Commanders' Tyler Owens Among NFL's Most Intriguing Rookies

Washington Commanders' safety Tyler Owens , an undrafted free agent, has been named one of the NFL's most intriguing rookies by CBS Sports. The former five-star recruit from Texas, who later transferred to Texas Tech, made the Commanders' 53-man roster following a standout performance during training camp and preseason. Owens is one of 11 rookies on Washington's roster and one of two undrafted free agents to make the team this year.

Owens' athleticism caught the attention of Commanders' head coach, Dan Quinn , who is focused on building a tougher, smarter unit in Washington. Standing nearly 6-3 and weighing 216 pounds, Owens boasts an impressive 146-inch broad jump, just one inch shy of Byron Jones' 2015 combine record, and a 41-inch vertical leap. His size and explosive athletic abilities have already positioned him as a formidable presence in the league, adding to his reputation as a top safety prospect from the 2019 high school class.

In preseason action, Owens demonstrated his potential by playing primarily at free safety, recording seven tackles and allowing only one reception for four yards. His performance solidified his place on the roster, reflecting Quinn's commitment to reshaping the team's culture with players who embody "Commanders football."

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While Owens is expected to contribute significantly on special teams, the coaching staff believes his best football is yet to come, with a potential impact on the defensive side of the ball. As the Commanders prepare for their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8 , all eyes will be on Owens to see how he continues to develop in his rookie year.