Eagles rookie Drew Mukuba’s college play has earned him comparison to seven-time NFL Pro Bowler

The Philadelphia Eagles are projected to be in good hands with their 2025 second-round draft pick, Andrew Mukuba. 

That's because Mukuba has already drawn heavy comparisons to two-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker. 

"He plays a lot like Budda, like he throws his s— around,” Mukuba's former Texas Longhorns coach, Blake Gideon, said. “He’s a coach’s dream in that respect."

Like Baker, Mukuba excels in multiple roles across the secondary, whether covering receivers in the slot, playing deep safety, or stepping into the box to defend the run. Despite being slightly undersized for the position, Mukuba, similar to Baker, doesn't let that keep him from making the big plays

Mukuba arrives in Philly after a standout 2024 final season at Texas in which he recorded 69 tackles, 12 pass breakups, five interceptions, and a forced fumble for the Longhorns. His signature performance came under the bright lights against Michigan, where he secured his first interception as a Longhorn, added four tackles, and defended two passes, an effort that earned 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 CJ Gardner-Johnson, none, aside from Blankenship, really stand out as proven impact players.

That means Mukuba could have a real chance to start as a rookie in Philly, especially if he lives up to the Baker hype. 

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