Mike Onwenu Provides Final Word on Potential Position Change
By Jovan Alford
Heading into free agency, one of the New England Patriots’ main priorities was re-signing offensive tackle Mike Onwenu.
Onwenu was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has become one of the better offensive linemen in the NFL. Throughout Onwenu’s professional career, the 26-year-old has played right tackle, left tackle, and right guard.
When you have an offensive lineman who can play multiple positions very well, it’s almost a must to re-sign him, which the Pats did. New England signed the former Michigan offensive lineman to a three-year, $57 million contract.
Onwenu spoke with the media on Thursday as the Patriots are going through their offseason workout program and discussed his plans on the offensive line.
Patriots News: Mike Onwenu to Stay at Right Tackle for 2024 Season
The former sixth-round pick said he’s planning on staying at right tackle this season, per Doug Kyed. According to Kyed, Onwenu said he doesn’t believe he could move to left tackle this year. But with training, it could potentially happen.
Patriots OL Mike Onwenu is planning to stay at right tackle this season.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) May 2, 2024
Doesn't believe he could move to left tackle this year, but with training, potentially eventually.
With Onwenu locked in on the right side, the Patriots’ projected offensive goes as follows – Sidy Sow at right guard, David Andrews at center, Cole Strange at left guard, and Caedan Wallace at left tackle (drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft).
The Pats hope for a better performance from their offensive line as they were ranked 32nd in the NFL in pass block win rate (43%). They cannot afford a repeat of that in 2024, as they will likely have a rookie quarterback (Drake Maye) under center at some point in the season.
As for Onwenu, he made 15 starts last season for the Pats and was only penalized four times (three penalties for false starts). The veteran offensive lineman posted a 54 PFF grade at right guard but was much better at right tackle (78.6).
The Patriots didn’t make many moves this offseason, so they hope for Onwenu and others to have a much better 2024 season.
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