Commanders Add Undrafted Free Agent Safety Following Peculiar Combine Remarks
The Washington Commanders may have secured undrafted free agent value akin to mid to late-round draft picks when they signed Texas Tech safety Tyler Owens, who went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Owens was initially projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds, but his stock may have been affected by an unusual interview at the NFL combine, as noted by Matt Fitzgerald of Whiskey Riff.
During the February interview, Owens expressed unconventional beliefs, stating, “I don’t believe in (outer) space… I think we’re just, like, alone right now. I used to believe the heliocentric stuff, that the Earth revolved around the Sun, but then I started seeing some flat-earth stuff and that was kind of interesting, then they started bringing up some valid points.”
Such statements, openly defying mainstream scientific principles, likely didn’t endear Owens to most NFL teams.
Fitzgerald remarked, “Look, NFL locker rooms are not full of boy scouts… But giving credence to Flat Earth Theory and insisting there is no space, nor are there other planets? Sorry. That’s a bridge, nay, a galaxy too far.”
Despite this, Owens showcased impressive athleticism at the NFL combine, recording elite numbers for defensive backs. His 12-foot, 2-inch broad jump was nearly a world record, and his 41-inch vertical leap was the highest among safeties.
Owens was expected to clock a 40-yard dash time in the 4.2-second range before sustaining a groin injury on his first attempt.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 216 pounds, Owens possesses the potential to develop into a dependable safety/linebacker hybrid, with an immediate impact on special teams.
According to NFL analyst Lance Zierlein, Owens is described as a “traits-based safety with limited in-game experience and bumpy tape but impressive flashes.” Zierlein projected Owens to be selected in the 6-7 round range. While Owens may not be ready for high safety responsibilities, his physicality, range, and special teams prowess offer promise for his NFL career.
