Dallas Cowboys: Grading Jerry Jones’ 2021 draft class
Scouting Report. player. 850. Pick Analysis. DB. South Carolina 6'4 212 LBS. IsraelMukuamu (227). 6
The Cowboys headed into the draft needing help at cornerback. They added an intimidating corner/safety hybrid in the sixth round in Israel Mukuamu. At six feet and four inches tall, he has the size to interrupt anything around him.
While we don’t know how fast he is because of a hamstring injury, he showed his explosiveness at his pro day. His nine-foot and 11-inch broad jump is nothing to brag about, but his 36.5 inch vertical is above average. Then again, his size makes up for the lack of hops.
Coming out of South Carolina, Mukuamu had to cover opposite of the first-round corner, Jaycee Horn. He only got his hands on the ball twice in five games last season, but he played better in 2019, grabbing four picks and nine batted passes in 12 games.
He is tied for the tallest corner on the team with another player that will be named later. Playing press or zone coverage in cover two or cover three are the only defensive formations he will fit in. He can also fight for a spot on the special teams to block kicks with his long frame.
While Israel Mukuamu will not contribute to the defense this season, he can be a valuable special teams player in year one. To become an impact backup, he must work on moving more smoothly. Then he can use his ball skills and become a reliable backup zone corner.