Mike Onwenu shares the Patriots’ plan for him in 2024

Throughout the offseason, the New England Patriots have made a point of re-signing their own internal free agents, as de fact general manager Eliot Wolf and new head coach Jerod Mayo work to build a core for the team moving forward. One of the biggest contracts handed out to an internal free agent was to offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, who got a three-year, $57 million contract just hours into the NFL's legal tampering period back in March.

When Onwenu initially re-signed, a big question was whether it was to play tackle or guard in the Patriots' new offensive system. He's split his time between right tackle and right guard almost evenly through his first four years in New England.

Initial reporting said that the plan was for Onwenu to return as a right tackle. Speaking to the media on Thursday, the 26-year-old seemed to confirm that.

"Through the whole [free agency] process we spoke about me playing tackle," Onwenu shared. "Even after I signed that was still the same thing. So, under my notion I'm still playing right tackle." Onwenu added he would have been open to return playing as a tackle or a guard.

While he has split time between right tackle and right guard in the past, Onwenu says the new coaching staff will have a bigger impact on his offseason training than a new, solidified position.

"This year, just because we have a whole new staff it'll be new technique anyways. But in the prior years no, it hasn't really changed," he explained. "But this year it will be new techniques and new tools playing tackle."

Onwenu was also asked about possibly playing left tackle. Heading into offseason workouts that position appears to be the biggest question mark on the offensive line. Both players the team has suggested will compete for that spot - free agent signing Chuks Okorafor and third-round draft pick Caedan Wallace - are career right tackles.

"I wouldn't say so," Onwenu replied when asked if he could see himself playing left tackle in 2024.
"But definitely with the practice and training, I definitely think I could."

"I think it'll come when I practice at it," he added, when asked if he'd like to try playing tackle on the left side. "I'm an athlete and a competitor, so I like to compete either way."

For now though, it seems like Onwenu's place will be on the right side of the offensive line. We'll see how the rest of the unit rounds out around him when the team gets on the field for OTAs later this month.

On Friday night the New England Patriots added to their offensive line. With their third-round pick, 68th overall, the team took offensive tackle Caedan Wallace from Penn State.

Wallace, who turned 24 earlier this month, started 40 games over the last four years at Penn State. This past year he was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl after the season.

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All 40 of Wallace's career college starts came at right tackle. However, de facto Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf said on Friday night the team will try to play him at left tackle, and see him as a four-position player.

Does Wallace have the physical tools to do that? What's his upside in the NFL? Here's what the experts were saying heading into the draft...

"Wallace played tackle in college but could be considered as a tackle or guard by NFL evaluators. He’s broad across his upper and lower body and has decent length and big hands. He’s a clock-puncher who plays with better fundamentals and technique than his highly regarded teammate, Olumuyiwa Fashanu. Wallace won’t flash as often as a run blocker and he might be somewhat capped out in terms of what he’s going to be as a tackle. Wallace has NFL size and good body control and should find work as a backup with the potential to start as a guard or tackle."

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"Overall, Wallace is an older prospect, but he's coming off a year where he made a sizable leap in consistency. That suggests he has more room for development than most four-year starters typically offer. With good athletic ability, body control and fluid movement skills along with an understanding of how to play long and maximize his length, Wallace has what it takes to compete for a role right away at tackle or possibly guard, and he has upside as a spot starter within his first contract."

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"A four-year starter at Penn State, Wallace was entrenched as the right tackle in former offensive
coordinator Mike Yurcich’s multiple run scheme. After breaking into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman, he showed steady progress year over year, including a strong senior season in 2023. Although his kick-slide isn’t always explosive, Wallace stays controlled/squared as a pass blocker to close space and cut off rushers with his strike timing. When his technique is on point, he has the functional movements and strength behind his hands to be a presence in the run game. Overall, Wallace needs to continue developing his consistency, but he is a smooth athlete with a wide base, punch-ready hands and improved physicality to finish. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him starting as an NFL rookie at right tackle or potentially inside at guard."

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"Wallace has the size, anchor ability, and awareness to be a versatile offensive lineman, though he needs to clean up inconsistencies with hand usage and footwork to live on the outside as a tackle at the next level."

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.