New England Patriots: 3 major reasons why shocking Trent Brown trade is home run
Third, the New England Patriots can move outstanding rookie Michael Onwenu inside to replace Joe Thuney
The New England Patriots best draft pick, bar none, in 2020 was the outstanding surprise talent, Michael Onwenu.
Onwenu started all 16 games, most at right tackle, and excelled. He was not only New England’s best rookie but one of the best in the NFL, and he was a sixth-round pick to boot.
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A previously article half-facetiously suggested that New England trade all their high draft picks for proven players, but make sure they receive sixth and seventh-rounders in the deals since they seem to be much more proficient at drafting in those lower rounds.
Again, it was only half-joking. Onwenu is a case in point. He also is a massive man listed at 6’3″ and 350 pounds. Onwenu has been a guard mostly in college but stepped in for Cannon who opted out of last season and was terrific.
Yet, with Thuney seemingly on the way out (and possibly bringing another third-round compensatory pick in the 2022 draft in the process), Onwenu could step right into the left guard position.
Imagine the left side of the offensive line the Patriots could field with an average weight somewhere in the vicinity of about 370 pounds or so. That’s a terrific wall to allow a top-flight quarterback they might trade for (less likely), or the top rookie quarterback they might roll the dice on and draft (somewhat more likely), or, the worst option, the older veteran quarterback they trade for or sign (probably most likely, but hope not) to have time to throw.
In addition, as noted, Wynn has the versatility to play almost anywhere on the offensive line and can move into the Cannon/Onwenu right tackle position with ease. Should the Patriots re-sign Andrews (strongly recommended), the offensive line could look like this in 2021: OLT, Trent Brown; OLG, Michael Onwenu; C, David Andrews; ORG, Shaq Mason; and ORT, Isaiah Wynn.
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That line would stack up against any in the NFL and maybe be the best, assuming all are healthy and on the field. Truly outstanding, even without Thuney. That about says it all as to why the addition of Brown is so important and valuable to the New England Patriots. It’s a nice move, indeed.