This week, the 2023 NFL Draft will be underway, giving young prospects a chance to live out their dreams in the NFL. Among those players from Rutgers football with legitimate NFL ambitions is Christian Izien, who last month performed at the Rutgers Pro Day.
Izien built on a strong senior season at Rutgers when he participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl. The Rutgers safety impressed scouts with his coverage skills. A little undersized at the position (5-foot-9), Izien hung with the bigger receivers in coverage. He can cover man-to-man and has enough length to stay with all receivers (slots or wide-outs).
With no invite to the NFL Combine, Izien needed the Rutgers Pro Day to solidify himself as a draft selection. His numbers plus his strong tape from last year are likely enough to see Izien become a Day 3 pick in the NFL draft.
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Pro Day Results
|
Name: |
Height |
Weight |
Hand |
Arm |
Bench |
Vert Jump |
Broad Jump |
1st 40 |
2nd 40 |
3 cones |
20 shuffles |
|
Izien, Christian |
5ft. 08.6in. |
199 |
9 2/8 |
30 7/8 |
20 |
41 1/2” |
9ft. 11in. |
4.41 |
4.42 |
6.81 |
4.15 |
Izien has excellent footwork to cover all types of receivers. His top-end speed helps him recover during man-to-man coverage, rallying to passes underneath. Also, his speed can help him cover ground in the secondary. Izien provides high effort on the field and is an excellent tackler. The Rutgers safety aggressively attacks receivers on the snap, disrupting their route. Based on his recent performances, Izien deserves an opportunity to make a 53-man NFL roster next season.
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Story originally appeared on Rutgers Wire