Immediate Competition At Nickel Cornerback
April 27th, 2024
In trouble.
Bucs nickel cornerback Christian Izien is about to run into something called “investiture.”
Izien was undrafted out of Rutgers last season and quickly became the Bucs’ nickel corner to start on opening day. He splashed with two interceptions early but faded and then revived a bit late in the year.
Call him a “rookie wall” guy, which is understandable.
But when you’re not drafted and not dominating, team officials tend to have very limited patience for your services.
Tonight, the Bucs drafted defensive back Tykee Smith in Round 3. Assistant GM John Spytek emphatically explained that Smith was so well coached at Georgia, he should be competing immediately for the starting nickel job.
“Investiture” is the NFL phenomenon that lives in front offices when a player is drafted. It leads to some players being kept, coddled and put on the field because team executives and coaches literally want to will greatness out them when others on the roster may be more deserving.
Joe’s not saying the Bucs engage in this practice, but often it can be unrealized by a team, almost subconscious.
In the looming Izien-Smith performance battle, Izien best hope he’s not tied with the rookie.
April 27th, 2024 at 10:18 am
Not only them but T Thomas already graded out as a top 31 cb and he was a nickel CB
April 27th, 2024 at 10:19 am
Holding flag magnet, refs were picking on him, I am sure it was a self fulfilling prophecy from referee film study and not that he was actually holding. I thought he played very well otherwise for a rookie and will be better this year.
April 27th, 2024 at 10:27 am
Joe, what do you know about how Josh Hayes is doing? Wasn’t he supposed to be a nickel too?
April 27th, 2024 at 10:27 am
For a undrafted rookie to even start is amazing
April 27th, 2024 at 10:29 am
Houston fans were upset to lose Tavierre Thomas. He was a really good nickel. However he is 28 and on a one year deal so probably not our long term bet.
April 27th, 2024 at 10:38 am
Maybe, if it is a “tie,” then there could be some trade value hopefully, down the road.
April 27th, 2024 at 10:44 am
Izien is a DAWG and won’t be afraid to compete.
April 27th, 2024 at 10:48 am
Can versatile Smith play CB as well? Just wondering.
April 27th, 2024 at 10:50 am
Kirk Cousins reportedly really angry about Atlanta’s draft, which most commentators are regarding as a disaster.
April 27th, 2024 at 10:57 am
^^Agree, Buddha. Those silly Fowlcuns!
April 27th, 2024 at 11:14 am
DUMB PICK, Christian was great as an undrafted rookie and our obvious starter this year. Could of got a bigger need like outside corner or JEREMIAH TROTTER
April 27th, 2024 at 11:19 am
I dunno I see him more as a 3rd safety who can sometimes play nickel, but I think the better slot WRs will be way too fast and elusive for him. Not made for true man coverage. At least that’s what the draft profiles of him indicate:
• Tendency to grab when he had to flip his hips to match in-breakers. A natural reaction that might not be fixable.
• Significant limitations in man-to-man coverage versus good slot receivers. Was not asked to do that at Georgia.
• Rarely played on the back end in Georgia’s defense even in 2-shell coverages. Lacks range and overall athleticism.
• Coverage will be the main concern as you transition Smith to the next level. Limits his alignment and deployment.
April 27th, 2024 at 11:19 am
Really liked the play by Christian Izien. Nothing wrong with Competition. Only keeps you on your toes and makes you a better player.
I think we can now focus on the Best Player Available since most of the Bucs dire needs have been fulfilled
April 27th, 2024 at 11:23 am
Don’t hate Smith. Hate the Bucs picked a S for depth when there were premium players available at G, LB and RB.
April 27th, 2024 at 11:25 am
No slot cornerback better than the tankman💯😀👍
April 27th, 2024 at 11:29 am
Izien just became good young depth at a cheap price. He can play some safety too. Make no mistake, Smith starts day one at nick.
April 27th, 2024 at 11:38 am
Both Christian Izien & Tykee Smith are Safeties playing Nickel, and I suspect that’s exactly what Todd Bowles wants. Neither one is especially big (5’8″ & 5’9″) or particularly fast, but they’re both quick and they’re both ball-hawks (like Edwards was). Got a hunch we’ll see both of them on the field quite a bit this year, and that we’ll also see both of them being used as blitzers quite a bit. Izien blitzed 56 times last season (2nd most on the team behind Devin White’s 75 blitzes).
April 27th, 2024 at 11:43 am
Bucs Guy … ‘Hate the Bucs picked a S for depth when there were premium players available at G, LB and RB.’
I’ll second that, and especially the LB & RB part. I’m not sold on KJ Britt as the starter at MLB, and Lord help us if Rachaad White misses any games with an injury. Not to mention that it’d be really nice to have a true Mike Alstott clone for short-yardage situations and to help close out games.
April 27th, 2024 at 11:54 am
Picking a nickle back feels like picking a kicker.
April 27th, 2024 at 12:02 pm
Never can replace tankman 💯💯
April 27th, 2024 at 12:43 pm
I think the mold of the d is to transition to a zone blitz scheme. Last year they had man press corners. All of the additions are more in the mold of older Tampa 2 style d. DBs that can take advantage of their short burst and special IQ.
April 27th, 2024 at 12:56 pm
It all makes sense now! “Investiture“ = JTS
April 27th, 2024 at 1:21 pm
“Joe’s not saying the Bucs engage in this practice, but often it can be unrealized by a team, almost subconscious.”
Go ahead and say it Joe. “investiture” is common as peewee sports.
When I was in the 8th grade my community did not have enough wealth to field teams for all the kids who wanted to play. Consequently we had to try out for teams with 20 player limits. I felt I was 20th best and thought I’d at least make the team…but the coach took an inferior player who was…surprise…HIS son.
My father shut me up when I whined. He said simply, “Well then you should have been 19th best and you wouldn’t have got cut. Play better!”
That was a father protecting his son…if anybody here wishes to believe that ALL NFL GM”s at some times let their egos lead to “investiture”…Joe was kind enough to call it “subconscious”. OK.
April 27th, 2024 at 1:48 pm
Love what izen did as a undrafted rook. Competition will make him better and adds depth incase if injury. Bowels and crew can develop DBs better than anyone in the league and we have proof a SB to prove it. Dean Davis Winfield whitehead and Edwards all contributed to it and played some HOF QBs in Bree’s and Rogers and most likely the next goat on mahomie. Competition is needed at every position. I like the pic
April 27th, 2024 at 2:04 pm
Tavierre Thomas and Tykee will be the nickles. Izien will move back to his natural position at safety. And be a better fit there.
April 27th, 2024 at 3:58 pm
Tykee is to slow, and lacks fluidity, to play in the secondary.
Hes an undersized linebacker. Meybe play him in the box on running plays.
Thats it. He will never hold up in coverage.
April 27th, 2024 at 10:25 pm
If this guy is as slow you say he is then look forward to more of that good ol Buc db 10-20 yard cushion we’ve all grown to love and admire.
April 27th, 2024 at 10:41 pm
I like Tykee Smith but it seems the nickel corner position is overcrowded now and outside corner seems very thin. To me we needed an outside corner much more.