With 26 free agents on their transactional docket and only four wins on last year's ledger, the New England Patriots have plenty of decisions to make on the road back to respectability. Some decisions loom larger than others, particularly on the offensive line, as New England is presumably preparing to make a change in the franchise quarterback department.
Pro Football Focus reiterated the idea that the Patriots should offer special attention to their blocking when listing one upcoming free agent that each team "can't afford to lose." New England's selection was blocker Michael Onwenu, who is due to hit free agency for the first time in his career after arriving as a sixth-round pick out of Michigan in 2020.
"The Patriots moved Onwenu all over the offensive line from right tackle to both guard spots, and no matter where he lined up, he performed well as a big, physical mauler in the run game who absorbs power rushers really well," PFF's Brad Spielberger wrote. "From Week 7 on once Onwenu moved back to right tackle, his 4.9 percent pressure rate allowed was a top-20 mark among all tackles. He has earned run-blocking grades above 70.0 in each of his NFL seasons."
Commonly listed as a guard, Onwenu has been a staple in the Patriots' premier blocking unit since his arrival. Standing at 6-3 and 350 lbs., Onwenu has worked on both the inside and out, moving around in the wake of several injuries in the starting five. PFF has been particularly kind to Onwenu throughout his tenure: during the 2022 campaign, he ranked fourth-best among all interior protectors in the analytical grades.
While several skill players might be up for grabs (i.e. Kendrick Bourne, Ezekiel Elliott, Mike Gesicki, Hunter Henry), the Patriots get off relatively easy on the offensive line: Onwenu is one of two major blocking contributors slated to hit the market along with Trent Brown, whose Foxborough days are more than likely over. There's a decent chance that Onwenu could work his way back, but his versatility could attract some suitors looking to take the next step on offense.
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