FOXBORO, Mass. — Mike Onwenu is the best and most versatile offensive lineman on the New England Patriots. The fifth-year pro has seen significant NFL snaps at both guard spots and right tackle.
However, with the Patriots searching for stability at left tackle, some have wondered whether Onwenu could move across the line. But those people shouldn’t get their hopes up.
New England Patriots Coach Shoots Down Idea of Mike Onwenu Playing Left Tackle
New England’s offensive line largely exceeded expectations in last Sunday’s season-opening road win over the Cincinnati Bengals. But there were major issues with pass protection, especially on the left side.
Offseason signing Chukwuma Okorafor started at left tackle but was benched after 12 ugly snaps. Vederian Lowe subbed in and also struggled, although it must be noted that he had just returned to practice the previous Friday after being limited by an abdomen injury for multiple weeks.
The Patriots entered the summer believing Okorafor could seize the left tackle job despite playing right tackle the previous four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But it hasn’t worked out, and Okorafor now appears primed to begin Week 2 on the bench.
“So, Chuks has been a player in the league a long time,” New England offensive line coach Scott Peters told reporters on Thursday. “He’s played, for the most part, at right tackle. We’ve asked him to play left after some injuries. But he’s been working hard; we’re trying to get him to improve every day.”
Peters also was asked about Lowe.
“As far as Vederian, I think he did a nice job (against the Bengals),” Peters said. “There’s some things he’s gotta work on as well. We’re still evaluating as we go. We’re looking at putting the best five guys out there — that’s our mentality.”
Is there any chance that the “best five” could include playing Onwenu at left tackle?
“Not at this point,” Peters said definitively.
Is there any consideration to trying Mike Onwenu at left tackle?
Scott Peters: "Not at this point." pic.twitter.com/2Cd4Gb9iU5
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) September 12, 2024
Peters also was asked whether he’s comfortable with Lowe and Onwenu being the top tackles.
“Well, we’re not ever content with the way guys are playing,” Peters said. “Because, again, there’s a lot of room to improve. … So, there’s no contentment in the room. … We’re just trying to fill in the gaps and figure out how we can get the maximum value out of each guy on this roster.”
Ultimately, it would be a major surprise to see the Patriots move Onwenu to left tackle, a position he hasn’t played in the NFL. Onwenu isn’t built like a left tackle, and he arguably remains best suited to play right guard.
But with rookie Layden Robinson emerging as a starting-caliber right guard and the Patriots needing at least one reliable tackle, Onwenu seemingly is entrenched on the right side. At this point, Lowe and Okorafor appear to be the only immediate options at left tackle.
One player who could change the narrative? Patriots rookie Caedan Wallace.
PFN Analysis: When Will Caedan Wallace Get a Shot at Left Tackle?
A third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Wallace primarily played right tackle in college — but the Patriots have said he could play on the left. Wallace saw time at both tackle spots during training camp but, for now, seemingly is being developed as a right tackle.
The Penn State product saw 18 snaps as a jumbo tight end in the season opener. And given Okorafor’s struggles, it was fair to wonder whether Wallace could start practicing at left tackle with Okorafor moving back to his old position.
But Wallace repped as the No. 2 right tackle during the media-access portion of Wednesday’s practice. Things could’ve changed once reporters left the field, but the top O-line we saw during drills last week was ultimately the group that started against the Bengals.
Nevertheless, with Onwenu locked in at right tackle, it’ll be interesting to see whether Wallace becomes a factor on the left side.
If nothing else, the Patriots should, at some point, evaluate their current situation and determine whether they can eliminate left tackle as their top need in next year’s draft.