Eagles grab CJ Gardner-Johnson's replacement with Round 2 pick in 2025 NFL Draft
The Philadelphia Eagles officially have their C.J. Gardner-Johnson replacement. With their Round 2 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Birds selected Texas Longhorns safety Andrew Mukuba at No. 64 overall. Mukuba makes the jump to the NFL following a standout season with the Longhorns in 2024, where he racked up 69 tackles, including 41 solo, […]
The Philadelphia Eagles officially have their C.J. Gardner-Johnson replacement.
With their Round 2 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Birds selected Texas Longhorns safety Andrew Mukuba at No. 64 overall.
Mukuba makes the jump to the NFL following a standout season with the Longhorns in 2024, where he racked up 69 tackles, including 41 solo, along with 12 pass breakups, five interceptions, and one forced fumble. A highlight of his final season came against Michigan, when he snagged his first pick as a Longhorn, added four tackles, and broke up two passes, earning him National Defensive Back of the Week honors.
While the Eagles still have Reed Blankenship, Tristin McCollum, Andre Sam, Sydney Brown, and Lewis Cine in the mix at safety after losing Avonte Maddox and CJGJ, none, aside from Blankenship, really stand out as proven impact players.
That means Mukuba will have a real chance to start as a rookie in Philly.
Andrew Mukuba Scouting Report
Safety, Texas
Hometown: Austin, Texas
22 years old (12/07/2002)
A to Z Sports Expected Draft Position: 80
Pre-Draft Round Projection: 3
"Mukuba has a very interesting family background. He was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. The family originally immigrated to Austin, Texas when he was nine years old, with his family being refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mukuba began his career with the Clemson Tigers, playing there for three seasons. After being a good player for the Tigers, Mukuba became an outstanding one for the Longhorns in 2024, ending his final year with 69 total tackles, five interceptions, and seven pass breakups. Viewed mostly as a true free safety with Clemson, Mukuba improved his physicality and impact in the run game during his lone season with Texas. That makes him one of the most well-rounded safeties in the class. He should become a quality starter early on in his career." – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst
Career Projection: Immediate Quality Starter
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