Massive Rookie Called Patriots’ Biggest Draft-Day Steal

The New England Patriots have selected a great group of superstars from Michigan. Tom Brady came all the way from Michigan two decades ago. According to numerous reports, a Patriots rookie is actually considered the biggest draft-day steal.

Luke Easterling of USA Today released a list of every NFL team’s greatest draft-day steal. When it comes to the Patriots, he listed Michael Onwenu.

Onwenu measures at 6-foot-3 and 350 pounds. He may have an excellent contribution to the Patriots offensive line. Head coach Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio selected the Michigan star in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Go back in time and you will realize that Onwenu is one of the best offensive linemen drafted in this class.

In 2019, Onwenu anchored strong front in Ann Arbor. He doesn’t have the elite quickness other players have, and that’s why he fell to the sixth round. Truth is, Onwenu has the power many players lack.

The Patriots have a good reason to make this rookie steal

Pro Football Focus wrote a report on Onwenu and our expectations from him. He didn’t ignore the rookie’s pass protection skills.

“He’s not likely to see the field soon, but the Patriots made a great pick in Round 6 when they were able to get interior offensive lineman Michael Onwenu, our 128th-ranked prospect. At 6-foot-3, 350 pounds, Onwenu may not be able to match NFL quicks, but he can match NFL power. Very rarely did someone go through him in pass protection — he allowed only 13 pressures over the last two seasons and posted top-15 pass-blocking grades among guards each season.”

Onwenu is linked to the Patriots in several aspects. Joe Thuney is one of them. The Patriots placed the franchise tag on Thuney. Will he play out the 2020 season for the guaranteed salary and then hit free agency? Thuney may sign contract extension which would relieve the financial pressure New England faces at the moment. In the third scenario, we can see Thuney on the trade block.

In other words, Thuney may not remain with the Patriots for a long time. If he goes somewhere else, Onwenu will take his spot.