Tyler Owens - Commanders DB
- Problem: Special teams ace, or something more?
Tyler Owens has always been something of an enigma throughout his college days and during his first couple of years with the Washington Commanders. His athletic traits are off the charts, but something is keeping the coaching staff from bringing him into the defensive rotation.
That has not stopped Owens from making a lasting impression in other areas.
Owens is quickly becoming one of the league's best special-teams gunners. His viral play against the Philadelphia Eagles was one of the best displays of effort and force you'll ever see. Fans wondered whether this would finally be rewarded with defensive reps, but the Commanders have stood pat so far.
The Texas Tech product hasn't played a defensive snap all season, which is bemusing. Owens has to sit and watch while Jeremy Reaves and Quan Martin have struggled. Even without free-agent signing Nick Cross on the back end, the 2024 undrafted free agent remains on the fringes.
This is a tricky conundrum to solve.
Perhaps the Commanders are trying to keep Owens fresh for his special-teams responsibilities. This is the niche he's carved for himself, and it's working. But if Martin keeps struggling with Cross on the shelf, Washington has to shift course.
Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
- Problem: Extending Frankie Luvu
The Commanders have asked a lot of rookie linebacker Sonny Styles over his first three games in the pros. Fortunately, his supreme talent and high football IQ have led to a sensational start.
Styles got some harsh criticism for his brief preseason involvement. Those doubters have gone awfully quiet of late, with the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft already cementing himself as the frontrunner for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.
His breakout performance against the Seattle Seahawks earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. It was richly deserved and a testament to Styles' adaptability, with almost no veteran support system around him.
Leo Chenal is done for the year after a scary fractured neck required season-ending surgery. Frankie Luvu has missed the last two games with a groin problem, though he might be back against the Indianapolis Colts. Styles has taken on the mantle of LB1 with the green dot, and he is thriving with extra responsibilities on his shoulders.
This is precisely what the Commanders had in mind. But it could make them pause on a potential extension for Luvu at season's end.
Luvu is out of contract. He's an inspirational performer, but the Commanders have a new alpha to lead their defense in Styles. Much will depend on the money involved and whether Chenal can make a full recovery, but it could legitimately go either way right now.
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