Commanders undrafted free agent surges into shock roster contention at camp

This time of year is all about seizing opportunities for NFL players. Some won't get another chance of making a roster. Others are looking to hold on to their respective spots and avoid the embarrassment of being unseated. It's a high-stakes situation for everyone aside from the select few among the elite.

The Washington Commanders have a clean slate to work with this summer. Adam Peters undertook a dramatic roster overhaul to lay down an important marker throughout his first offseason as general manager. Everything about the franchise is almost unrecognizable. That's not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination.

Everyone is getting a legitimate opportunity to stake their claim. From high-end draft picks to big-priced free agents to more unheralded acquisitions, they're all receiving a good look from head coach Dan Quinn and his staff before plans become finalized.

Make no mistake, places will be earned under the new regime. Not given.

Commanders safety Tyler Owens is making a strong push for roster consideration

The depth chart dynamic is starting to take shape heading into the business end of camp. One player who's surged into roster contention is undrafted free agent Tyler Owens, who's typified the attitude Quinn is looking to instill across the roster.

Don't let the headlines about not believing in space fool you, Owens is a tremendous football player. The safety went undrafted but was a highly coveted prospect once the selection process concluded. Washington had to provide the player with a decent contract to attain his services. Based on his early impression, it was a shrewd piece of business.

The former Texas Tech star looks assured in coverage. Owens is intelligent enough to give support when needed and anticipates things well. He's also got the physicality to come further down and help against the run. There's a long way to go, but the first-year pro got the attention of coaches and fans alike.

That was always going to be half the battle for Owens or any other player starting from the bottom.

This is an outstanding start from Owens - perhaps better than even the player anticipated. At the same time, there are some significant hurdles to overcome before confidence rises about his hopes of making the initial 53-man roster.

Washington's safety room is pretty crowded. Jeremy Chinn and Quan Martin are the projected starters. Darrick Forrest and Dominique Hampton should make the team. Jeremy Reaves' special teams prowess makes him a virtual lock. That leaves Owens fighting it out with the likes of Percy Butler for the sixth spot if that's how many the Commanders take through.

Standing out when preseason reps come his way is the litmus test. Owens did well in practice. Producing in a typical game-day setting - albeit against backups and third stringers - will be a better sign of how far the defensive back has come.

If Owens passes this challenge with the same flying colors he's accomplished everything else since joining the Commanders, it would take a brave man to leave him out. Especially considering the chances of him clearing waivers are slim looking at his production up to now.

Others have more experience. That should not stop the Commanders from moving forward with Owens if the decision-makers feel like it's the best thing to do.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

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