With the first one under their belt, the Eagles started the 2025 NFL season on the right foot, with their 24-20 victory over division rival the Dallas Cowboys.
Even more impressive was the Eagles' transition to their youth movement on defense, which began with six rookies making their NFL debut. How did each rookie perform in the matchup?
Eagles' Week 1 Rookie Report Card
Jihaad Campbell, LB
Campbell played in 56 defensive snaps (92% of snaps), recording three tackles, one forced fumble, and a pass deflection. Campbell allowed one reception (for -3 yards), leading to a 56.3 passer rating against him.
Campbell made a great play on Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford on a seam route in the third quarter, as Dallas was driving, running stride for stride with the tight end for about 30 yards. Later on the drive, Campbell forced a fumble when the Cowboys were in the red zone, changing the momentum of the game.
Campbell showed Eagles fans a glimpse of what the possible future can look like in Philadelphia, and when the lights were bright, Campbell's star continued to shine. Notably, Campbell graded out as the highest-rated defender on the field with an 88.3.
Grade: A-
Andrew Mukuba, S
Mukuba was able to get healthy and close up a hole at safety, which Sydney Brown almost filled. Mukuba played in 51 snaps (84%), registering four tackles, while consistently coming up in the "box" to assist in the run defense. Mukuba didn't "wow" anyone, but could be considered an unsung hero of last night's victory. In a defense, Mukuba just needs to fulfill his assignment. The second-round pick performed exactly what was expected of him and then some.
Grade: B+
Smael Mondon Jr., LB
Mondon didn't wow or record a statistic for Philadelphia, but he did contribute 13 snaps (59%) on special teams. Mondon is a late-round draft pick who has the potential to receive plenty of reps with Ben VanSumeren now injured, possibly for the entire season, as a key contributor to an underappreciated aspect of the game.
Grade: C-
Darius Cooper, WR
Cooper played sparingly; however, he did join elite company by becoming an undrafted free agent to play in an NFL game. Cooper played two snaps on offense and five snaps on special teams. It's expected Cooper will continue in this role for the time being.
Grade: C-
Mac McWilliams, CB
McWilliams did make his NFL debut; however, it was for one snap on special teams. With Adoree' Jackson struggling (as we expected), McWilliams could make a push for more playing time later in the season.
Grade: D
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2025 Philadelphia Eagles Rookie Draft Class Overall
Overall, I'd give the Week 1 rookie draft a passing grade, obviously leveraged by Mukuba and Campbell. As the season continues, look for pieces like Ty Robinson (inactive), McWilliams, and Mondon to all continue to contribute, primarily on special teams. While the Eagles aren't perfect by any means, they have plenty of youth to develop into key contributors this season.
Grade: B+