patriots offense at the moment. The starting five isn't perfect, and it's still a considerable difference when they are on the field versus when the second and third lines come out. While it applies for most NFL teams, it's a particularly stressing issue in New England, especially because the team used the third overall pick on quarterback Drake Maye, and his protection is paramount to the future of the franchise.
Clearly, something has changed for the coaching staff. Back in March, right after Onwenu signed his new deal, it was reported that the expectation was for him to start at right tackle.
Right now, he's staying at guard -with the caveat that, if the Patriots do need him to move over to tackle, he expects to get it done once again.
"As long as I get some practice, I should be ready to go," Onwenu added.
