The Buffalo Bills' 2026 UDFA class is an intriguing bunch, and one player who stands out is Wande Owens, a former Yale-turned-New Hampshire product. While I didn't scout any of the UDFAs before the draft, Owens caught my attention due to his impressive performance at the pro-day workout in 2025. At 5'11" and 205 pounds, Owens is an electric athlete, as evidenced by his impressive numbers: 4.58 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 1.53 seconds in the 10-yard split, 43 inches in the vertical jump, and 135 inches in the broad jump. These numbers put him in the 41st percentile for the 40-yard dash and the 98th percentile for the vertical jump, showcasing his explosive speed and agility.
What makes Owens particularly fascinating is his ability to make an impact on special teams. With the Bills' special teams unit undergoing some changes, with key members like Reggie Gilliam and Cam Lewis no longer on the team, Owens has a chance to shine. His size, quality, and elite-level explosiveness make him a strong candidate to make an impact in minicamp, training camp, and preseason. In fact, I believe he has a shot to make some noise on the roster, especially on fourth down.
However, Owens' path to regular-season defensive snaps won't be easy. While he flashed as a ball-seeking tackler in preseason games, he needs more reps in coverage. The Bills will likely be cautious with him in that regard, but his potential as an insurance option at safety, nickel back, or linebacker is undeniable. In my opinion, Owens is an under-the-radar story who could surprise many in the coming months. I'll be monitoring him closely, as he has the potential to be a dark horse candidate for a roster spot.
What makes this story even more intriguing is the fact that Owens survived an entire season on his original team and remained on the roster the following season. This is a rare feat for a UDFA, and it speaks to his resilience and determination. It's also a testament to the Bills' faith in him, as they haven't given up on him just yet. From my perspective, Owens is a player worth keeping an eye on, as he has the potential to be a hidden gem on the Bills' roster.
