The New England Patriots added to their offensive line depth by trading up to draft Michigan guard Michael Onwenu at pick No. 182.
Onwenu became the third Wolverine drafted by the Patriots in 2020 and he’s a prospect the team communicated with beforehand. He’s a 6-foot-3, 350-pound guard who started three years for the Wolverines. Onwenu has plenty of strength and ability to cover a small area, but his weakness comes with his speed and inability to change direction.
The Patriots lost Ted Karras in free agency this offseason and Onwenu will provide much-needed depth in the trenches. New England tagged guard Joe Thuney this offseason, but they can clear around $15 million in cap if they were to trade him. Onwenu would become a frontrunner to replace Thuney and the Patriots could move forward with more money to build the offense.
Onwenu is much larger than the typical Patriot guard at 350 pounds, and he even hit 370 at certain points in his collegiate career. New England’s usual guards sit around 300 pounds, so his massive size will help in the run game and fending off powerful defenders.
Here’s his draft overview from NFL.com.
Powerful and wide, Onwenu’s natural play strength is somewhat offset by his below-average athletic ability. With better hand placement and attention to footwork, he can take a step forward as a drive blocker with the ability to move bodies around, but he’ll be a scheme-specific prospect who could struggle against quick, upfield players and sub-package rushers. He has backup guard ability and potential as a Day 3 pick.
The Patriots needed some help on the offensive line and Onwenu is a step in the right direction.
