Offensive lineman Michael Onwenu looks ready to rebound in his third season with the New England Patriots despite seeing less action than usual in 2021.
Even more impressively, the former Wolverine was recently recognized as the Patriots’ most underrated player by Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Mike Onwenu has played both guard and right tackle over the course of two seasons. He started every game as a rookie, but last year he only got to play in about half of the games.
After 647 offensive snaps in 2021, Onwenu only committed three penalties and allowed two sacks to the opposition, as reported by Pro Football Focus.
After Ted Karras signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency and Shaq Mason was traded from the New England Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Onwenu may reclaim his starting guard job for the upcoming season.
Onwenu gets a great opportunity to show why he is one of the finest pass protectors among the league’s young guards after first-round pick Cole Strange is projected to start at one interior spot.
When did Mike Onwenu get drafted?
The New England Patriots selected Onwenu in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 182nd overall. He spent most of his time at the University of Michigan playing right guard, which was his primary position.