The San Francisco 49ers signed undrafted free-agent wide receiver Terique Owens following the 2024 NFL Draft last season. After an unnoticeable rookie season, the second-year pass catcher is earning high marks for his early performance in rookie camp thus far.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic noted that the son of Niners Hall of Fame great Terrell Owens has looked good in camp (subscription required).
Barrows wrote:
"One receiver who had no problem with the pace was Terique Owens, an undrafted rookie a year ago. 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 put up limited numbers in college as he did not play a lot, but he showed potential. The 49ers clearly thought that with the proper coaching they could turn him into a solid player.
Barrows went on to identify Owens as a "player to watch" in 2025 for San Francisco. That makes sense especially since the 49ers seem to be largely content with their current wide receiving corps. There have been reports that recently released wide receiver Gabe Davis met with San Francisco, but the Niners would be wise to steer clear of him and give chances to their younger players.
Jauan Jennings seems likely to be the top option on the depth chart to start 2025, as Brandon Aiyuk recovers from his knee injury last season. After him, San Francisco is going to give opportunities to second-year players like Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing.
After them on the depth chart, a guy like Owens could earn himself some targets with strong play in training camp and the preseason. Another player to watch out for is Isaiah Neyor, an undrafted free agent signed after the 2025 NFL Draft who has also earned plaudits from Barrows.
The 49ers seem content to "let the kids play" in 2025 on both sides of the ball. They needed to get younger, hungrier, and more dynamic on both sides of the ball. So, look for young players eager to prove themselves, like Owens, to step up in 2025 and help fuel San Francisco as the team tries to get back on track after a disappointing 2024 season.
Owens may always live in the shadow of his father, but he has a chance in 2025 to carve out his own path and become a solid NFL wide receiver.
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