3 New England Patriots who could be first-time Pro Bowlers in 2021

The New England Patriots decided that one season outside of the postseason was one too many, as they chose to rectify their disappointing 7-9 record by spending a boatload of cash in free agency.

What better way to attack their lack of skill position talent on the offensive end?

The Patriots brought in a lot of new faces ahead of the draft, meaning that the team is banking on some younger players finally hitting their stride and taking off after a season in which Cam Newton struggled to find consistency in the passing game.

New England said goodbye to another relic of their tremendous dynasty in recent weeks, as Julian Edelman’s retirement is the latest sign that the times are a-changin’, and the always forward-thinking Belichick has decided to get younger and more explosive on both sides of the ball in order to compete.

The AFC East is as strong as it has been in years, but that shouldn’t be a huge deterrent for a Patriots roster that plugged a good deal of their holes.

Several players, both new additions and old faces alike, could be in contention for their first Pro Bowl if everything goes as planned.

These 3 New England Patriots could make their first Pro Bowl in 2021.

No. 3: OG Mike Onwenu

Onwenu tipped the scales at nearly 360 pounds after a solid career at Michigan, but the Shrine Bowl star slipped in the draft due to some teams getting a bit concerned about the validity of putting someone that big up against NFL athletes with elite quickness. Onwenu proved those doubters hilariously wrong.

Onwenu was named an All-Rookie team performer in his first season. Turns out, when you’re 360 pounds and one of the strongest human beings in the world, it can be difficult for even elite NFL linemen to use their power to overwhelm you.

Patriots: Mike Onwenu is continuing to improve.

Onwenu should be penciled in as the left guard once again, as the return of Isaiah Wynn and David Andrews to the starting lineup should help reinforce a left side of the offensive line that will do whatever it can to hold its own when compared to Shaq Mason and Trent Brown on the right side.

Onwenu might need to lose a bit more weight, as doing so would help him at the second level as a run blocker, but he had a fantastic rookie season irrespective of where he was drafted. If he keeps up the same style of play he showed off last year, the New England star will have no reason to be excluded from the Pro Bowl.