The New England Patriots have quite the duo at offensive guard heading into next season.
The Patriots signed star veteran guard Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency to play opposite starting right guard Mike Onwenu in 2026. Both are expected to help the Patriots contend for the Super Bowl this season with great blocking in the interior.
Pro Football Focus ranked Onwenu No. 9 overall and Vera-Tucker No. 20 overall in their offensive guard rankings ahead of the 2026 NFL season, first highlighting Onwenu's prowess at the position.
"Playing a single position for the first time since 2022, he once again proved his value to the Patriots," PFF's Dalton Wasserman said. "Including the postseason, Onwenu led all offensive linemen with 1,344 snaps played in 2025, and his 77.1 PFF grade ranked ninth among qualified guards. He was also one of just six qualified guards to earn a 72.0-plus PFF grade both as a run blocker and in pass protection."
Onwenu helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl at the end of last season. He allowed only two sacks and 21 total pressures on the year and was among the notable underrated players in the league.
#season #offensive #super
The Patriots signed star veteran guard Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency to play opposite starting right guard Mike Onwenu in 2026. Both are expected to help the Patriots contend for the Super Bowl this season with great blocking in the interior.
Pro Football Focus ranked Onwenu No. 9 overall and Vera-Tucker No. 20 overall in their offensive guard rankings ahead of the 2026 NFL season, first highlighting Onwenu's prowess at the position.
"Playing a single position for the first time since 2022, he once again proved his value to the Patriots," PFF's Dalton Wasserman said. "Including the postseason, Onwenu led all offensive linemen with 1,344 snaps played in 2025, and his 77.1 PFF grade ranked ninth among qualified guards. He was also one of just six qualified guards to earn a 72.0-plus PFF grade both as a run blocker and in pass protection."
Onwenu helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl at the end of last season. He allowed only two sacks and 21 total pressures on the year and was among the notable underrated players in the league.
#season #offensive #super
3 months ago
