Drew Stevens - Commanders PK
Drew Stevens had to wait longer than expected for his opportunity. The rookie kicker didn't hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft despite an exceptional college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Washington Commanders initially offered him only a tryout, but those plans changed when interest from elsewhere emerged.
Adam Peters got Stevens tied down to a rookie contract, and the player felt this was the best place to potentially earn a starting role. Veteran Jake Moody won't be stepping aside willingly after signing a new one-year deal, but this is a real battle with no clear-cut winner right now.
The Commanders have already stated their desire to take this right through the preseason before making their choice at final cuts. Moody may have a slight edge, but Stevens' leg strength, accuracy, and impressive start to life in Washington make it extremely difficult to predict with any certainty.
It's been a long time since the Commanders had stability at the kicking position. Ideally, Stevens would leave no doubt and stick around for the next decade or more, but it's rarely that simple. The life of a kicker can flip at any moment. However, the player already looks more than capable of giving Peters and Dan Quinn a tough debate.
Tyler Owens - Commanders DB
Tyler Owens is seemingly buried deep down the depth chart entering Year 3 of his professional career. However, that could change quickly if he responds positively to the teachings of new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
Owens' physical attributes need no introduction. He's got the size, speed, and instinctiveness to be a high-level performer in the NFL. Consistency and hesitancy on occasion have made him a bit-part player despite impressing over the last two summers. But if anyone can help the Texas Tech product take a giant leap, it's Jones.
The new hire's work with defensive backs earned notable praise at previous stops. Jones' knowledge and ability to motivate make it difficult not to buy in. Owens could be the primary beneficiary with the added incentive of a contract year.
Washington experimented with Owens in the nickel over early offseason workouts. This adds another wrinkle to his game, and he's got the athletic intangibles to potentially thrive in this role. While he is still an unknown quantity with plenty of promise, it's clear that the Commanders are not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
There is plenty of competition for places in the secondary. But if Owens can excel in training camp and shine with whatever reps come his way in the preseason, that might be enough for increased involvement.
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