Does Mukuamu impact draft plans at CB?

[xwalker]

Mukuamu played Nickel (slot) CB in both playoff games.

In the wildcard game vs the Bucs he also played snaps at the Hybrid DB/LB position Kearse plays in 3-Safety sets.
- Kearse only played 51% of snaps. He averaged 90% in all other games that he played in 2022.

For reference on the "normal" number of snaps for the Nickel CB:
- Bland averaged 70% in the games after Lewis was injured but before Brown was out for the season.

From watching the wildcard game footage, it appeared that Mukuamu was replacing Kearse on the snaps that Xavier Rhodes was the 3rd CB.
- Rhodes played 24 snaps in that game.
- That would indicate that of Mukuamu's 37 snaps, 24 were in place of Kearse and 13 (16% of total snaps) were as the Nickel CB.

Summary:
- Bland Average at Nickel CB: 70%
- Mukuamu Wildcard game @Nickel: 16%
- Mukuamu Division game: 21%

Rk​	Date​	G#​	Opp​	Result​	Num​	Pct​
14​	2022-12-18​	14​	JAX​	L 34-40​	4​	6.00%​
15​	2022-12-24​	15​	PHI​	W 40-34​	4​	6.00%​
16​	2022-12-29​	16​	TEN​	W 27-13​	4​	6.00%​
17​	2023-01-08​	17​	WAS​	L 6-26​	Inactive​	Inactive​
1​	2023-01-16​	18​	TAM​	W 31-14​	37​	45.00%​
2​	2023-01-22​	19​	SFO​	L 12-19​	21​	32.00%​

 

[tm1119]

They definitely need to figure out what his best role is and commit to it. The kid looks like he can definitely play, but there doesn’t appear to be a route to him getting on the field much barring an injury. I’d be curious how he can play FS and take over for Hooker after the year

 

[Cowboyny]

I think Kelvin Joseph has played his last game with the team and they are probably going to move Wright to safety. Corner is definitely still a need for this team.

 

[xwalker]

They definitely need to figure out what his best role is and commit to it. The kid looks like he can definitely play, but there doesn’t appear to be a route to him getting on the field much barring an injury. I’d be curious how he can play FS and take over for Hooker after the year

Mukuamu's best fit (in my opinion) is in the Kearse role.
- However, I think they're more likely to re-sign Kearse in 2024 than Hooker.

Agree that it would be good to see Mukuamu play FS in the pre-season.

 

[cnuball21]

It shouldn’t. CBs that are trees don’t have the lateral agility to be studs.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I think realistically, Kelvin Joseph and NaShon Wright’s roster spots are in question.

I think Joseph may get the nod because he did play well as a special teamer which in part justifies continued efforts to develop him.

 

[unionjack8]

I think Kelvin Joseph has played his last game with the team and they are probably going to move Wright to safety. Corner is definitely still a need for this team.

I think Joseph has a place on this team. He's going into year 3 , is a valued member on STs units and is on a rookie deal.
I'd love for him to mature on the field and put it all together. Hes got the physical traits , I feel it's in between his ears he needs to figure it out.

 

[doomsday9084]

Every position is a long term need if you go out far enough.

In the short term, Diggs, Gilmore and Bland make CB perhaps the best position group on the team. Guys like Lewis and Mukuamu are just gravy.

 

[Cowboyny]

I think Joseph has a place on this team. He's going into year 3 , is a valued member on STs units and is on a rookie deal.
I'd love for him to mature on the field and put it all together. Hes got the physical traits , I feel it's in between his ears he needs to figure it out.

He is in Quinn's dog house, where Wright could easily replace him on special team's. No doubt in my mind, he is fighting for a roster spot in camp this yr.

 

[speedkilz88]

He is in Quinn's dog house, where Wright could easily replace him on special team's. No doubt in my mind, he is fighting for a roster spot in camp this yr.

He's possibly the best coverage guy Fassell has on STs, it's not like he's just one of the guys.

 

[Mr_437]

I don't think Mukuamu impacts the CB position for the draft because the team will need another CB to cover for potential losses at the position next year.

As for Mukuamu, he does good work in coverage, so I think it would be a better use of his talent if he was covering more instead of being put in the box or back deep 15 yards off the ball covering grass. Match Izzy up to cover guys, I mean, he locked up Debo.

 

[Cowboyny]

He's possibly the best coverage guy Fassell has on STs, it's not like he's just one of the guys.

Not difficult to replace him on special teams, especially with that contract

 

[tm1119]

Mukuamu's best fit (in my opinion) is in the Kearse role.
- However, I think they're more likely to re-sign Kearse in 2024 than Hooker.

Agree that it would be good to see Mukuamu play FS in the pre-season.

I’m not entirely sure the answer so legitimately asking…does Mukuamu have the physicality to tackle and play in the box like Kearse? That’s what makes Kearse so valuable, his ability to cover TE’s and also not be a liability when asked to be the 7th man in the box vs the run.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Not difficult to replace him on special teams, especially with that contract

Lol?

Let me know when Wright’s making plays like Joseph on teams.

 

[exciter]

I think Kelvin Joseph has played his last game with the team and they are probably going to move Wright to safety. Corner is definitely still a need for this team.

Eh, I just don’t see it. They just resigned Goodwin. Joseph is dam near every bit as good at that gunner position, cheaper, and in a pinch, despite his issues offers far far more as a corner!

 

[Pass2Run]

I think Kelvin Joseph has played his last game with the team and they are probably going to move Wright to safety. Corner is definitely still a need for this team.

Joseph will have his shot at camp. He may take Goodwin's spot. But he has some work to do.

Im not as down on him as most. His season last year wasnt as bad as people say. Just didnt get the playing time, outside of ST gunner.

 

[RandyOh]

No. Mukuamu gives us depth in the nickle. Still gonna need another outside corner that can be depended on.

 

[Cowboyny]

Joseph will have his shot at camp. He may take Goodwin's spot. But he has some work to do.

Im not as down on him as most. His season last year wasnt as bad as people say. Just didnt get the playing time, outside of ST gunner.

He really blew his opportunity and never saw the field again with the defense. If both he and Goodwin are now just ST only players, one has to go. Think they may move Wright to safety this yr.

 

[Cowboyny]

Eh, I just don’t see it. They just resigned Goodwin. Joseph is dam near every bit as good at that gunner position, cheaper, and in a pinch, despite his issues offers far far more as a corner!

Very hard to carry two special teams only players, especially on gamedays. One probably has to go. Don't think they trust either player on defense at this point.

 

[Cowboyny]

Lol?

Let me know when Wright’s making plays like Joseph on teams.

Joseph also committed several penalties. It's not that difficult to find a gunner on special teams, especially one who can actually backup a position. Think either him or Goodwin goes this yr.