Pros and Cons: Should Jets sign Mike Onwenu?

It’s been well-documented that the Jets need to replenish their offensive line in 2024.

The team was overwhelmed by injuries in 2023 as they started an incredible 13 different combinations throughout the season. The Jets need continuity, chemistry and cohesion and will only find this if they invest in some upgrades.

One of the free agents set to hit the open market is New England Patriots offensive lineman Mike Onwenu. Could he be one of Joe Douglas’ offseason targets?

Let’s break down the pros and cons…

Pros

Consistency

Although he was only a sixth-round pick, Onwenu immediately established himself as a rookie, starting all 16 games for the Patriots. Over the past four seasons, he’s started 41 games and consistently graded out well according to Pro Football Focus.

Onwenu is an impact run blocker, has never given up more than three sacks in a season and has displayed good on-field discipline with just 10 penalties in his career so far.

Durability

Onwenu has missed just three games in four seasons, so has the durability Douglas is looking for as he seeks to avoid the constant changes that made it impossible for the 2023 group to gel. He also played in 46 games at Michigan, starting all 26 over his last two seasons in Ann Arbor.

Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots guard Mike Onwenu (71) lines up against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Gillette Stadium. / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Positional Flexibility

Onwenu has seen extensive action at both guard positions and at right tackle during his career so far. With Alijah Vera-Tucker returning from an Achilles tear, Onwenu could be the perfect addition because he would give the Jets lots of options.

If Vera-Tucker suffers a setback or misses time again for another reason, Onwenu can fill in for him inside. However, his ability to perform at a high level at right tackle also means he can contribute there. If both are healthy, they could potentially both play inside, but if someone…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/pros-cons-jets-sign-mike-150732174.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-02-01 15:07:32

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