Former Alabama offensive lineman Chris Owens makes undrafted free agency decision

Former Alabama offensive lineman Chris Owens was not drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. But, it didn’t take him long to make his undrafted free agency decision. He chose to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He started 20 career games during his time with the Crimson Tide, including 12 at right tackle and one at center during the 2021 campaign. Owens also accounted for 19 knockdown blocks last season.

In joining the Steelers, he became the fifth Alabama player to join the franchise this year. Owens was one of six former Tide players to go undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, joining Josh Jobe, Chris Allen, Slade Bolden, LaBryan Ray, and Daniel Wright.

According to the On3 Consensus Rankings for the 2016 recruiting cycle, Owens was rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 15 interior offensive lineman in the country for that class.

Longtime NFL Draft analyst Lance Zirlein gave his thoughts on Slade Bolden.

NFL.com scouting report on Alabama receiver Slade Bolden

As good of a route runner as he is, Bolden doesn’t have the speed or athleticism to make the plays as some of the other receiver prospects from the draft. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted this in his analysis of the Alabama product, and it is likely one of the reason he went undrafted in the first place.

“Slot target who will catch and gain what is available but is unlikely to do much beyond that,” Zierlein wrote. “Bolden has adequate quickness for the Alabama scheme but isn’t an explosive separator. He has the hands and toughness to work in the middle of the field but will see diminishing catch windows the further he gets from the line of scrimmage. He doesn’t have the speed or catch radius to help inaccurate passers and he doesn’t appear to have enough talent to shine outside of the Alabama juggernaut.”

On3’s Chandler Vessels also contributed to this article.