the rich keefe show: Which position group is the best and worst for the Patriots?
We’re back with another assessment of Fowler’s Lists.
Fowler’s lists, you ask? Get hip! It's the talk of the NFL right now! ESPN senior NFL writer Jeremy Fowler spent this offseason speaking with those in league circles to determine the top 10 players at each position heading into 2023. He's released each list over the last several weeks, with Sunday being interior offensive lineman day.
Much like running back Rhamondre Stevenson on Friday, Patriots guard Mike Onwenu didn’t crack the top ten at his position. He was, however, listed as an honorable mention:
“Since being drafted in 2020, Onwenu has played 2,517 offensive snaps for the Patriots, allowed 12 sacks and has a 93.3% pass block and 71.6% run block win rate. "He's really underrated," an AFC scout said. "Physical. And doesn't make many mistakes. He's just not on everyone's radar.”
Here’s who ranked ahead of Onwenu:
10. Frank Ragnow, C, Detroit Lions
9. Brandon Scherff, G, Jacksonville Jaguars
8. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs
7. Chris Lindstrom, G, Atlanta Falcons
6. Jason Kelce, C, Philadelphia Eagles
5. Joel Bitonio, G, Cleveland Browns
4. Elgton Jenkins, G, Green Bay Packers
3. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts
2. Joe Thuney, G, Kansas City Chiefs
1. Zack Martin, G, Dallas Cowboys
The Patriots guard was mentioned among a group of Erik McCoy, Trey Smith, Landon Dickerson, Corey Linsley, and Wyatt Teller.
He is the sixth Patriot to be included in these rankings so far, with Matthew Judon named the NFL's eighth-best edge rusher, Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki mentioned among tight ends (Henry as an honorable mention and Gesicki as a vote-getter), Kyle Dugger receiving votes at safety, and Rhamondre Stevenson as an honorable mention at running back.
Onwenu has not only shown the best ability (availability) over his first three seasons (having played in 49 games for New England), but he’s also displayed some positional versatility, lining up at both guard and tackle since being drafted in 2020.
While the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder is coming off of ankle surgery and missed New England’s offseason training program, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported on Sunday that Onwenu will be among those arriving to Patriots training camp early to assess their injury status and test the waters prior to practice.
Onwenu is entering a contract year and, if you read the tea leaves, is probably the least likely Patriot to receive a contract extension prior to the season. The club drafted three interior linemen in Jake Andrews, Sidy Sow, and Atonio Mafi in April’s NFL Draft, adding to their pipeline and essentially putting the writing on the wall in big black Sharpie for Onwenu.
Perhaps the Patriots should take a look at the results of the last time they let an interior lineman test free agency.
It was Joe Thuney, who ranked second on Fowler’s list:
“Thuney is the most valuable [Chiefs lineman] because he rarely makes a mistake, [he’s] savvy, doesn't commit penalties, holds up in the run or the pass,’ an AFC executive said. ‘Not an overwhelming athlete but just really good.’”
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
Notably, Patriots center David Andrews was neither an honorable mention nor a "vote receiver". There were seven centers listed, making the ninth-year pro, at a minimum, the 8th best center in the NFL according to league circles.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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