Tyler Owens - Commanders DB
The Washington Commanders have utilized Tyler Owens in some intriguing ways under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. And for the first time in his NFL journey, a bigger role on the rotation might be in his immediate future.
Owens has always had the athletic measurables. He's got the size, length, physicality, and dynamism to be an immediate game-wrecker on defense. Unfortunately, he's never quite put everything together, and his previous defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr., had no clue how to maximize his gifts.
Jones is looking to change all that.
The former Texas Tech standout has been used in both safety spots. Owens has spent time as a big nickel cornerback, at linebacker, and even coming off the edge in blitz packages. It's had the desired effect, with his efforts during training camp and the preseason igniting a spark that can hopefully carry into the regular season.
And if Owens can maximize his opportunities, he's got the scope to add a completely different dynamic to Washington's defense.
Chig Okonkwo - Commanders TE
The Commanders needed a rethink in their tight end room this offseason. Zach Ertz was serviceable over his two seasons in Washington, but he was aging and recovering from a torn ACL. With David Blough taking over the offense, there was never a better time to shift course.
General manager Adam Peters had something in mind, signing Chig Okonkwo on a three-year, $27 million deal in free agency. The former Maryland standout brings a different level of dynamism to the table, and instantly becomes an upgrade at all three levels of the field in the passing game.
Okonkwo has caught the eye this offseason, developing chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels and looking like the sort of player who can make his presence felt. Blough wants to use tight ends more heavily in his concepts, and the new arrival will lead the charge.
If Okonkwo meets his billing, a legitimate breakout campaign won't be too far behind.
Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
The criticism being directed at rookie linebacker Sonny Styles over his very brief preseason involvement is laughable. He was barely on the field, and upon further examination of the game film, he didn't do much wrong at all.
Still, this is what Styles can expect as the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Styles has all the athletic measurables needed to be a franchise cornerstone. The Commanders were blown away by the player during their comprehensive pre-draft assessments, and they got a stroke of good fortune when he fell out of the top five and into their laps.
All this unfair judgment before Styles plays a competitive snap will serve as motivation for the second-level enforcer. And under Daronte Jones, he's got the versatility and aggression to make things happen.
A few comments from critics on social media have not diminished the confidence around Styles. He's a superstar in waiting, and working alongside the duo of Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal only raises optimism.
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