Jets Sign DB Tyvis Powell To Practice Squad

The New York Jets have signed defensive back Tyvis Powell to the practice squad. Powell is a 24 year old, 6’ 3”, 211 pound safety out of Ohio State University. He went undrafted in the 2016 NFL draft and was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks in May, 2016 as an undrafted free agent.

Tyvis Powell has bounced around the NFL quite a bit without ever securing a significant role. He spent the 2016 season with the Seahawks organization, without registering a stat. Seattle waived Powell after the 2016 season. The Cleveland Browns picked up Powell in February 2017 but waived him before training camp started. The Indianapolis Colts signed Powell in June, 2017 but placed him on injured reserve before the season began, and subsequently waived Powell with an injury settlement. The Seattle Seahawks then re-acquired Powell, signing him to their practice squad, before cutting him shortly thereafter. The San Francisco 49ers picked up Powell in late 2017 and he appeared in three games for the 2017 49ers, registering three tackles. Powell spent the 2018 season bouncing around between the 49ers practice squad and active roster, appearing in five games, including one start, and registering six tackles, before being waived for good on November 13, 2018.

Tyvis Powell’s primary attribute is excellent speed, with a 4.46 40 time. He also shows good leaping ability and strong hands. He lacks physicality and can be a liability against the run. That would seem to peg Powell as a deep safety, but he lacks instincts and timing for deep responsibilities. In short, Powell is a project with some interesting physical attributes, a profile one would expect from a practice squad player who has bounced around the league for three years without ever finding a home. Perhaps with coaching he can use his physical gifts to progress to a larger role.