Mukuamu returns to Cowboys’ camp, but what’s his future?

The Cowboys have been noncommittal to where they intend to focus Israel Mukuamu in 2023 indicating they plan to keep his role fluid. | From @ReidDHanson

One of the biggest mysteries entering training camp this summer was how the Cowboys were planning to use third-year defensive back Israel Mukuamu. The former South Carolina cornerback was drafted by Dallas in the sixth round of the 2021 draft with the intention of turning him into a safety. For two seasons that’s where Mukuamu developed.

Working behind the likes of Donovan Wilson, Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker, opportunities weren’t exactly pouring from the heavens, but the young safety was able to log defensive snaps both in the box (62) and back deep (43) in the 2022 regular season. Things were generally quiet for Mukuamu for most of 2022. But when he took the field as Dan Quinn’s secret solution at nickel cornerback in the postseason, his buzz reached peak levels.

The CB-turned-safety-turned-CB again entered the offseason layered in mystery. Which position was in his future?

After missing the first portion of training camp to a hamstring injury, it appears the answer is both. Since Mukuamu has returned to the field, he’s been playing a variety of roles. From nickel, to box, to boundary, he’s been used all over the defense.

Quinn’s defense is notorious for its gray lines between positions. Box safeties are like nickel cornerbacks in many ways. If the player can survive in man coverage, he can be useful.

Mukuamu has even been getting practice in one-on-one situations down the sidelines.

The Cowboys have an embarrassment of riches in their secondary. Their talent at both positions runs deep so immediate needs in any one particular spot are not present at the moment.

They value versatility greatly and have shown they have little hesitation in getting creative when needs demand.

Mukuamu’s ability to play strong coverage in a variety of roles makes him a valuable piece on the Dallas defense. As such, no one should expect the Cowboys to pigeonhole him into any specific position until they have to.

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