What are realistic expectations for Andrew Mukuba's rookie season with the Eagles?

USA Today

21-07-2025

Eagles rookie Andrew Mukuba may be asked to grow up fast, and he's ready to answer the call
Just one day before the veterans report to Philadelphia Eagles training camp, news has emerged from the NovCare Complex: they have officially signed Andrew Mukuba to his rookie deal. Now, all ten players from the 2025 draft class are under contract.
We can officially rule out holdouts and theories about what may be going wrong behind the scenes. That begs the question. What can be expected from the rookie in year one?
Thank you for asking. How about we all throw around a few theories?
Expectations for Andrew Mukuba's rookie season
He stands at six feet. He weighs 190 pounds. He earned Third-Team All-ACC, Freshman All-American, and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 while playing for the Clemson Tigers. He was a teammate of Will Shipley and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. there.
His most recent (and final) season at the NCAA level was played as a member of the Texas Longhorns. He earned Third-Team All-SEC honors before being drafted 64th overall. Something tells us the Eagles are going to ask him to grow up quickly. That being said, here are a few reasonable expectations for the first year.
Eagles fans love Sydney Brown. So do his teammates and position coaches. Here's a theory. Don't quote it. It's only a theory. It feels like Vic Fangio likes Brown but isn't in love with him.
We've heard Coach Fangio mention Tristin McCollum without being prompted. We've seen many of the practice snaps that we thought would be given to Brown go to Andre' Sam.
DeVonta Smith is usually pretty reserved during interviews. When he tips his cap to a rookie, pay attention. Mukuba will crack this starting lineup, and it may be sooner than you think.
Fangio's scheme lends itself to funneling the ball carriers back to the linebackers and safeties. Trust this next theory. Mukuba will have opportunities to make plays. Fifty tackles seems reasonable. So does three interceptions, as he demonstrated his penchant for making plays at the collegiate level.
Philadelphia will miss C.J. Gardner-Johnson's ability to lay the wood, but Mukuba will make fans forget him rather quickly.
It's possible Jihaad Campbell could end his rookie campaign as a Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidate. It seems feasible that Mukuba could do the same.
If we had to guess, we'd assume the latter won't wear the crown. He has stiff competition from other early favorites to win this award, like fellow safety Malaki Starks and star edge rusher Abdul Carter.