Top NFL Draft analyst shares exactly what Texas Longhorns fans already know about star safety Andrew Mukuba

Both Texas Longhorns and Clemson Tigers fans have long been familiar with the special skills of star safety Andrew Mukuba. Now he's finally receiving the NFL Draft hype and attention he deserves.ESPN's top notch NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid wrote up his annual "risers" list for the 2025 NFL Draft as Senior Bowl activities are […]

Travis May — College Football Managing Editor

Jan 25, 2025 7:08 PM EST

Andrew Mukuba makes the winning interception for the Texas Longhorns against Arizona State — © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Both Texas Longhorns and Clemson Tigers fans have long been familiar with the special skills of star safety Andrew Mukuba. Now he's finally receiving the NFL Draft hype and attention he deserves.

ESPN's top notch NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid wrote up his annual "risers" list for the 2025 NFL Draft as Senior Bowl activities are set to commence Monday January 27th. Andrew Mukuba, to the surprise of exactly zero Texas Longhorns fans, made the list.

My annual risers list.

10 prospects that I see potentially rising up draft boards during the pre-draft process leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.https://t.co/R4pnZ1blRQ
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) January 25, 2025

Andrew Mukuba had indeed been rising in recent NFL Mock Draft data, as we at A to Z Sports just covered this week, so this piece from Jordan Reid didn't come as a complete surprise. The league sources we have talked to have raved about Mukuba as well. However, it's nice to see a national NFL Draft analyst give credit where it's due:

"A versatile safety, Mukuba is instinctive and a fast reactor who found ways to generate turnovers. He's also an aggressive downhill tackler, with a consistent wrap-up and finish…If he can show improved fluidity in his technique and more hip mobility in Indianapolis [at the NFL Combine], Mukuba could rise inside the top 75 and be a third-round pick."

Mukuba's instincts, fast reactions, and aggressiveness led to his best season ever in 2024 with 70+ tackles, five interceptions, and allowed a passer rating when targeted of 12.1 (well below the rating of a standard incomplete pass).

Thanks to that absurdly efficient season Mukuba has been garnering plenty of attention from NFL Draft analysts, not just ESPN's Jordan Reid, as you can see in the post below. This post succinctly captures nearly all of Mukuba's strengths and accurately describes him as a "mid-round steal" who could definitely continue to rise.

Andrew Mukuba is a ballhawk with elite range.

The Texas safety has explosive athleticism, fluidity, and four years of experience. He's a natural playmaker who excels in zone coverage and isn’t afraid to deliver big hits.

Mukuba has "mid-round steal" written all over him. pic.twitter.com/CZtTAC75l5
— Alex NFL (@ajjnfl) January 23, 2025

Mukuba thrives in space, utilizes his explosive athleticism on every single play, and brings with him immense experience. Though his career with Texas was short, he'll always be remembered for his impressive playmaking ability, and sealing the College Football Playoff victory in overtime against Arizona State with an interception. Hopefully he finds success in the NFL, regardless of how high he rises.

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We'll be back with more Texas Longhorns coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

And if you want to check out some Andrew Mukuba highlights from this past season to see exactly why he's rising quickly in 2025 NFL Draft conversations just watch the video below!