Dallas Cowboys role player in line to become a starter for next season
For all the issues that went through the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver core, the corner backs took it even harder. Going from their original trio of Trevon Diggs, Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis to new faces. Losing both Brown and Lewis to season-ending injuries opened the door for rookie DaRon Bland to take over as […]
For all the issues that went through the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver core, the corner backs took it even harder. Going from their original trio of Trevon Diggs, Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis to new faces.
Losing both Brown and Lewis to season-ending injuries opened the door for rookie DaRon Bland to take over as a starter. While still leaving a gaping hole at CB3.
With a revolving door being filled by the likes of Kelvin Joseph, Nahshon Wright, Trayvon Mullen, Mackensie Alexander and Xavier Rhodes.
An enormous hole until Israel Mukuamu got his chance.
Having seen an increase in snaps earlier in the season was relegated back to a role player until the playoffs. The Cowboys defense used a heavy dose of him in multiple spots.
As a deep safety, in the box and most importantly in the nickel. Being targeted eight times and allowing a total of 47 yards including a pair of pass breakups. Ranking as one of the Cowboys best defenders in both playoff starts.
How does this affect the future?
His position flexibility has allowed him to go between both the free and strong safety positions. As a former cornerback, it's no surprise that he is able to fill the spot, but in the slot is not what's expected.
Anthony Brown is an unrestricted free agent coming off a torn ACL and will turn 30 this year, coming off an already less than stellar season.
Jourdan Lewis is also coming off injury but could be a potential cap casualty. Freeing up $4.7 million in cap space as a potential pre-June 1st cut.
The cornerback spot is definitely a top three need. Regardless of how Trevon Diggs and the Dallas Cowboys come down to negotiations, the Cowboys need another corner who can play.
With both Diggs and Bland slated as the starting outside corners, it makes sense that the defense will move to a cheaper option with the upside Mukuamu after a hot finish to the season.
Mukuamu's third season is looking like the year where he goes from rotational option to full-time starter.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj of USA TODAY Sports
