When it comes to the Lone Star State and Philadelphia Eagles safeties, there's been quite a connection of late.
A year after drafting Andrew Mukuba out of UT in the second round of the NFL Draft, Philadelphia just saw safety Reed Blankenship head to Texas by way of his new deal with the Houston Texans.
Now in the market for safety help, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman could continue the Texas theme by selecting Mukuba's former teammate and right-hand man, Longhorns safety Michael Taaffe.
From walk-on to two-time All-American
Taaffe won't necessarily light up the stopwatch, with a 4.5 40-yard time at the combine showing solid speed but nothing earth-shattering. What he will do, though, is absolutely blanket the opposition. Per PFF College, since 2024, his coverage grade of 91.8 has paced all safeties in college football.
In addition, Taaffe has shown a propensity for elevating his game in the biggest spots of all, with spirited efforts against Oklahoma (nine tackles, one sack) and Texas A&M (five tackles, one interception). His journey from a walk-on to a two-time All-American shows the drive - and the potential for even greater development at the next level - that the Austin native brandishes.
The Mukuba Connection: Former Teammates, Best Friends
Taaffe did, in fact, meet with Philadelphia officials at the combine, and his ties to Mukuba, whom he refers to as "one of his best friends, " are equally important to note. From a chemistry and communication standpoint, a reunion of the two could pay major dividends.
At the moment, there is a glaring safety need that has yet to be filled via free agency, increasing the likelihood that the position will be addressed in the draft. If Roseman opts to attack the need right off the bat, a first-round selection of Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could put the finishing touches on an elite collection of talent in the Philly secondary.
Meanwhile, day two of the draft will also provide plenty of appealing options, including Penn State standout Zakee Wheatley. Taaffe has often been grouped in day two territory, perhaps day three, with a handful of draft pundits hinting he could go as high as late second, with most citing that third-fourth round range as more likely.
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Eagles fans shouldn't sleep on the notion of Roseman hooking another Longhorn safety, as Taaffe not only brings such a close connection to second-year man Mukuba, but he also has the skills to develop into a very solid successor for Blankenship.