Eagles rookie report card following TNF leads to one puzzling question

A pair of NFC East rookies announced their arrivals in a big way on Thursday Night Football.

Unfortunately for the Philadelphia Eagles and their fans, we’re not talking about linebacker Jihaad Campbell and safety Andrew Mukuba. Not even close.

The New York Giants, led by a 22-year-old quarterback making his third NFL start, and a fourth-round rookie running back, physically punished the reigning Super Bowl champions throughout Thursday’s 34-17 shocker at MetLife Stadium. 

The Eagles were physically outclassed at the line of scrimmage, surrendering 14 first downs and four touchdowns to the Giants’ rushing attack. The offense went 1-for-9 on third down with two turnovers. The special teams group could barely field a kickoff.

Philly’s Thursday Night Disaster left fans with little appetite for silver linings, outside of an enhanced look of this year’s rookie class. Many came out of that game thinking the same thing: Where has Ty Robinson been over the first five weeks of the season?

Philadelphia Eagles rookie DT Ty Robinson flashed on a dark net against the Giants 

The Eagles took no chances with Jalen Carter’s heel injury, which popped up late in the week and forced him to be among the Eagles’ inactives against the Giants. That meant added opportunity for second-year pro Gabe Hall and Robinson, Philly’s fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft.

Per Pro Football Focus, Robinson rotated in for 19 snaps and finished with one QB pressure — flashing a nice swim move to discard Jon Runyan for a one-on-one opportunity with Jaxson Dart in the pocket. He also notched his first career tackle, which came on a Cam Skattebo run in the red zone.

Robinson’s best play was a batted pass that forced a Giants punt in the fourth quarter. The Eagles were still clinging to life at the time, down 10 points with 13:07 remaining. 

Overall, it was a solid debut for the former Nebraska star, who flashed plenty over the summer but had only seen three total defensive snaps entering TNF. The Eagles are deep along the defensive line with Carter, Moro Ojomo, and Jordan Davis, but Robinson brought much-needed juice and should command more opportunities in the future.

Grading the Philadelphia Eagles 2025 rookie class through Week 6

LB Jihaad Campbell 

Nakobe Dean was active for TNF, but he only played on special teams. That’s a strong signal of how defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and the Eagles view their linebacker group right now.

Campbell’s speed and playmaking ability continues to show up on the field — but the physicality has to improve. Campbell was caught on one of the more brutal highlights from this game, with Dart launching forward towards the sticks and Campbell declining to take a free shot at the QB.

The Eagles are no longer striking fear into opponents on defense, and while Campbell continues to stuff the stat sheet on a weekly basis, he’s part of that problem.

Grade: C-

SAF Andrew Mukuba 

Mukuba continues to play every defensive snap, but he was a liability in coverage against a less-than-formidable Giants passing attack. Per PFF, Dart had a perfect passer rating when targeting Mukuba on Thursday night.

Philadelphia’s secondary was a walking red flag throughout training camp, and change could be in order over the team’s upcoming mini bye week.

Grade: D-

DT Ty Robinson

It did not take long for Eagles fans to notice big No. 95 out there. Robinson was far from perfect, but he definitely brought some juice. Hopefully this is a sign of bigger things to come.

Grade: C

LB Smael Mondon Jr.

Mondon is still waiting for his first career snap on defense, but he’s been quietly carving out a core role on special teams. He made the first solo tackle of his career on a Gunner Olszewski kickoff return in the second quarter, and was PFF’s highest graded Eagles special teamer on Thursday night.

Grade: B

Philadelphia Eagles 2025 rookie class overall (through Week 6)

This is beginning to feel like a group with only two players selected inside the top 100.

Campbell has held up well, but Mukuba is trending down, and Robinson will have a hard time getting on the field when Carter returns. The Eagles are searching for answers at cornerback with Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson struggling, but Mac McWilliams wasn’t even active for the Giants game.

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Philly’s 2025 draft class included a bunch of Day 3 dart throws, and it feels way more top-heavy than fans would like entering Week 7.

Grade: C-