Report: Patriots met with Michigan guard Michael Onwenu
98.5 The Sports Hub staff report
One step ahead of a global outbreak, the New England Patriots were among those able to get some in-person work done with University of Michigan guard Michael Onwenu before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to SBNation’s Justin Melo.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 350 pounds, Onwenu enters the 2020 NFL Draft after starting all 26 games for Michigan at right guard over the last two seasons, and with second team Pro Football Focus College’s All-Big Ten Team honors to his name in 2019. Overall, Onwenu appeared in 40 games over his Michigan run, including 35 starts, and put in work on special teams.
“Powerful and wide, Onwenu’s natural play strength is somewhat offset by his below-average athletic ability,” NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. “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.”
Onwenu also met with the Dolphins in-person prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, according to Melo, and has since had FaceTime meetings with the Eagles, Giants, Jaguars, Lions, and 49ers.
The Patriots enter the 2020 NFL Draft with 12 picks to their name, including six over the final two rounds.
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