Daronte Jones could be key to unlock Commanders’ undrafted standout player’s potential on defense
Daronte Jones could help unlock Tyler Owen’s potential with the new scheme and developmental plans.
The Washington Commanders made drastic changes this offseason to their coaching staff, hoping it would improve the product on the field as well.
Head coach Dan Quinn had to bring in an outside hire with fresh eyes in Daronte Jones, who is already looking to improve the current roster. Jones says he has already watched every player on defense and built individual learning plans for each player to help their development.
One under-the-radar player who could really benefit from Jones’ coaching is former undrafted rookie Tyler Owens, who has already shown flashes.
Daronte Jones can unlock Tyler Owens’ potential
Owens was one of the more intriguing prospects when the NFL Draft ended with his athletic profile, but he was still raw with his limited snaps in college. He decided to sign with the Commanders and made the 53-man roster. Now, Owens has made a strong impression, and he can take it to the next level with the right coaching and development from Jones.
Owens is a 6-2, 215-pound defensive back who ran a 4.30 40-yard dash with a 41″ vertical. His traits translate on the field, but his potential as a football player can still be tapped into at just 24 years old.
Owens has the speed and versatility that Jones is looking for, and he could have a role in a safety room that’s expected to undergo major changes.
Tyler Owens has the traits Daronte Jones is looking for
Speed, physicality, and versatility are exactly what Jones is looking for in the secondary, and Owens is a guy Jones mentioned in his introductory press conference when asked about what he sees on the Commanders’ defense.
“I would say young and athletic,” Jones said. “I know there are some there’s some older pieces there, but for the most part, especially the guys that we know we have in our system here, you look at the back end with, we’re talking about [Mike] Sainristil, Trey Amos, Quan Martin, Will Harris, you know, those guys are athletic. Then you throw in the [Jeremy] Reaves in there as well, who provides some versatility, you know? And [Tyler] Owens is also another versatile guy. You look at Magee, you look at [Frankie] Luvu, you look at [Kain] Medrano, those guys are athletic, and they’re young.”
Owens didn’t play a ton in 2025, but he did show that he can play at corner, in the slot, both safety positions, and in the box as well. Jones can mold him to become the best where he’s most comfortable and allow him to use his athletic traits moving forward.
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