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?
The Measurables and Background
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.
Israel Mukuamu’s Production Snapshot: What PFF Tells Us
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)
2024 (201 Snaps)
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- Overall Grade: 48.5
- Run Defense: 56.9
- Tackling: 69.8
- Pass Rush: 47.4
- Coverage: 48.2
2023 (77 Snaps)
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- Overall Grade: 76.3
- Run Defense: 69.7
- Tackling: 78.8
- Pass Rush: N/A
- Coverage: 73.3
2022 (212 Snaps)
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- Overall Grade: 61.3
- Run Defense: 49.1
- Tackling: 76.9
- Pass Rush: 63.2
- Coverage: 64.4
2021 (20 Snaps)
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- Overall Grade: 64.0
- Run Defense: 60.3
- Tackling: N/A
- Pass Rush: N/A
- Coverage: 62.3
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.
Mukuamu’s 2024 Dip: Context is Key
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 PFF grades in 2024, his tackling remained strong (69.8), and he recorded two total pressures and one quarterback hit, showing his ability to contribute as a blitzer in certain packages.
Why Israel Mukuamu Deserves a Bigger Role In 2025
The Cowboys’ secondary is currently undergoing a transition. Veteran Jourdan Lewis is not longer on the team, and younger players like Shavon Revel Jr., Caelen Carson, and Kaiir Elam will compete for key roles.
Jourdan Lewis’ departure leaves an opening at the nickelback position, and this is where Israel Mukuamu could find his niche in the secondary. He will face competition from Kemon Hall and Alijah Clark at nickelback.
However, Mukuamu’s frame and experience make him an intriguing option for the nickel role, especially against tight ends and bigger slot receivers.
His 2023 tape and grades prove he can cover well in space, tackle in the open field, and make plays on the ball without giving up big gains.
In 2024, he played 92 snaps from the nickelback position, and when primarily playing the nickelback position, receivers had a completion percentage of 42%. Quarterbacks had a passer rating of 64.3.
Another Shift in Defensive Philosophy
With Matt Eberflus taking over as defensive coordinator in 2025, there’s an opportunity for players like Mukuamu to carve out a bigger role.
Eberflus values versatility, length, and zone disciplines, traits Mukuamu possesses in spades. Whether it’s as a dime linebacker, hybrid safety, or big nickel corner, Mukuamu could thrive in a system that rewards awareness and physicality.
Eberflus’s track record with defensive backs—helping develop players like Kenny Moore in Indianapolis—further strengthens the case for giving Mukuamu more reps.
Israel Mukuamu’s Untapped Potential in Plain Sight
Israel Mukuamu may not be a household name, but his PFF grades, skillset, and past flashes suggest he could be much more than a backup or special teamer.
His elite 2023 performance was not a fluke; it was a preview of what he can do when trusted with more consistent responsibility.
In a secondary filled with youth and uncertainty, Mukuamu stands out as a player who has already shown he can perform at a high level.
The Cowboys would be wise to give him an extended look in training camp and preseason, especially with open competition at multiple spots.
If given the chance, don’t be surprised if Israel Mukuamu becomes one of the Cowboys’ most underrated contributors on defense in 2025.
He should have been let go. Izzy is solid when everything around him is stable. When asked to step up because a starter gets hurt, he shrinks in the moment. He let too many players come in and surpass him on the depth chart. Obviously, Coach Al kept saving him, but do not see him making it out of training camp this time.
That’s not true!! Like I said in my comment above, Mukuamu came in for an injured Lewis and played in the slot in Lewis’ place and played just as good as Lewis, if not better in the playoffs!! He shut down Chris Godwin in that game!! And Chris Godwin is a top WR in the NFL!! So if Mukuamu can shut down a receiver like Chris Godwin, he’s good enough to do it with 90% of the other slot receivers in the NFL!! And he didn’t let players come in and surpass him…. For some reason the coaches were too stupid to see what they had right in front of them!! And when he shut down Chris Godwin in the playoffs, he didn’t even get much playing time that year, so if he can do that with limited playing time, then he can be a lot better if he was given more playing time where he can stay in rhythm!! So yeah, I disagree with you!! And he was resigned for a reason, so he’s not going anywhere!! He’ll make the team!!
Yes he had a flash moment against Goodwin, and yes we were all optimistic about his potential, but then I seen him regress. Since then, I seen players, with less seniority over take him on the depth chart. Your rebuttal, is that the coaches, who produced multiple pro bowlers are stupid now. Hmm, interesting. Coach Al and Whitt are stupid now? I recall coach Al, in an interview last season, a lot more excited about Conley as the next best corner, after Diggs, Bland, and Lewis.
I’ve been saying he should get more playing time for years!! Even before he shut down Chris Godwin in the playoffs!! But when he shut down Chris Godwin in the playoffs, I thought for sure he would get more playing time, but for some reason, the coaches didn’t give it to him!! I never understood why!! If he can shut down a player as good as Chris Godwin, then he shouldn’t have any problems doing it with other slot receivers!! I’ve been hearing that Eberflus and the other defensive coaches have been putting Bland in the slot and putting Mukuamu on the outside during mini camp and OTAs, but I think Mukuamu should stay in the slot where he’s already proven to be a starting caliber player!! I could be wrong, he could be just as good, if not better on the outside, and with his height, it’s very possible he could be better on the outside, but after seeing how good he played against Godwin in the playoffs, I have a feeling he should keep playing in the slot!! But I guess we’ll see what happens when the season starts!!