There are probably some questions about the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles draft class, as the group in general did not make the kind of impact that other rookie classes have in the past.
The two players from the draft class who made the most impact were the top two picks in the first round, linebacker Jihaad Campbell and second-round safety Andrew Mukuba. Campbell looks like he is going to be a solid starter in the NFL after racking up over 80 tackles in a mostly rotational role for Philly.
As for Mukuba, he had a solid start to his career until his Week 12 injury against the Dallas Cowboys ended his season. He finished with 46 tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and a half-sack in 11 games. Even with that kind of season, there is plenty Mukuba needs to improve on, making 2026 a pivotal season for him.
Andrew Mukuba must have a breakout season for the Eagles
First, looking at the roster, the safety position is in a rough spot after the loss of Reed Blankenship to the Houston Texans in free agency. That leaves Mukuba as one of the locks to start, but the other is up for grabs with Marcus Epps as the early favorite to win the job from Michael Carter II and more.
Mukuba, though, has some development he needed to focus on in the offseason, with his coverage skills being the biggest problem. Last year, he allowed a 64% completion percentage off of 25 targets and a passer rating of 106 with three touchdowns surrendered by him.
Throughout the season, Mukuba was improving in pass coverage, but it was clear in games like the Week 4 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he was getting burned easily by receivers. The playmaking skills are there with him, and if he can find that consistency against tough pass catchers, he could become a great safety in the NFL.
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This Eagles defense is Super Bowl-caliber and ready to make a run in 2026 after two straight seasons of top-13 finishes under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Mukuba is the biggest question for the unit; if he is not able to improve in his sophomore year in the NFL, not only will the Eagles fail, but general manager Howie Roseman could be looking for his replacement quickly in the NFL Draft next offseason.
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