Drake Maye names 2 toughest players on Patriots

From John Hannah to Logan Mankins, plenty of tough players have passed through the Patriots locker room over the years.

So who is the toughest member of the 2024 team?

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was asked that question during his weekly appearance on WEEI, and he pointed to two of his teammates, one on each side of the ball.

“Toughest guy on the team?” Maye pondered. “I think Jahlani Tavai has shown it. He’s really battled through some injuries and gone out there each and every week and he’s playing his butt off. So I’d probably say Jahlani. Offensively, I would say probably Big Mike (Onwenu). I think Big Mike has been battling in different spots. Playing in different spots and not complaining. Just going out there and playing ball. So probably those two.”

With Ja’Whaun Bentley out for the season and the Patriots exceptionally thin at linebacker, Tavai knows how important he’s become, and he’s answered the bell every week. The veteran has played 87% of the defensive snaps this season and 44% on special teams.

As for Onwenu, he simply hasn’t come off the field.

The offensive lineman is the only member of the team to have played 100% of the snaps on his side of the ball, and it was interesting that Maye lauded his mental toughness, too. Onwenu has started games at right guard and right tackle, while also practicing at left guard one week. The coaching staff has deployed him all over the place, and Onwenu has remained willing to do whatever is asked of him.