FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots have some tough graders.
Last week, it was second-year player Kyle Dugger saying he had a "below average" rookie season, and then on Tuesday Michael Onwenu had a surprising letter grade for himself on his first year in the league.
"I probably had a ‘C,'" he said. "I mean, it was a lot I messed up on. I'm trying to take in everything and trying to learn everything."
Onwenu had a terrific rookie season, as despite being a sixth-round pick he was considered one of the best in his class, especially moving from guard to tackle. He was named to the All-Rookie team by Pro Football Focus.
So, what exactly did he feel he messed up on?
"Just a lot of stuff, I mean a lot," he said. "A lot of the time, I was nervous being in high stakes moment or just playing for the first time. So I mean, not necessarily not believing in myself, but just being sure of myself and knowing I know the answer is just about doing it."
The Michigan product is back inside this season, as it appears he will replace Joe Thuney at left guard. Despite now lining up next to David Andrews and Isaiah Wynn, after working with them last year he doesn't think it will be a hard transition.
"I think the chemistry is there," he said. "I mean, last year I was working from position to position, so I mean whether I was at right guard or right tackle, I was still working with the with the same guys. But, it's just about working the same fits and getting to know how everyone like fits up their techniques and working off of that so we can work together."
Tuesday was the Patriots' first day of full pads as they work their way towards the first preseason game a week from Thursday.