Dante Scarnecchia thought Onwenu might be good but he marvels at how Onwenu is playing so good so quickly. Scar credits OL Coach Cole Popvich with getting him ready.
Mike Onwenu surprising many as Swiss Army knife of Patriots offensive line
Patriots rookie offensive lineman Mike Onwenu’s rapid development has genuinely impressed two of the most respected coaches in the business.
Legendary offensive line boss Dante Scarnecchia, who retired this year but assisted the Patriots’ pre-draft evaluation of Onwenu, and Michigan offensive line coach Ed Warinner have long advocated for the former Wolverine. But even both of them have been surprised with how quickly the sixth-round pick has contributed at multiple positions.
“What a great thing for the Patriots and (Onwenu) because here’s a kid who’s played right guard, right tackle, left guard. How do you do that?” Scarnecchia marveled. “How do you find a guy in the sixth round who can do all that? I think that’s a hell of a deal and a hell of a tribute to (Patriots co-offensive line coach) Cole (Popovich) and the job they’ve done with the offensive line this year. They’ve done an unbelievable job.”
Onwenu’s versatility has made him one of the Patriots’ most valuable players this season. But beyond versatility, his performance has made him one of their best.
Onwenu is tied with Joe Thuney for the team lead with four clean sheets (no sacks, QB hits, pressures or blocking penalties) – one at left guard, one at right guard, two at right tackle. The rookie has allowed six disruptions (two sacks, one QB hit, three pressures), which is the fewest among the four Pats linemen who have played at least 70 percent of the snaps.
“I always told everybody that he had an unlimited ceiling,” Warinner said. “His ability to play NFL football, the body and God(-given) gifts that he has and the talents he developed were off the charts. I’m glad it’s working out for him.”
The degree to which it’s worked has been improbable.
Onwenu
started 34 games at right guard and one at left guard at Michigan, with his final two seasons under Warinner’s tutelage. But as Onwenu prepared for the draft, the 6-foot-3, 350-pounder didn’t recall a single team asking him to play tackle.
After a remote offseason program, the Patriots didn’t broach the idea of kicking him outside until they sprinkled in some reps during training camp.