Fansided

25 best NFL players under 25 years old

By Rucker Haringey

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a touchdown scored by Austin Ekeler #30 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on October 04, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a touchdown scored by Austin Ekeler #30 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on October 04, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Michael Onwenu. New England Patriots
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 19: Mike Onwenu #71 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

23. Michael Onwenu

Onwenu came into the league with low expectations as a sixth-round draft choice, but he was absolutely the steal of his draft class. His stellar 2020 season for the Patriots should have made him a legitimate contender for the Rookie of the Year Award.

He’s settled in as Bill Belichick’s starting left guard position, but he filled a number of spots for New England up front last year. Pass blocking was a surprising strength of the former Michigan star’s game. He shows surprising quickness for a player with his size that allows him to stymy opposing defensive lineman at the point of attack.

Settling in full-time at the guard position should unlock all of Onwenu’s potential. He has the power at the point of attack to emerge as a top-notch run blocker. At the moment, it’s his job to keep Mac Jones upright on Sundays.

Guard isn’t the most valuable position in today’s game, but a difference-maker like Onwenu can unlock a lot of offensive options. The Patriots’ front office deserves a lot of credit for finding a talent like this with such a late-round pick.

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