Sunday’s preseason finale against the New England Patriots is the final job interview of the summer for Washington Commanders undrafted rookie safety Tyler Owens.
The 6-foot-2, 213-pound rookie has been one of the feel-good stories of training camp. Early in camp, those in attendance in Ashburn said to keep an eye on Owens and that he continued to stand out. He was always around the ball.
Then the preseason began, and Owens’ legend has continued to grow. Whether on defense or special teams, Owens keeps showing up.
A priority signing from Texas Tech, Owens was always viewed as a player to watch. Head coach Dan Quinn likes athletic and versatile defensive backs, and Owens has all the potential in the world. But even Quinn is surprised by Owens’ quick transition so far.
“The rookies don’t have a vision for what their special teams is going to look like,” Quinn said Wednesday. “It’s up to us to show them what that vision can be and look like. And I think Tyler’s done a good job of that, and so have some others. But as a rookie, he’s demonstrating that kind of speed and physicality.”
It’s hard to imagine the Commanders waiving Owens. He’s already a coach’s favorite. Heading into Sunday’s game, Owens isn’t planning on changing anything.
“I just keep working, I just keep trying to show them what I made of, that’s all I really know,” Owens said.
Does Owens think he’s done enough to make the team already? He didn’t want to answer that for obvious reasons other than to say, “I hope so.”
Commanders safety Tyler Owens has impressed throughout training camp.
Has he done enough to make the final 53 man roster?
Tyler told me, "I just keep trying to show what I'm made of…I just try to stay in the moment and just make the most of every opportunity I get." pic.twitter.com/dAgczl9dXK
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) August 21, 2024
Quinn said Owens had done a good job of “emptying the tank,” meaning giving his all on every play.
What does Owens have left in the tank?
“I go hard every play………..every time I get on the field,” Owens said. “There’s always more in the tank.”
With the starters perhaps receiving the day off, could Owens be in the starting lineup against the Patriots?
