Commanders undrafted free agent making unexpected roster push at training camp

Chris Roling

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Commanders undrafted free agent making unexpected roster push at training camp image

Of the surprises at Washington Commanders training camp so far, the emergence of an undrafted free agent might top the list. 

Defensive back Tyler Owens isn’t a household name, yet he’s getting close, given just how much he’s been around the football during the early portions of camp. 

Owens, undrafted out of Texas Tech, has multiple interceptions and generally just stands out as instinctive and in the right place. Much of the success has come against backups, but it’s a start for a guy who will now get a chance to prove himself during preseason games. 

Cracking the final 53 at safety won’t be easy, though. Jeremy Chinn and Quan Martin are the likely starters, while Jeremy Reaves isn’t going anywhere due to special teams contributors. That should leave Owens grappling with Darrick Forrest and Dominique Hampton for a spot. 

Also, some fans might have noticed already, but Owens was the guy who made noise at the scouting combine for his "I don't believe in space" stance. While unrelated, rest assured it will come up as a fun trivia point should the rising rookie keep on climbing the depth chart.

Here is one of Owens’ recent highlight plays from camp:

Chris Roling

Chris Roling Photo

Chris Roling has covered the NFL since 2010 with stints at Bleacher Report, USA TODAY Sports Media Group and others. Raised a Bengals fan in the '90s, the Andy Dalton era was smooth sailing by comparison. He graduated from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and remains in Athens.