If you were scrolling through the late-round tracker during the 2025 NFL Draft, you probably felt that familiar sting of confusion when Rashod Owens’ name didn't pop up. He was the guy who absolutely shredded Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl. He was the "ultimate Cowboy" at Oklahoma State. Honestly, seeing a 6-foot-2, 220-pound receiver with that kind of resume go undrafted felt like a glitch in the system.
But here we are in early 2026, and the narrative around the Rashod Owens NFL draft journey has shifted from "Why wasn't he picked?" to "How soon until he’s back on a 53-man roster?"
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His path hasn't been a straight line. It's been more like a slant route through heavy traffic—rugged, physical, and requiring a ton of patience. After a brief stint with the Cincinnati Bengals as a priority free agent in the summer of 2025, Owens found himself back in the evaluation cycle. For draft nerds and Big 12 fans, his story is a case study in why "draft stock" is often just a polite way of saying "NFL teams are scared of a 4.6 forty."
The Oklahoma State Resumé That Scouts Overlooked
Let’s be real: Rashod Owens was never the "speed merchant" that GMs salivate over during the Combine. He’s a possession monster. During his 2023 breakout, he hauled in 63 passes for 895 yards. Most of those weren't easy. We’re talking about contested catches where he basically treated cornerbacks like annoying younger siblings.
That Texas Bowl performance—10 catches, 164 yards, and two scores—should have been his ticket.
The 2024 season was a bit weirder. Oklahoma State’s offense hit some turbulence, and while Owens still put up 515 yards and 4 touchdowns, his numbers dipped. It didn't help that he was sharing targets with Brennan Presley, who snatched up a lot of the short-area volume. By the time the 2025 draft rolled around, scouts were worried about his "suddenness." They saw a guy who could out-muscle college kids but wondered if he could create separation against NFL vets.
Why the Cincinnati Bengals Experiment Mattered
The Bengals signed him immediately after the draft in April 2025. It made sense on paper. Cincy loves big-bodied receivers who can win in the red zone, and with the uncertainty surrounding their depth chart at the time, Owens had a real shot.
He survived most of the summer. He played in the preseason. He showed that his hands are, quite frankly, like glue. But the NFL is a numbers game. On August 25, 2025, the Bengals waived him during the final roster cuts.
"Owens is a physically strong pass-catcher whose skill set shines brightest in the shallow-to-intermediate areas... but his long speed remains the question mark." — Common scouting consensus circa 2025.
Since then, Owens has been in that "stay ready" mode that breaks lesser players. But for those watching the Rashod Owens NFL draft prospects for the 2026 cycle or potential spring league openings, the physical tools haven't gone anywhere. He’s still 229 pounds. He still has a vertical that allows him to high-point balls that other receivers can't touch.
Breaking Down the 2026 Outlook
So, what happens now? Owens is technically a free agent, but his name keeps surfacing in conversations about "forgotten" prospects who deserve a second look. The landscape of the NFL is changing; teams are realizing that while 4.3 speed is great, you still need guys who can move the chains on 3rd and 7.
The Physical Profile
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 227–230 lbs
- Style: Power Forward at WR
- Top Trait: Body control in the air
If you’re a team like the Ravens or the Chargers—teams that value blocking and physical perimeter play—Owens is essentially a "free" developmental asset. He’s already had a taste of a pro locker room. He knows the playbook terminology.
The biggest hurdle for him isn't his talent; it's the "UDFA" label. Once you go undrafted, you’re always fighting uphill. You don't get the "he was a 3rd rounder, let’s give him another year" luxury. You have to be perfect.
What Most People Get Wrong About Rashod Owens
People look at his stats from his final year at Stillwater and assume he regressed. They didn't watch the tape. Owens was often the one clearing out space or winning on a route only for the QB to be under duress.
He’s also an elite blocker. In an era where "wide back" roles and heavy-personnel sets are becoming popular again (look at what Bobby Slowik and Ben Johnson are doing), a receiver who can actually crack-back on a linebacker is worth his weight in gold. Owens doesn't just block; he enjoys it. That’s a rare trait for a guy with his catch radius.
Actionable Steps for Following the Comeback
If you’re tracking the next phase of Owens' career, keep an eye on these specific markers:
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- UFL or Alternate League Signings: Many scouts use the spring leagues as a "live" Combine. If Owens lands a spot and puts up 800 yards in a spring season, he’ll be back in an NFL camp by July 2026.
- Workout Reports: Watch for "Top 30" style visits or mid-week workouts. NFL teams often cycle through big-bodied WRs when their starters hit the Injured Reserve.
- Position Flex: There has been some chatter about Owens adding 10 pounds and playing a "Big Slot" or "F-TE" role. His frame can certainly handle it.
The Rashod Owens NFL draft story didn't end with a podium call in 2025. It just moved to a different chapter. He remains one of the most physically imposing receivers currently sitting on the outside looking in. For any front office needing a red-zone threat who won't complain about blocking on run downs, the film from his time at Oklahoma State is still sitting there, waiting to be rediscovered.
Keep an eye on the transaction wire this spring. Players with his "dog" mentality rarely stay out of the game for long. He’s built for the grind, and the grind is exactly where he’s at right now.
Check the latest UFL rosters or NFL practice squad additions over the next few weeks to see where he lands next.