ESPN's best NFL sophomores: Onwenu as the interior OL pick

Submitted by Derek on December 3rd, 2021 at 5:26 PM

List here. It's behind a paywall because ESPN+, but here's the bit about Onwenu:

Onwenu has played more snaps at tackle (892) than he has at guard (549) through his first 27 career games. He's also not currently in the Patriots' starting lineup, as Onwenu instead has operated as the do-it-all sixth offensive lineman over the past several weeks.

Even so, the sixth-round pick has been PFF's highest-graded guard from last year's draft class in both 2020 and 2021. One big reason is his success as a run blocker, particularly in gap schemes. Onwenu's 85.9 run-blocking grade when lined up at guard ranks sixth among players with 500-plus snaps at the position since the start of 2020.

Cool recognition because he's the only pick for interior OL. None of the other 2020 Wolverines draftees made the list or the honorable mentions.

Other Big Ten notables:

  • RB: Jonathan Taylor
  • OT: Tristan Wirfs
  • Edge: Chase Young
  • S: Antoine Winfield Jr.
  • HMs: Taylor Biadasz (C), Jordan Fuller (S)
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