Raiders 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: QB, 2024 first-round pick, and more

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Nov 19, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Christian Izien (0) tackles Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: QB, 2024 first-round pick, and more

Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler are intimately familiar with great defensive backs coming out of Rutgers like the McCourty brothers and Duron Harmon, so they grab another potential starter in Christian Izien with the 214th overall pick. While Rutgers may not be the powerhouse it was when the McCourty boys played by the Raritan, Izien is someone with the capabilities to be a real player at the next level.

Izien measures in at 5-10 and 204 pounds so he has the physical profile needed for a safety and also runs a very impressive 4.34 second 40. The New York native has the speed to keep up with any receiver in the NFL and he has shown an ability to make plays from sideline to sideline.

There are some concerns about his footwork and a tendency to be too conservative, but his physical profile is solid and gives the Raiders a good foundation to build upon. He played under Greg Schiano, a former NFL head coach, and defensive coordinator at Rutgers, so he will come to the NFL with the kind of work ethic that could make him stand out in Year 1.

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