Former Longhorn making a good impression on his new Eagles teammates

70% of the earth is covered by water, the rest by Andrew Mukuba.

In his first year as a true safety, Mukuba posted 5 INTs, 6 PBUs, 0 TDs allowed, and just 74 yards allowed on 23 targets.

He’s also a heat seaking missile against the run, but could clean up tackling.

Day 2 pick. pic.twitter.com/vQscGmcvmN

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 20, 2025

With the 2025 NFL season quickly approaching, many former Longhorns are preparing for the next steps in their football careers. That includes Andrew Mukaba, who was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. After an impressive career with the Longhorns, he will be an important part of the Eagles defense. 

In his final college season, Mukuba recorded 69 tackles and five interceptions. While his time as a Longhorn was short, the Austin native made life difficult for quarterbacks with 11 pass deflections. So far, during his stint with the Eagles, he has flashed that form. His play has impressed veterans such as wide receiver Devonta Smith. 

When asked by Eagles writer Cory Nidoh which rookie has stood out, Smith said, ” The guy from Texas…the safety.” That’s not a bad person to get an endorsement from. Since entering the NFL, Smith has put up impressive numbers and faced some of the best safeties in football.

The moves the Eagles have made this offseason have only increased Mukuba’s value. That included trading safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans back in March. Johnson became a favorite in Philadelphia and will not be an easy player to replace. That’s where Mukuba comes into the mix.

He joins an Eagles secondary last season that was very good in the passing game. That helped propel them to the Super Bowl, where they defeated Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. The former Longhorn will be looking to help the Eagles build on those numbers as they defend their title. 

When the regular 2025 campaign begins, Mukuba is projected to be one of the starting safeties alongside Reed Blankenship. His regular season debut will come on Sept. 4 when the Eagles take on the Cowboys. Although he still has plenty of room to grow, Mukuba has already impressed one veteran teammate.