Buccaneers' Todd Bowles throws wildcard into mix for key position battle
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense is going through some big changes heading into the 2023 season, but in terms of philosophy and scheme, the defense is the same it's been since 2019. Todd Bowles is obviously back to spearhead the defense in 2023 and while there are plenty of familiar faces around, there are new […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense is going through some big changes heading into the 2023 season, but in terms of philosophy and scheme, the defense is the same it's been since 2019.
Todd Bowles is obviously back to spearhead the defense in 2023 and while there are plenty of familiar faces around, there are new ones, as well. Which obviously means there are some starting positions up for grabs.
The nickel position is one of the spots up for grabs. It's a crucial role that's also deemed as a starting position by Bucs general manager Jason Licht, as well as many other coaches and GMs around the league.
Currently, there are zero set options when it comes to the candidates that could win the job. There are names, however, in Dee Delaney, Zyon McCollum, and rookie Josh Hayes. Antoine Winfield Jr. could also see some time at nickel even if he is definitely playing more free safety in 2023.
There's another name that many people may have glossed over, including myself, and head coach Todd Bowles brought it up Tuesday when he spoke to the media: rookie safety, Chris Izien.
"On film, what we liked about them [Izien and Kaevon Merriweather] is they're both very physical players," said Bowles. "They're very good open field tacklers, we like that about them. The mental part, they're getting down, obviously. Both guys are learning two different positions. Izien [is] learning strong [safety] and nickel and Merriweather is learning both safety spots. So, it's a little bit much, but I like their study habits – I like the way they communicate on the field and I think they're getting it."
Izien is definitely a wildcard when it comes to potential players that could win the job. But, he can certainly be a guy that comes in and gets a serious look, and this becomes pretty clear when reading The Athletic's Dane Brugler's scouting report on the former Rutgers star:
Rocked-up, muscular build with decent length considering his height … explosive athlete with immediate acceleration once he triggers … appears smooth in his cover transitions and quickly closes ground … feisty and tough in man coverage versus slots (tight ends and receivers) … has rabbit feet for leaping opportunities at the catch point … aggressive in run support, striking with hip snap and finishing with hand strength … made a concerted effort to minimize missed tackles on 2022 tape compared to 2021 … extensive special teams resume (572 snaps) with a blocked punt as a senior … maniacal worker in the weight room to maintain his body at peak condition … durable and played in every game the past four years … – Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Bowles' statement also echoes what inside linebackers coach/passing game coordinator Larry Foote said almost a month ago.
"The whole secondary, everybody is going to have an opportunity to do it [compete for the nickel job]," said Foote."We have two corners outside, so if you’re a corner and you want to play, you better step up from a learning standpoint and try to get that position.”
Izien clearly isn't a corner and he's definitely a better fit as a box guy, but playing nickel requires the willingness and ability to play run defense and be very physical and Izien certainly checks those boxes. If he can pick up the mental side of things, like Bowles mentioned, then there's certainly a world where he plays most of the snaps at nickel in 2023.
It'll be interesting to see how things play out over the coming weeks and months.
Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
