Top DB prospect is being compared to Cowboys' Israel Mukuamu
The Dallas Cowboys went heavy on the defensive side of the ball in the 2021 NFL draft. They had two picks in the sixth round that year, and they used the last one on cornerback/safety Israel Mukuamu out of South Carolina. Last season, after just 20 defensive snaps as a rookie, Mukuamu saw action in 15 […]
The Dallas Cowboys went heavy on the defensive side of the ball in the 2021 NFL draft. They had two picks in the sixth round that year, and they used the last one on cornerback/safety Israel Mukuamu out of South Carolina.
Last season, after just 20 defensive snaps as a rookie, Mukuamu saw action in 15 games with three starts. Mukuamu played 62 snaps in the box, 43 at free safety, 32 in the slot, and five at cornerback.
A player with similar versatility in the 2023 NFL draft is being linked to Mukuamu. According to Pro Football Focus, Mukuamu is the player comp for Kansas State's Julius Brents.
Brents is a scheme-specific corner who is likely to be a little boom or bust in his play style.
During his five-year collegiate career (spent three seasons at Iowa), Brents primarily played cornerback, logging 1,678 snaps at that position. He also tallied 44 in the box, 19 in the slot, and five at free safety per PFF.
The versatility of Brents isn't the only thing that mirrors Mukuamu. Both had similar measurements and pre-draft workouts as well.
Height
Mukuamu: 6'4"
Brents: 6'3"
Weight
Mukuamu: 212
Brents: 198
40-yard dash
Mukuamu: 4.46
Brents" 4.53
Vertical jump
Mukuamu: 36.5 inches
Brents: 41.5 inches
Broad jump
Mukuamu: 9'11"
Brents: 11'6"
Hand size
Mukuamu: 9.38 inches
Brents: 9 5/8"
Arm length
Mukuamu: 34 inches
Brents: 34 inches
Brents was a stud in 2022. He had a coverage grade of 75.5 with four interceptions, and quarterbacks had just a 57.7 rating against him. Mukuamu's coverage grade was slightly lower with the Cowboys at 64.6 but his pass rating was comparable to Brents' at 52.6 for the year.
Brents being compared to Mukuamu is intriguing not just in terms of their measurements but also their play style and versatility. With the drafting two weeks away, the Cowboys may want to keep an eye on Brents.
