New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots lost an extremely winnable game on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the natural reaction is to point fingers and also think about who the Patriots need to get more involved, it’s important not to forget crediting guys who have been really solid for New England through the first three games, despite the disappointing results.
One of those players is 27-year-old offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, whose numbers (via Pro Football Focus) show consistency and efficiency in the name of protecting Drake Maye. Is Onwenu getting enough love from Pats fans? X user @LosTalksPats may have been correct in labeling Onewnu “extremely underrated”.
A sixth-round pick of the Patriots out of Michigan in the 2020 NFL draft, Onwenu has been not only effective, but durable for the Patriots so far in his career. He started all 16 games for the Patriots in his rookie season (2020) and has only been unavailable for three games in the four-plus seasons since (he started all 17 games in 2024).
The Patriots are certainly aware of Onwenu’s value, having inked him to a three-year, $57 million extension in March of 2024.
As other members of New England’s line work through growing pains, Onwenu experience and stability will continue to be of paramount importance in 2025.
