When the Washington Commanders hired Dan Quinn, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, as their new head coach in February 2024, it signaled a significant shift in their team strategy. Quinn, known for his defensive prowess, was brought in with a clear mandate: to bolster the Commanders’ defensive unit. Since his appointment, Quinn has worked diligently to infuse the roster with defensive talent and potential through both free agency and the draft.
Pro Football Focus NFL writer Trevor Sikkema highlighted the Commanders’ rookie safeties, Dominique Hampton and Tyler Owens, as key players to watch during the preseason, particularly with the team’s exhibition opener against the New York Jets on August 10.
“The addition of Dominique Hampton and Tyler Owens was intriguing,” Sikkema wrote. “These are super-sized safeties whose athleticism and body type offer significant position versatility. With Jeremy Chinn also joining the team, I’m eager to see how Dan Quinn utilizes them.”
Hampton, a fifth-round pick (No. 161 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft, played a pivotal role at the University of Washington, leading the team to the College Football Playoff national championship game. Over his college career, Hampton set a school record by appearing in 57 games and delivered notable stats in his senior year, including 109 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 pass deflections.
Owens, who was signed as an undrafted free agent, also boasts impressive physical attributes. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 213 pounds, he impressed scouts with a 41-inch vertical jump at the NFL combine and a broad jump of 12 feet, 2 inches. His speed, initially projected to be in the 4.2-second range for the 40-yard dash, was hindered by a groin injury during his first attempt.
However, Owens’ draft stock may have been affected by a controversial interview at the NFL combine, where he expressed beliefs that there are no other planets besides Earth and endorsed the “flat Earth” theory. This unusual perspective drew comparisons to Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving’s 2018 comments on the same topic, which had sparked widespread criticism. Whiskey Riff’s Matt Fitzgerald noted that such beliefs could have deterred NFL teams from selecting Owens.
“While NFL locker rooms are far from perfect, and players come from diverse backgrounds, Owens’ statements about the flat Earth theory likely made teams hesitant,” Fitzgerald wrote. “NFL teams may overlook some eccentricities, but expressing such unconventional views about fundamental scientific concepts could be a dealbreaker.”
As the Commanders prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how Quinn integrates these rookies into his defensive scheme. With Hampton and Owens offering unique skill sets and athleticism, they could become pivotal players in the Commanders’ defensive transformation.
