New England Patriots Trade Up For Michigan Guard

The New England Patriots added a new name to their offensive line depth. The organization was pretty serious about the draft, and they selected a few names on Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft. This time New England engaged in a trade deal. The team traded up in the sixth round to pick Michigan guard Michael Onwenu at No. 182 overall. The Patriots snatched the pick from the Indianapolis Colts and they are sending back-to-back picks in the sixth round (Nos. 212 and 213).

Onwenu was a starter for three year at right guard for the Wolverines. The guard did not test at the NFL Scouting Combine and had his pro day canceled due to the virus. However, analysts have discussed his strength than his athleticism. According to NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein, that is “below average.”

Onwenu can brag with his size. For many analysts, this is his most notable trait. You may notice that he is much heavier than most Patriots guards. Onwenu measured at 6-foot-3, 344 pounds at the combine. He was 370 earlier in his college career. The guard was the heaviest guard/center in Indianapolis and the second-heaviest offensive lineman right behind Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton (364 pounds).

The Patriots interior offensive linemen weigh somewhat between 300 and 310 pounds. Joe Thuney and Shaq Mason measured at 308 and 310, respectively.

The Patriots trade for a big guard

New England had Onwenu for a pre-draft visit. This visit took place before the NFL’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Dane Brugler from The Athletic complimented Onwenu’s strength and movement ability in his 2020 NFL Draft Guide.

“After tipping the scale over 370 pounds in Ann Arbor, he made a concerted effort to change his diet and transform his body, which directly affected his movements and uptick in energy on the practice field. Despite the excessive weight, Onwenu doesn’t play sloppy with smooth movements and natural power, driving defenders from the spot with his physical grip. He will get top heavy at times and needs to develop his sustain skills once he connects. Overall, Onwenu might require an adjustment period in the NFL to improve his timing and hand placement, but his mauling strength and body control make him a draft-and-develop candidate for a power-based scheme.”

The guard allowed just two sacks in 1,198 collegiate pass-blocking snaps as noted by Pro Football Focus. He didn’t allow any sacks in 2019. New England lacked interior depth. Let’s not forget that they lost top guard/center backup Ted Karras to the Miami Dolphins in free agency.

We don’t know anything about Thuney and his future with the Patriots. The Patriots can free $14.78 million in salary cap space by sending him away.