Former 49ers UDFA and son of franchise legend a 'tone-setter' in rookie minicamp
Former 49ers UDFA and son of franchise legend a 'tone-setter' in rookie minicamp
It's hard to fly under the radar on the San Francisco 49ers roster as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Owens. However, Terique Owens may not be an 'under the radar' type of player for much longer.
San Francisco added Owens as an undrafted rookie last season out of Missouri State. He spent most of the year on the 49ers' practice squad trying to gain his sea legs in the NFL. His experience with the 49ers' coaching staff shined through at the team's rookie minicamp where Owens participated as a second-year player.
The Athletic's Matt Barrows was in attendance for the rookie minicamp sessions and noted how well-prepared Owens looked in the early practices.
Owens spent most of the 2024 season on the practice squad and therefore was familiar with, and prepared for, Hankerson's routine. Because of that, he was the tone-setter in Friday's practice, leading the receivers through the drills.
Owens is firmly in the 'players to watch' category this offseason. Though he's the son of pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens, he got a late start with football and the 49ers were betting on his upside when they signed him a year ago. He'll have the opportunity to prove himself this year.
It'll be interesting to see just how far into the roster battle Owens can climb. He has good size at 6-3, 200 pounds and his pedigree will always make him an intriguing prospect. Brandon Aiyuk's injury status and a possible suspension for Demarcus Robinson could open the door for Owens to find his way into the final 53 players.
If Aiyuk is still working back from his injury to start the year and if Robinson is facing a three-game suspension, it opens two spots on an initial roster that doesn't feature a ton of high-quality receiver depth. Owens should be in the mix with players like Jacob Cowing, rookie fourth-round pick Jordan Watkins and a handful of other veterans who aren't locks to make the team.
Owens is off to a good start with a strong rookie minicamp. Now he'll need to translate that to the rest of the offseason program and into training camp where the rubber will meet the road on the roster construction. If Owens shows growth as a pass catcher and contributes on special teams, he may follow in his father's footsteps and suit up for the 49ers on Sundays.
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