New York Jets Wide Receiver Chris Owusu’s Future

It’s the off-season for the NFL and the New York Jets. With that, much of the discussion has turned to what the Jets need to fix the roster. Everywhere you turn these days, you’ll find mock drafts concerning the Jets future picks. Elsewhere you will find plenty of articles covering who the Jets might add through free agency acquisitions.

Very little time is given to the fringe players the Jets do have, and how they may develop to aid the Jets going forward. Today I’d like to spend a little time discussing one of those players. Let’s take a look at Chris Owusu and what his future with the Jets might offer. 

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Next: Owusu's Career

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Chris Owusu (14) makes a catch in front of Minnesota Vikings cornerback

(21) during the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Owusu played his collegiate career at Stanford University. His college career was marred with injuries, mainly concussions. Owusu put up some impressive numbers at Stanford however. Even with the injury concerns, Owusu managed 102 receptions for 1534 yds. and 10 TD’s in his four years at Stanford. It should be noted that Owusu’s three concussions were short-lived and a neurologist cleared him to continue his career in the NFL.

Owusu’s game was multi-faceted while at Stanford. Along with his receiving role, Owusu also played a part in the rushing game, as well as some time as a kick returner. Owusu’s rushing stats are modest with only 16 attempts for 176 yds, and no TD’s, but that still pans out to an 11 yard average per carry. In the kicking game he took 78 chances for 2132 yds, and three TD’s. Owusu’s average on returns was a nice 23.7 yards per attempt.

Owusu’s injuries in college resulted in him going undrafted in the 2012 draft. He was eventually signed by the San Fransisco 49ers. Owusu stayed with the 49ers through camp, but was waived at final cuts. Owusu’s next stop was in San Diego where he was placed on the Chargers practice squad.

Tampa Bay then stepped into the picture, signing Owusu from the Chargers practice squad on September 20, 2012. Owusu remained with the Buccaneers through 2012, playing in five games and posting one reception for 24 yards. In 2013, Owusu played in nine games for the Buccaneers, posting 13 receptions for 114 yards.

The Jets signed him in September of 2014, later cutting him, only to resign him to their practice squad. Owusu broke into the Jets 53 man roster on December 4th of last year. In very limited appearances, Owusu posted four receptions for 58 yds for a 11.8 yard average. One of those receptions came in the final game of the season, where he posted his year long of 36 yards on a deep ball thrown by Geno Smith. To add to his contributions that day, Owusu made the most out of his only rushing attempt as a Jet, breaking loose for a 23 yard TD 

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Next: The Skill Set

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Chris Owusu (14) scores a touchdown as Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) can

It’s apparent that Chris Owusu’s career has been anything but ideal. Injuries have been a concern throughout his career, but Owusu continues to make the most of his opportunities. He continues to work hard with the Jets to improve his game, and if the final game of the 2014 season is any indicator, the hard work is beginning to pay off!

Owusu has some great intangibles as an NFL wide receiver. His 2012 combine results speak to his potential. He turned in the second fastest combine time in history, blazing through the 40 yard dash in 4.36 seconds. If that were not enough to turn heads, he added another blazing time in the shuttle drill at 4.11 seconds and a 6.85 in the cone drill.

To add to his list of measurables, Owusu posted a 40.5 verical jump to go along with a 10’9″ broad jump. Looking back now, it’s hard to believe a player with such intangibles went undrafted. Owusu has the skill set to be successful at the NFL level if he can remain healthy and avoid concussions.

Next: The Analysis

Oct 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Owusu (80) is tackled after a catch by Atlanta Falcons linebacker

(59) in the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Owusu is a smart player, he plays the game with a very high football IQ. He runs his routes well, and can make the adjustment to the secondary’s coverage. His speed makes him a legitimate deep threat, and he possesses great ball skills.  At 6’0″/ 196 lbs, Owusu has the size to play physical with corners as well. His size and strength allow him to climb the ladder and come down with contested balls.  Owusu has the tools.

I can see Owusu being used as a versatile player for the Jets. He’s shown a good vision of the field after he catches the ball. If used in the run game, he may be a dangerous weapon getting to the corner, his speed could make him a dangerous option for reverses as well. In the return game he may offer some value as well if given the reps.

Owusu will be back in 2015 to compete through camp. How he shows for the new coaching staff, will determine if there is a place on the roster for the Jets. Chan Gailey’s new schemes may fit Owusu’s skill set quite well. He’s versatile enough to be used in the short game, and fast enough to cause secondaries to fear him deep. Gailey may also like him as an option out of the back field, where he could become an outlet receiver for whomever the QB may be next season.

Overall, I think Owusu has the skills to succeed for the Jets. Owusu is only 25 years old, and his game is just beginning to show the results of Owusu’s hard work. I believe given a more prominent role in the Jets offense, he could develop into a nice addition to the Jets wide receiver corp.

Any thoughts on the player? What do you see his role being in 2015? Will he make the 53 man roster? What’s your take? We want to know. Join the discussion. Let’s talk Jets football!

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