For more than two decades, the New England Patriots have prioritized consistency, and even excellence, along both the offensive and defensive lines. The teams six Super Bowl Championships during head coach Bill Belichicks tenure are sufficient evidence of the teams prioritization Darron Lee Jersey of stout performance by their linemen. Michael Onwenu blocks Chargers defender Joey BosaMichael Onwenu prepares for the snapMichael Onwenu (71), Mac Jones (10) and Isaiah Wynn (76)Despite losing two of their top offensive lineman this offseason, the of its kind in the NFL this season. Michael Onwenu is one of the primary reasons for that. While the 24-year-old has received his share of accolades during his two-year tenure with the Pats, may consider his contributions to the team as underrated. In fact, . Per PFFs player evaluation: Onwenu was selected 182nd overall by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. During his time at the University of Michigan, he primarily lined up at right guard. Still, Onwenu's versatility became quite evident during training camp. As such, he made New Englands 53-man roster, sharing snaps at offensive tackle with veteran and then-Patriot Jermaine Eluemunor. By Week Five, Onwenu had earned his spot as New Englands starting right tackle.Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), Onwenu allowed a pre sure on just 2.9 percent of all pa s protection snaps. He ranked fifth out of all the leagues offensive tackles with a minimum 200 snaps in 2020. His 84.3 overall PFF grade was by far the best of any rookie offensive lineman.Although Onwenu was one of the Patriots most prolific offensive linemen in 2020, he found himself in line for yet another positional change in 2021. With Mitchell Schwartz Jersey the returning Trent Brown expected to take on the duties at right tackle, Onwenu appeared to be the choice to fill the void at left guard. The interior role had recently been vacated by former all-pro guard Joe Thuney, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2021 offseason. Scroll to ContinueThe switch proved to be le s-than-comfortable for Onwenu, who was eventually replaced in the starting lineup by reserve lineman Ted Karras. As a result, he saw his time on the line reduced from taking 92 percent of the Patriots offensive snaps in 2020, to 62 percent in 2021. He also spent a great deal of the season aligning as a jumbo Travis Kelce Jersey tight end. When called upon to line up outside the tackle, Onwenu proved to be a surprisingly versatile player. Though making the move to a blocking tight end was a big challenge, he was able to use the opportunity to deepen his on-field savvy by working with multiple coaches on the Patriots staff. Though Onwenus output may have been reduced a bit in 2021, he is still a key member of the Patriots offense. At nearly 6-3, 350, he is a ma sive lineman with excellent length. At his best, the Sammy Watkins Jersey Pats lineman has shown a consistent and impre sive ability to overwhelm defenders in the run game, while anchoring well to protecting the pa ser. It is a rare occasion on which he is easily bypa sed on a pa s block. , as well as the trade of guard Shaq Mason, the Michigan product is now highly expected to return to his natural spot on the offensive line in the upcoming season. Initially, he was thought to be the primary choice to replace Karras at left guard. However, having played right guard at the University of Michigan, he will likely slot into that position for 2022 especially after . Trent BrownTed KarrasShaq MasonTherefore, and deservedly so, Onwenu is expected to join fellow linemen Isaiah Wynn (left tackle), David Andrews (center), Trent Brown (right tackle) and Strange (left guard) on the starting unit. Still, it would not be a surprise to occasionally hear No. 71 is eligible via public addre s in a handful of games on New Englands 2022 season slate, due to his previous succe s as a blocker and a tight end. Whether he is underrated is not Onwenus primary, or even secondary, concern. He remains very Patriot-esque in his approach to the upcoming season; focused on the task at hand: I just approach the offseason doing the basics, the general rules that will Reggie Ragland Jersey lead you and carry you along during the season, Onwenu told reporters during training camp in 2021. Whatever, position-wise, as long as Im doing the technique that my coaches are teaching, anywhere I am, Ill be pretty good using the same techniques.As the team heads into 2022, New Englands offensive line seems to be well positioned with Michael Onwenu making the shift to the right side. The changing of the guard is looking to be a seamle s transition.
