Michael Onwenu

[DaBruinz]

With Andrews being a UFA next year also, I wonder how it'll all play out. Could Onwenu take over for Thuney next year, or could Thuney even replace Andrews at C? He would be a pretty expensive center. Dream scenario is Thuney kicks out to RT and they keep him and Andrews with Onwenu taking over at LG but I don't see that happening.

To me, Thuney looks like he is an elite Center. You pay for that. Especially when he can play Multiple positions. There is no way I'd move Thuney to RT.

I love Andrews, but Thuney is a head and shoulders upgrade over him. You let Andrews and Eleumenor walk and you can put either Onwenu, Herron, or Cajuste at RT.

 

[Patsgofor4]

because I believe he is putting his future quality of life in jeopardy by continuing to play.

before he does permanent damage, he should do a Frederick!

Stop it, Dr. Van Nostrand! You don't know what you're talking about.

Andrews had to sit out the whole season because of the 6 month course of blood thinners, which is standard for a individual with a pulmonary embolism who lacks a genetic predisposition for clotting. He likely was evaluated by several of the country's top hematologists and pulmonologists, Both after the initial diagnosis and leading up to his clearance to return. If he remained at higher than average risk for another clot, he would still be on blood thinners and would not have been cleared to play, regardless of COVID-19.

I have posted about this multiple times, to counter incorrect speculation like yours. Here is one from spring:

 

[Kasmir]

To me, Thuney looks like he is an elite Center. You pay for that. Especially when he can play Multiple positions. There is no way I'd move Thuney to RT.

I love Andrews, but Thuney is a head and shoulders upgrade over him. You let Andrews and Eleumenor walk and you can put either Onwenu, Herron, or Cajuste at RT.

I wonder if Thuney might be *more* valuable to the team at center than guard because he can most easily make the line calls from there, i.e. he can improve play on the right side as well. Jeff Saturday apparently even had the ability to call play audibles for Manning from center.

I know guards are paid more than centers, and Thuney might prefer to remain at guard, and there is more schematic flexibility with a great guard than a great center, and guards in pass protection can better help against edge rushers, but I still wonder whether the impact of a great center on overall line play can justify such a move...

 

[captain stone]

With Andrews being a UFA next year also, I wonder how it'll all play out. Could Onwenu take over for Thuney next year, or could Thuney even replace Andrews at C? He would be a pretty expensive center. Dream scenario is Thuney kicks out to RT and they keep him and Andrews with Onwenu taking over at LG but I don't see that happening.

Why send Thuney to RT and keep Onwenu at LG? Should be the other way around.

 

[Ross12]

Why send Thuney to RT and keep Onwenu at LG? Should be the other way around.

Yeah probably, I think I got those mixed up in my head somehow. You're right Cap'n. Better to keep your best player at G.

 

[captain stone]

Yeah probably, I think I got those mixed up in my head somehow. You're right Cap'n. Better to keep your best player at G.

I feel that it's not as much a matter of keeping your best player at Guard as much as it is keeping both players at their more natural positions, which for Thuney would be LG/C/LT, and for Onwenu RG/RT/LG...Either way, it's good for us that they can help with our OL's overall flexibility like that.

 

[mgteich]

I wonder if Thuney might be *more* valuable to the team at center than guard because he can most easily make the line calls from there, i.e. he can improve play on the right side as well. Jeff Saturday apparently even had the ability to call play audibles for Manning from center.

I know guards are paid more than centers, and Thuney might prefer to remain at guard, and there is more schematic flexibility with a great guard than a great center, and guards in pass protection can better help against edge rushers, but I still wonder whether the impact of a great center on overall line play can justify such a move...

If Thuney plays for the patriots in 2021, he will be paid good money. He won't get more money because he plays guard instead of center. If he is signed, it will take a well-deserved hi-level contract, and he will play wherever he is most needed.

If Onwenu continues to be solid at LG, it hard to imagine re-signing both Thuney and Andrews.

 

[captain stone]

If Onwenu continues to be solid at LG, it hard to imagine re-signing both Thuney and Andrews.

There is no way I would allow Cannon's & Mason's current contracts to interfere with my ability to re-sign both Thuney & Andrews...

 

[DaBruinz]

There is no way I would allow Cannon's & Mason's current contracts to interfere with my ability to re-sign both Thuney & Andrews...

In what warped f'in reality are you in that Cannon and Mason's contracts interfere with the Ability to re-sign Thuney?
With how Thuney has played, I let Andrews walk and move Thuney to center permanently, but pay him as an Elite Guard.

IF the Cap only drops to $175M (the supposed floor for next year) and the Patriots carry over the$25M, they'll have plenty to resign Thuney without having to touch Mason's or Cannon's contracts.

The MUST re-signs (imho) are Guy, Adam Butler, Thuney and Calhoun. 3 others that I would resign as well would be Bethel, Wise, and Rivers. Getting Jackson signed to a long term deal would be another must.

I've said it before, I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats traded White at the trade deadline if they are below .500. Especially if Michel, Taylor, Harris, and Burkhead are all healthy..

 

[mgteich]

In what warped f'in reality are you in that Cannon and Mason's contracts interfere with the Ability to re-sign Thuney?
With how Thuney has played, I let Andrews walk and move Thuney to center permanently, but pay him as an Elite Guard.

IF the Cap only drops to $175M (the supposed floor for next year) and the Patriots carry over the$25M, they'll have plenty to resign Thuney without having to touch Mason's or Cannon's contracts.

The MUST re-signs (imho) are Guy, Adam Butler, Thuney and Calhoun. 3 others that I would resign as well would be Bethel, Wise, and Rivers. Getting Jackson signed to a long term deal would be another must.

I've said it before, I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats traded White at the trade deadline if they are below .500. Especially if Michel, Taylor, Harris, and Burkhead are all healthy..

While I agree, I'm not sure why we think that the team and Thuney are now more inclined to come to terms on a long-term contract. The team had a huge opportunity to reduce the 2021 cap if they could agree with Thuney. It didn't happen. Another tag may be possible.

 

[patsinthesnow]

After week 4, now the 2nd highest graded OL in the NFL & the 5th highest graded player at all positions.

76 snaps
0 sacks
0 hits
0 pressures

+ the run game



This kid is a stud.

 

[farn]

There is no way I would allow Cannon's & Mason's current contracts to interfere with my ability to re-sign both Thuney & Andrews...

Especially Cannon (though I'm more pro-Cannon than many on this board).

Also, loving me some O, regardless where he plays on the OL.

 

[Scotty]

He seems to have fitted well into the OL and did not slip up against the Chiefs. Good news if he can continue to improve. I did not pay a lot of attention but I think Herron also appeared to do well and hopefully he can keep getting snaps and push for a starting role if needed.

 

[captain stone]

There is no way I would allow Cannon's & Mason's current contracts to interfere with my ability to re-sign both Thuney & Andrews...

This statement is more true now than it already was before last night's game...If Cannon & Mason refuse to renegotiate so that I can re-sign Andrews & Thuney, then they're outta here.

 

[DaBruinz]

This statement is more true now than it already was before last night's game...If Cannon & Mason refuse to renegotiate so that I can re-sign Andrews & Thuney, then they're outta here.

Again, They don't need to adjust Cannon's or Mason's contracts to re-sign either Thuney or Andrews. And, honestly, I doubt they are going to re-sign Andrews.

What last night's game proved more than anything is how awful you are at evaluating players. You were crapping on the Pats taking Onwenu and Herron from the time their names were announced. As rookies, they've shown you up fully and completely.

A line of Wynn, Onwenu, Thuney, Mason, and Cannon with Herron, Froholdt, and Cajuste as their back-ups would be pretty damn good.

BTW, I suggest you educate yourself on what starting RGs and Starting RTs of the caliber of Mason and Cannon are making around the league before you go saying they need to renegotiate their contracts. It just shows poorly on you.

 

[DaBruinz]

While I agree, I'm not sure why we think that the team and Thuney are now more inclined to come to terms on a long-term contract. The team had a huge opportunity to reduce the 2021 cap if they could agree with Thuney. It didn't happen. Another tag may be possible.

We'll agree to disagree. I think that the Patriots will have realized just how valuable and dominating a Thuney led line is in comparison to an Andrews led line and will do more to ensure he's here for the next 4 years. Don't get me wrong. I love Andrews, but he's only above average at center in comparison to Thuney whom, I feel, would be ELITE.

In fact, I believe that if the Patriots rolled out a Line of Wynn, Onwenu, Thuney, Mason, Cannon next year, they'd could bring back the Running Offense similar to the one that held the rushing record for 30 some years. Especially with Michel, Harris, Taylor and Bolden as the Running backs.

 

[JMC00]

One Michigan 6th rounder leaves and another Michigan 6th rounder arrives

might be written in the stars

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Why send Thuney to RT and keep Onwenu at LG? Should be the other way around.

Wynn - Thuney - C/Josh Meyers/Menet - Shaq - Onwenu could be a special OL. Herron looked pretty good at RT as well.

We have to keep Thuney. That left side is athletic as hell. Onwenu/Shaq could be a bully duo but again hopefully Herron continues to make strides and we have a really good problem at OL.

We have a great nucleus. Smart, athletic, tough, versatile and looks like some good depth.

 

[mgteich]

We'll agree to disagree. I think that the Patriots will have realized just how valuable and dominating a Thuney led line is in comparison to an Andrews led line and will do more to ensure he's here for the next 4 years. Don't get me wrong. I love Andrews, but he's only above average at center in comparison to Thuney whom, I feel, would be ELITE.

In fact, I believe that if the Patriots rolled out a Line of Wynn, Onwenu, Thuney, Mason, Cannon next year, they'd could bring back the Running Offense similar to the one that held the rushing record for 30 some years. Especially with Michel, Harris, Taylor and Bolden as the Running backs.

Where we disagree is whether Bill can get it done. We both would like to see Thuney signed.

 

[SBLIII]

Get rid of Cannon. Let Andrews walk.

Roll with

LT Wynn
LG Onwenu
C Thuney
RG Mason
RT Elu/Herron/Cajuste