Quan Martin and Will Harris are expected to start as the Washington Commanders' safeties in 2025, while Tyler Owens is pushing for a hybrid safety role. Owens, a former undrafted free agent from Texas Tech, was initially limited to special teams due to lack of defensive playtime. At 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds, he surpasses others in size and speed. Despite his athletic prowess, Owens wasn't drafted because of inexperience. Coaches are evaluating his preseason performance, where he demonstrated versatility against the New England Patriots.
Owens was one of the surprises of last year's training camp. He made the squad as an undrafted free agent, which is always a tall order. But he never saw the field as a defender. His role was limited to special teams.
The Texas Tech product fits the physical profile of a hybrid safety to a tee. At 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds, he is substantially bigger than Jeremy Reaves and Percy Butler. He is also faster and has extraordinary burst numbers.
The reason Owens wasn't drafted is that he simply hasn't played a lot of football. Extraordinary physical traits don't always translate into on-field production. This is what Commanders' coaches will be studying this preseason.
Whitt played Owens all over the field against the New England Patriots. He started and played most of the first half, logging a couple of dozen plays. He lined up at deep safety in a single high shell on one play, then moved to a traditional linebacker spot on the next.
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