Patriots Rookie OL Atonio Mafi Ready to Work

The New England Patriots may not have a prototype in mind when selecting offensive linemen.

However, they clearly have a preference for smart, versatile players with the football IQ in both pass protection and opening up running lanes. The Pats also place a great deal of value on a strong work ethic. 

In that vein, New England selected UCLA guard Atonio Mafi, with pick No. 144 in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Much to the satisfaction of his new superiors, the former Bruin is ready to continue that tradition. 

“All my work the last few years — basically my whole life — had been leading up to this point and even though it felt really good, I knew the work had only begun,” Mafi told the Los Angeles Times shortly after being drafted. “Now I’m a professional athlete and it’s time to get to work for real."

New England acquired the selection from the Las Vegas Raiders, moving their final fourth-round selection at No. 135 to old friends Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler for selections 144 and 214.

Mafi projects as a swing option for New England, capable of playing both interior positions. Despite not being invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Mafi’s athleticism is clearly visible on his game film. He plays with solid balance, which should help him at the pro level. In fact, Mafi’s skill set caught the eye of several Patriots coaches while working together at February’s East-West Shrine Bowl. His ability to movie fluidly with good balance while sustaining his blocks gave him a prominent place on the Patriots draft radar. 

Though he demonstrates few negative traits, his hand placement can be an issue in protection. Still, Mafi should impress with his size (6-3, 329-pounds,) assuming he is able to remove some weight prior to the start of the season. Should he receive the proper development under offensive line coaches Adrian Klemm and Billy Yates, Mafi has the talent and skill set to develop into a productive guard in New England’s power-run sets. 

With starting right guard Michael Onwenu expected to miss the remainder of OTAs, Mafi has the chance to showcase his talents and football intelligence against some of the Pats primary defenders. With Onwenu heading into a contract year as a 2024 free agent, New England must have a contingency plan in place, should the former Michigan sixth-rounder seek greener pastures outside the region next offseason. 

For now, Mafi is content to take things one moment at a time. 

"I know I have to come in and earn my spot, do what needs to be done and what’s asked of me," Mafi said. "The goal of getting drafted is checked off the list and now it’s onto the next one, being a productive part of an NFL team. My livelihood depends on it. It’s time to get to work.”

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.