The New England Patriots have been doing their homework when it comes to studying draft prospects, and they were able to meet with a member of the Michigan offensive line. The team met with guard Michael Onwenu prior to the pandemic according to SB Nation’s Justin Melo.
Measuring in at six-foot-three, 344 pounds, Onwenu has played well over the last two seasons. He started in all 26 games for the Wolverines, and appeared in 40 games in total during his time in Ann Arbor. 35 of his appearances were starts.
His solid play has earned him honors, including receiving Pro football Focus All-Big 10 Team honors in 2019.
Currently, New England has Joe Thuney at the left guard spot, and Shaq Mason at the right guard spot. New England has until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract with Thuney. He signed his franchise tender with the organization on March 19.
#Michigan OG Michael's Onwenu was able to make private visits to the #Patriots & #Dolphins prior to COVID-19.
Since then, he's recently held pre-draft meetings over FaceTime with the #Eagles, #Lions, #Giants, #49ers & #Jaguars.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 10, 2020
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com provided an interesting scouting report on Onwenu. He appears to have a ton of upside.
Powerful and wide, Onwenu’s natural play strength is somewhat offset by his below-average athletic ability. 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.
New England could take a late-round flyer on Onwenu. He sounds like a bit of a project in some areas, but New England needs depth. Especially if Thuney does not resign, Onwenu could prove to be extremely valuable at the position.
With the proper coaching Onwenu could be the classic Bill Belichick diamond- in-the-rough type of pick. It will be interesting to see if New England addresses their offensive line in this draft. They certainly have a lot of areas that need to be filled.
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