Isreal Mukuamu wasn't even mentioned in last week's safety position review on DallasCowboys.com. Do you think he can play a role this year filling Jayron Kearse's position? Or any chance he's moved to cornerback? Two seasons ago he seemed to be on the rise, and he's been a regular special teamer, but we haven't heard much about him being a factor on defense. – Darren Poupore/Asheville, NC
Nick Harris: Israel Mukuamu didn't get any significant burn last season and he was working almost exclusively with the reserve defense when the team split during OTAs and minicamp earlier this month. For context, guys like Juanyeh Thomas, Markquese Bell and even rookie Caelen Carson were all getting some run with the first team on the other side of the field. This is lining up to be a prove-it type training camp and preseason for Mukuamu to show that he can play a valuable role on defense outside of his special teams responsibilities.
Mickey: Well, here is the deal on Izzy. Chances are now with Mike Zimmer as the defensive e coordinator, he plans on using more three true linebackers on the field in his 4-3 instead of a big safety masquerading as a linebacker that if you remember, Green Bay took advantage of running the ball in that playoff loss. Other teams did, too, like Buffalo, San Francisco and Arizona. At this point, Mukuamu will be evaluated as a true safety or a nickel back, and remember the Cowboys really value the likes of Marquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas. He's going to have to have an impressive training camp, including on special teams in the preseason games I'd think just to make the team.
