Texas Tech defensive back Tyler Owens is among the most athletic prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Owens had a 41-inch vertical and 12-foot-2 broad at the NFL Combine, nearly setting an all-time record with his broad jump result. NFL teams were beyond impressed with Owens’ performance.
Owens recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his performance at the NFL Combine, his decision to transfer from Texas to Texas Tech, playing man and zone coverage, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Texas to Texas Tech?
Tyler Owens: I think it was the right decision for me. I joined an excellent coaching staff at Texas Tech. I appreciate the way they developed me as a player and person. There’s a great vibe around the program right now. I feel like I did a lot of developing at Texas Tech.
JM: You put forth an elite performance at the NFL Combine. You had a 41-inch vertical and a 12-foot-2 broad, the latter of which nearly set an all-time combine record. You did all that with terrific size at 6-foot-2 and 216 pounds. How satisfied were you with the performance?
Tyler Owens: I was pretty satisfied overall. I really wanted to beat the broad jump record, but I fell just short of doing that. At the end of the day, I was very happy with the results I managed to capture at the NFL Combine.
JM: You also looked great during position drills at Pro Day. When I turn the tape on, I see a defender that played in the box, played in coverage, and did some stuff in single-high and two-high coverage shells. Which of those spots are you most comfortable with?
Tyler Owens: I feel like I’m at my best when I’m playing near the football. I love playing inside the box because it keeps me closer to the action. That’s where I can really make plays. That position just comes so naturally to me.
You said it, though. I’ve also played in some more traditional safety looks as a two-high safety. I’m pretty comfortable with both positions.
JM: It pops on tape. You love to tackle on tape. You love playing around the ball. I’ve seen you make plays at the nickel. What do you enjoy about tackling and fitting the run game?
Tyler Owens: I like holding opposing offenses to as few yards as possible (laughs). That’s why I’m a very aggressive tackler. I like fitting the run from those positions near the box. I feel great when I’m put in those spots.
JM: You’ve played both man and zone coverage. Say it’s 3rd-and-long with the game on the line. Would you rather be manned up at the nickel, or playing zone with a chance to make a play on the ball near the sticks?
Tyler Owens: That’s a tough question. I’d probably choose man coverage. If it’s 3rd-and-long, I don’t think there’s a receiver that can run faster than me in man coverage. There isn’t a receiver that’s running past me. I feel really good in man coverage.
JM: Your athleticism speaks for itself. Have you met with any teams lately, whether in person or virtually?
Tyler Owens: I’ve had a chance to meet with a lot of teams throughout this process. Between the NFL Combine and Pro Day, I’ve pretty much met with all 32 teams. I went to two all-star games as well. I’ve met a lot of great people throughout this process.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Tyler Owens going to make at the next level?
Tyler Owens: I feel like I’m going to make a huge impact. I can play wherever the team needs me, even as a rookie. I can see my role growing as the season progresses forward.
