Latest news with #Mukuba
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles No. 1 Position Battle Raises Major Questions
The Philadelphia Eagles may be the defending Super Bowl champions with one of the most talented rosters in the sport, but that doesn't mean they are devoid of any legitimate position battles. After the offseason zapped much of Philadelphia's veteran leadership on the defensive side of the ball, plenty of position groups are expected to undergo depth chart battles between young contenders. Advertisement Positions like edge rusher, right guard, and cornerback are all positions where battles are expected to take place. Dave Zangaro of NBC Philadelphia believes another position group is one to watch during training camp. Safety. "The Eagles had a strong safety duo in 2024 with Reed Blankenship and C.J. Gardner-Johnson but they traded Gardner-Johnson to the Texans," Zangaro wrote. "While I have had some fans question whether or not Blankenship is definitely a starter again in 2025, he should be. Blankenship, 26, is entering a contract year but has been a steady force in the Eagles' secondary. "If the Eagles don't bring anyone else in, this is shaping up to be the most fun battle of training camp between second-round rookie Drew Mukuba and third-year veteran Sydney Brown." Advertisement Mukuba and Brown are both young, cheap, and have a good balance of coverage skill and physicality to be quality options on the defensive side of the ball. Whether it's the second round pick in Mukuba, or the veteran in Brown, the Eagles should feel confident in whoever they end up choosing to be the last piece of their top defensive unit. Related: Eagles Prospect Could Be Jalen Hurts Secret Weapon Related: Commanders vs. Eagles Rematch for Christmas Week Leaks
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles Andrew Mukuba makes an exclusive list of non-first-round draft picks to watch
Eagles Andrew Mukuba makes an exclusive list of non-first-round draft picks to watch The post-draft praise continues for Eagles rookie Andrew Mukuba. Have you ever been excited about something? Have you ever taken time to do research after the fact and found out you weren't quite as enthusiastic as you should have been? Let's talk about the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 NFL Draft class. In particular, we'll zero in on safety, Andrew Mukuba. The story alone will force a smile across your face. Taken 64th overall, with the final pick of the second round, this 2024 Third-Team All-SEC nod completed his NCAA run with the Texas Longhorns. This is after a three-year ride with the Clemson Tigers. He earned Third-Team All-ACC honors in 2021 and Freshman All-American honors, and guess what? While at Clemson, he was teammates with fellow Eagles youngsters Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Will Shipley. Andrew Mukuba earns high praise on an impressive list of NFL rookie defenders taken after Round 1. Mukuba's stat line from his final NCAA season will impress you: 69 tackles, seven pass breakups, a forced fumble, and five interceptions, which led the SEC in 2024. ESPN's Field Yates recently pieced together an impressive read, Ranking 2025 NFL rookie impact for non-Round 1 draft picks. Philly's young rookie landed ninth on his list of the top rookie defenders. Here's what Yates mentioned as his reasoning. "The Eagles' remodel of their secondary continued into the draft, as they used the final pick of the second round on the instinctive, pro-ready Mukuba. I love his football IQ, and while Mukuba has a smaller frame for a safety (he was only 186 pounds at the combine), he packs a lot of power as a physical tackler. His versatility to play in the slot a little bit should only increase early playing time." That should get the adrenaline pumping. Mukuba joins a safety room already housing Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Lewis Cine, Tristin McCollum, Andre' Sam, and undrafted rookie Maxen Hook. Philly traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans. Mukuba figures to make that a seamless transition. He isn't the headhunter that Brown is. Still, both will add value to this young Eagles secondary, as the new guy is a better cover guy and a phenomenal playmaker whenever the football travels into his vicinity.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Which Eagles Rookies Could Play Right Away?
After shifting toward a more youth-friendly approach in 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles are once again counting on their rookie class to make immediate contributions. Ten players joined the roster via the 2025 NFL Draft, and several have realistic paths to playing time this fall. First-round pick Jihaad Campbell might be the most impactful. The former Alabama standout was widely viewed as a top-15 talent but slipped to the Eagles at No. 31 due to March shoulder surgery. Whether Campbell lines up primarily as a linebacker or an edge rusher remains to be seen, but he'll have an opening at linebacker while Nakobe Dean recovers from a torn patellar tendon. Zack Baun is back on a new deal, but Campbell's athletic upside and versatility give him a clear shot at significant early snaps. Oddsmakers have taken notice, giving him +1500 odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Advertisement Second-rounder Andrew Mukuba steps into a secondary still adjusting after the trade of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Mukuba will likely battle Sydney Brown—coming off an ACL injury—for the starting safety spot opposite Reed Blankenship. Mukuba's ball skills and physical playing style have already drawn comparisons to Gardner-Johnson, and his college tape shows a player ready to handle starting reps early. His +8000 DROY odds belie a realistic chance to start Week 1. In the fourth round, Philadelphia added Ty Robinson, a 24-year-old interior lineman who brings maturity and size to the defensive tackle rotation. With Milton Williams now in Arizona, there are snaps to be won behind Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Robinson should push Moro Ojomo and others for a rotational role by training camp. Fifth-round pick Mac McWilliams will enter a wide-open competition for secondary depth. With Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers both gone, McWilliams—who played outside corner, nickel, and special teams at Florida State—has a chance to contribute in multiple phases. Expect him to compete with Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson for key backup roles behind starters Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Fellow fifth-rounder Smael Mondon Jr. likely won't crack the defensive rotation early, but his special teams prowess (425+ snaps at Georgia) should keep him active on game days. His elite athletic profile could earn him a bigger role if injuries strike at linebacker. Advertisement Drew Kendall, a fifth-round center out of Boston College, enters a logjam. With Landon Dickerson likely to remain Cam Jurgens' backup at center, Kendall's path to the roster depends on his ability to also play guard. He's a long-term project who may need a strong preseason to stick. Sixth-round quarterback Kyle McCord will battle Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the QB3 job behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee. McCord's strong senior season at Syracuse and Philly roots make him an intriguing developmental pick, though he's unlikely to suit up unless injuries strike. The Eagles doubled up on offensive tackles in Round 6 with Myles Hinton and Cameron Williams. Hinton brings Big Ten experience and has played both tackle spots, putting him in the mix for the swing tackle role—especially with Fred Johnson gone and Kendall Lamm coming off back surgery. Williams, a physically gifted but raw prospect, is a long-term project likely headed for a redshirt year under OL coach Jeff Stoutland. The final pick, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, brings impressive sack numbers but joins a crowded edge rusher room. He'll need to prove his worth on special teams and situational pass-rushing reps to crack the roster. Advertisement As the Eagles prepare to defend their Super Bowl title, this rookie class has a significant opportunity to make a notable impact early in the season, particularly Campbell and Mukuba, who are poised to secure starting roles. With several other players contributing as developmental depth and special teams support, the 2025 draft class has the potential to match the impact of last year's class. Related: Eagles Predicted To Cut Former Starting Quarterback Related: Eagles Just Drafted Micah Parsons 2.0
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Tiger Andrew Mukuba talks 'full circle moment' with former teammate in NFL
Former Tiger Andrew Mukuba talks 'full circle moment' with former teammate in NFL Andrew Mukuba's NFL journey has brought him full circle — back alongside his former Clemson teammates Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Will Shipley, now all members of the Philadelphia Eagles. Mukuba, taken with the 64th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, played three seasons at Clemson before transferring to Texas for his final college year. During his time with the Tigers from 2021 to 2023, Mukuba was part of the same recruiting class as Trotter and Shipley, and even roomed with Trotter his freshman year. 'It's kind of cool for everything to go full circle,' Mukuba said at his introductory press conference. 'Now I'm fixing to be on the same defense with Trotter, on the same team with Will Shipley. It's amazing to already have people I've known here to help me get everything figured out.' Mukuba finished his Clemson career with 149 tackles, 20 pass breakups, and one interception across 35 games. He then returned home to Austin, Texas, where he delivered a strong final season at Texas, posting 69 tackles and a career-high five interceptions en route to third-team All-SEC honors. 'Playing this last year at Texas was an honor and a blessing,' Mukuba said. 'I wasn't putting myself in position to be successful [before the transfer]. I'm very self-aware and I knew what I needed to do.' In joining the Eagles, Mukuba now steps into a franchise with a rich history of Clemson connections at safety — most notably, Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins. The two even crossed paths in Tigertown. 'He used to always come by a lot in Clemson,' Mukuba said. 'Had a few good conversations with him. He's good people. I know they love him here. How could you not?' For Mukuba, it's not just about where he's going — it's also about who's there with him. After a year in burnt orange, he's back in familiar company, ready for the next chapter in green. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Stats and facts about every pick in the Eagles' 2025 NFL draft class
The NFL draft is a wrap, and after GM Howie Roseman did some wheeling and dealing on Days 2 and 3, the Eagles came away with an impressive, athletic, and versatile 10-player draft class. After watching 12 players depart in free agency, Roseman added two dynamic SEC linebackers, an All-American pass rusher, three offensive linemen, and an accomplished quarterback from Philadelphia. With the rookie minicamp fast approaching, we're looking at one key stat to know about each of the ten additions. Campbell has been lauded for his pass rush prowess, but his ability at linebacker and his penchant for bringing the ball carrier down are most exciting. Pro Football Focus said Campbell amassed a 5.9% missed tackle rate, totaling 30 coverage stops. Round 2, No. 64: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas C.J. Gardner-Johnson made his name in New Orleans and Philadelphia by displaying elite versatility at all three levels, while Mukuba presents a more hybrid and athletic model. According to Pro Football Focus, Mukuba earned an excellent grade in coverage (89.7). He forced an incompletion on 26.1% of his targets and allowed a 12.1 passer rating last season in coverage. Round 4, No. 111: Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska A physical specimen with a high motor, Robinson will complement Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo on the interior. Robinson's 15 tackles for loss in 2024 was the most by a Nebraska player since Ndamukong Suh in 2009 and ran the fastest 40-yard dash among defensive tackles (4.83 seconds) at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Round 5, No. 145: Mac McWilliams, CB, Central Florida Vic Fangio has talked about wanting to keep Cooper DeJean in the slot, but adding Mukuba and McWilliams gives Philadelphia's defensive coordinator plenty of options with several Swiss army knives at his disposal. According to PFF, McWilliams allowed just 21 catches for 133 yards on 38 throws into his coverage radius last season. Round 5, No. 161: Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia Another Swiss army knife, the former Track and field star was a three-year starter at Georgia and played inside linebacker, outside linebacker, and slot CB. Like Campbell, Mondon Jr. is an elite tackler with a 7.8% missed tackle rate at Georgia. Round 5, No. 168: Drew Kendall, C, Boston College A versatile performer who can play multiple positions, Kendall earned 70.0-plus PFF run-blocking grades on zone runs while posting a 76.2 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets in 2024. Round 6, No. 181: Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse There's been talk of McCord having the talent to unseat Tanner McKee as the Eagles' backup quarterback. Philadelphia loves the deep ball, and last season in the FBS, McCord ranked second in yardage (1,273) and posted a 96.4 PFF grade on throws of at least 20-plus air yards. Round 6, No. 191 (from Denver): Myles Hinton, OT, Michigan An early candidate for the Eagles' swing tackle position, He started 20 games at right tackle and 11 games at left tackle during five seasons in college. Round 6, No. 207 (from Jets): Cameron Williams, T, Texas The one player who could develop into a future starter on the offensive line, Williams earned an 84.0 grade on zone blocks last season. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Edge, Virginia Tech Powell-Ryland finished third in the FBS last season with 16 sacks and has 25.5 total during the previous two years. An undersized by explosive pass rusher who'll make a living on third and key passing downs, Powell-Ryland posted a 16.9% pass-rush win rate in 2024.
