Inside The Star
The Dallas Cowboys’ Israel Mukuamu is more than just another depth piece—he’s a versatile defensive back with size, instincts, and untapped potential to make a significant impact in games.
Israel Mukuamu, at 6’4”, 205 pounds, brings a rare physical profile to the Cowboys’ secondary, and his flashes of productivity beg a simple question heading into the 2025 NFL season:
Why hasn’t he been given more consistent opportunities on defense?
Drafted in the sixth round (pick 228) of the 2021 NFL Draft, Mukuamu entered the league as a long, rangy defensive back with the ability to play safety, nickel, and outside corner.
Though initially projected as a safety or cornerback by many scouts, his versatility has allowed the Cowboys to deploy him in various sub-packages.
Now entering his fifth season, Mukuamu is just 25 years old and remains physically in his prime.
His length, athleticism, and high football IQ continue to make him a valuable asset on special teams and as a rotational defensive back.
Mukuamu’s career defensive snap counts are still relatively low, totaling just 510 snaps across four seasons. However, when given the chance—like in 2023—he made the most of his limited role.
Here’s a breakdown of his season-by-season grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF)
What stands out is Mukuamu’s strong 2023 campaign, where he posted elite grades in both coverage and tackling despite being on the field for only 77 snaps.
His 76.3 overall grade, bolstered by a 73.3 coverage grade, indicates strong play in limited action. But with a larger role, his play diminishes; this could be due to a change in defensive philosophies.
Transitioning from Dan Quinn to Mike Zimmer represents a significant shift in defensive philosophy.
Which leads to consistency, this may be the key for Mukuamu’s success, as his numbers were steadily increasing under Dan Quinn and then fell off under Mike Zimmer.
While his 2024 performance showed a decline (48.5 overall, 48.2 in coverage), it’s important to understand the context behind the numbers.
Mukuamu logged more snaps (201) than in the previous season and was often thrust into action due to injuries or rotational needs.
Playing out of position or facing top-tier receivers in limited reps can impact a player’s numbers, especially when rhythm and game flow are hard to maintain with inconsistent usage.
Despite the lower...
