13 players Bill Belichick, New England Patriots need to make leaps in 2022
No.11: Can Michael Onwenu help stabilize the New England Patriots offense line?
The New England Patriots created their own need for help along the offensive line by trading Shaq Mason to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the 2022 NFL Draft. They also allowed Ted Karras to walk in free agency.
But perhaps the Mason move was less about creating cap space and more about what the team has and expect from tackle/guard Michael Onwenu.
Coming off another solid season, the former sixth-round draft pick is really the glue that will hold the offensive line together. They did draft Cole Strange with the No. 29 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but the Patriots will rely on Onwenu as a run blocker and a pass protector at either tackle position.
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Labeled as one of the team’s most underrated players, PFF highlights just how effective Onwenu has been at both positions during his first two seasons in the NFL:
"“Onwenu seems to be underrated even by the Patriots, who couldn’t find a starting spot for him last season despite his excellent play across multiple positions since being drafted. Onwenu has played left guard and right tackle well for the Patriots and has back-to-back seasons with a PFF grade of at least 84.3. His run blocking is outstanding, while his pass protection is more than adequate. He has already vastly exceeded expectations as a sixth-round pick and could develop into an elite offensive lineman.”"
With the moves the Patriots have made along the offensive line this offseason, it appears the team is not underrating the value of Michael Onwenu going into the 2022 NFL season. It seems they are banking on it.