Position flexibility is an important trait for a Cowboys defender. From Micah Parsons, who plays both off-ball linebacker and edge, to Chauncey Golston, who plays both inside and outside on the line, to Donovan Wilson, who plays both box and deep safety, and even to DaRon Bland, who plays both nickel and boundary. Versatility is a valued skill in Dallas.
Third-year pro Israel Mukuamu joins a long list of Cowboys defenders whose versatility is a key asset for the defense in 2023.
The Cowboys didn’t know quite what they were getting when they first drafted Mukuamu with the No. 227 pick in the 2021 draft. The former South Carolina cornerback came to Dallas as a high-character prospect, eager to get on the field by any means necessary.
At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Mukuamu fit the prototype for a Dan Quinn defensive back. Three rounds prior to picking Mukuamu, Dallas selected the similarly-built CB Nahshon Wright from Oregon State.
But unlike Wright, Mukuamu was tagged as a safety prospect, not the cornerback he played in college. His speed limitations likely played a role in the position shift, since Quinn historically leans heavily on single-high safety coverage (there’s usually not safety support on the boundary)
Mukuamu joined a crowded field at safety. With Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson and Jayron Kearse, the Cowboys employed one of the best trios in the league (It’s a trio that returns in its entirety in 2023).
As a safety, Mukuamu struggled to see the field. Throughout the regular season he logged just 173 snaps on defense, contributing primarily on special teams with 337 snaps. But in the postseason, things changed for the converted CB.
After seemingly exhausting all other nickel CB options, Quinn turned to the former sixth-round pick for the 2022 postseason. Mukuamu performed well, allowing only a 44.4 percent completion percentage when targeted, 49 total yards yielded, and a notching pass deflection (per PFF).
Mukuamu only played a total 72 snaps in the slot in 2022 (coincidently he logged 72 snaps as a box safety with another 45 as a free safety) but he showed enough to make the Cowboys feel safe if they have to turn to him again this coming season.
For as well as he played the final two postseason games of the 2022 season, Mukuamu is not expected to pick up where he left off as the Cowboys nickel CB. DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis are expected to fight for that post, pushing Mukuamu back down as a depth piece and emergency injury replacement.
Mukuamu showed in 2022 he can play a variety of roles on the Dallas defense, making him a vital depth player on Quinn’s unit. He’s a safety blanket for the Cowboys secondary. His long arms, versatility in coverage and tackling ability also make him an option in strategic match-ups against taller TEs and in the red zone.
Mukuamu raises the floor of the secondary and is an important piece of the defense heading into the 2023 season.
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