Todd Bowles Announces A Backup Will Make The Final-53
July 28th, 2025
Now 52 selections left.
Somewhere, former Bucs commander Greg Schiano is smiling.
That’s because one of Schiano’s protégés is now in the good graces of Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
Today at practice in two-minute-drill work, the guy who jumped out making was Christian Izien, a Schiano Man from Rutgers. He had a pick and a pass breakup, the latter while guarding Payne Durham.
Talk about a mismatch. Durham is maybe the second-biggest Bucs player. Izien is one of the smallest. Izien practiced large today, so much so that Bowles went ahead and said it: Izien will be on the 53-man roster when it’s set Aug. 30.
“Izien is going to be here,” Bowles said. “He’s valuable. I can say he made the team.
“He does so many things well for us. He’s a football player. He has been great.”
Joe thought that was pretty cool of Bowles and it also shows how much the organization respects and values Izien. The way Bowles spoke about Izien, he sounded like the pure definition of a glue guy.
Izien said his good day was the result of being hyped to put the pads on. Today was the Bucs’ first padded practice.
“The first padded practice, there is always a physicality that you bring to it,” Izien told Joe. “I just think it was good competition.
“With pads on, this is the game of football.”
Joe couldn’t put it any better than that.
July 28th, 2025 at 11:18 am
Hopefully sticks around for a long time. One of those glue guys you put wherever and be just works hard and plays smart
July 28th, 2025 at 11:19 am
That’s a pretty huge vote of confidence for the kid from Far Rock.
I’ll keep saying it, we’ve already got our UDFA moneys’ worth with Izien.
Whatever’s asked of him this season I hope he crushes it. I love an underdog, even moreso when that underdog is a Buc.
He & Tucker, show that our scouting department, our staff can take in overlooked talent and put them on a path to grow as players.
Payne Durham better get it together.
July 28th, 2025 at 11:19 am
Honestly when you bring in new guys you point to izien and say be like him (and David who is apparently the guy they point to officially as the model)
July 28th, 2025 at 11:20 am
Glad he’ll be on the roster again.
July 28th, 2025 at 11:32 am
Love this kid glad to hear it Todd
July 28th, 2025 at 11:33 am
GO BUCS
July 28th, 2025 at 11:35 am
Rutgers DB coach, Mark Orphy is a helluva coach!
July 28th, 2025 at 11:44 am
Izien is a Todd guy he seen him at Rutgers while his son was playing
July 28th, 2025 at 11:54 am
We already know he’s going to make the roster
But, what position will be play?
I think he’s a much better CB than Safety
July 28th, 2025 at 11:57 am
Guarantee Izien is a “toes on the line” guy!
July 28th, 2025 at 12:03 pm
Good depth at safety, and slot. Let’s not kid ourselfs though. Parrish will start in the slot, Smith is our new starting safety. Nice to know Izien can step in both, and do a good job when needed.
July 28th, 2025 at 12:51 pm
Izzy and Tykee might be fighting for the starter position. Tykee has been getting the snaps in camp, but the two had nearly identical advanced stats last year. Tykee did allow 5 TDs last year and Izzy allowed none, but Tykee (I think) had 4 forced turnovers and Izzy 1.
July 28th, 2025 at 1:12 pm
Dont know why, but I root for him.
July 28th, 2025 at 1:19 pm
“Dont know why, but I root for him.”
He’s the ghost of Big Easts’ Past lol
July 28th, 2025 at 1:57 pm
Christian has certainly earned his stripes in his first couple of years.
It’s a credit to our front office and coaching staff that UDFAs like Christian can get a fair shot to make the team.
Looking forward to seeing what he does this year.
July 28th, 2025 at 4:39 pm
Izien is one of those great depth pieces. Keep him away from Logan Hall.