While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have clung to information in weird ways a lot during the Todd Bowles administration, one area where they have been very open is with rookie Christian Izien.

A pure DB, Izien joined the Bucs by way of Rutgers as an undrafted free agent, and like a lot of guys on this team, he carved a role out for himself very early.

Not only has Izien been able to secure a roster spot for himself with some ease, but Todd Bowles confirmed today that Izien is the starting nickel to begin the season.

Todd Bowles says undrafted rookie Christian Izien will be the team’s starting nickel defensive back. Has not only made the 53 but secured a key role.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 27, 2023

Say what you will about Todd Bowles as a head coach, but he sure does have a way of seeking out and developing young talent. Izien is just the next of a long line of guys that will surprise a lot of fans, and Bowles saw the upside there first.

There may be some growing pains, but this looks like the right move for a Bucs team that can afford to suffer some growing pains if the result is a cheap, successful team that is able to compete down the road.

Izien will be under a lot of pressure from the jump, but pressure makes diamonds, and Todd Bowles has a history of turning guys like this into household names.

Good for the rookie.

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