Ready or Not: Andrew Mukuba Poised for Breakout Role in 2025 Eagles Secondary

The Philadelphia Eagles didn’t spend a second-round pick on Andrew Mukuba just to watch him warm the bench. Sure, a pesky hamstring injury might have thrown a wrench into his starter plans, but let’s be real here, this kid is going to see the field sooner rather than later. The only question isn’t if Mukuba will start, but when defensive coordinator Vic Fangio finally pulls the trigger. Thursday night against Dallas? Maybe. But mark my words, it’s happening.

Mukuba’s Road to the Starting Lineup

Look, nobody said being a rookie safety in the NFL was going to be easy. Mukuba split first-team reps with Sydney Brown for most of training camp, which is about as close to a coin flip as you can get in professional football. Then came August 18th, the day that should have sealed the deal. He got every single first-team rep. Not some. Not most. Every. Single. One.

That’s not coach-speak for “we’re still evaluating.” That’s Fangio basically putting up a neon sign saying “this kid’s our guy.” But football has a funny way of humbling everyone, and the very next day, Mukuba’s hamstring decided to stage a revolt. He didn’t return to practice until Sunday, which is exactly the kind of timing that makes grown coaches lose sleep.

The Competition: Sydney Brown vs The Future

Here’s where things get interesting. Sydney Brown isn’t exactly chopped liver; he started six games as a rookie in 2023 and had a solid preseason. But the Eagles didn’t draft Mukuba to be Sydney Brown’s backup forever. This organization has a history with rookie safeties that should make everyone pay attention. The last rookie safety to be a full-time starter was Nate Allen way back in 2010. Before that? Try Brian Dawkins in 1996 and Wes Hopkins in 1983.

That’s some pretty elite company, and it tells you everything you need to know about how the Eagles view Mukuba’s potential.

What Makes Mukuba Special

Remember that preseason game against the Browns? The one where Mukuba looked like he’d been playing NFL football for years instead of minutes? That 75-yard interception return for a touchdown wasn’t just a nice highlight – it was a preview of coming attractions. Oh, and he recovered a fumble in the same game just for good measure.

But here’s what really impresses me about this kid: he doesn’t act like your typical 22-year-old rookie. While other rookies are figuring out where the cafeteria is, Mukuba is picking the brains of veterans like Reed Blankenship, Adoree’ Jackson, and even offensive guys like Saquon Barkley. That’s the kind of football intelligence you can’t teach.

“From the time I got here to the time now, I feel like my knowledge of the game and just how I approach the game has grown tremendously,” Mukuba said after Sunday’s practice. Translation: this kid gets it.

The Injury Factor and Fangio’s Dilemma

Now, about that hamstring. Mukuba admitted the missed time wasn’t ideal, saying mental reps aren’t the same as physical ones. No kidding, Andrew. But here’s the thing, he also said he feels like he picked up right where he left off once he returned. That’s either supreme confidence or the kind of bravado that gets rookies benched real quick. He was officially listed as a limited participant after Monday’s practice with the hamstring injury.

Fangio has a decision to make, and it’s not an easy one. Do you start the rookie who was clearly your choice before the injury? Or do you go with the veteran who’s been available and had a solid preseason? It’s the kind of choice that separates good coaches from great ones.

The Long Game vs Immediate Impact

Here’s my take: the Eagles are thinking long-term with Mukuba, but they’re not going to sacrifice wins to develop him. If he’s 100% healthy and sharp in practice this week, he gets the nod Thursday night. If there’s even a hint of hesitation or rust, Sydney Brown gets another chance to prove the job should be his.

But make no mistake, Mukuba is the future at safety for this team. Whether that future starts this Thursday against the Cowboys or a few weeks down the road doesn’t really matter. What matters is that when his number gets called, he’s ready to make the most of it. Vic Fangio to Bleeding Green Nation’s Brandon Lee Gowton on Monday afternoon…

The Bottom Line

“If I start, if I don’t start, whenever I get out there, I’ll definitely be the best version of myself,” Mukuba said Sunday to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Reuben Frank. That’s exactly what you want to hear from a rookie who understands the situation.

The Eagles didn’t draft this kid in the second round to sit on the sidelines and learn. They drafted him to be their next great safety, and honestly, after watching him in that Browns preseason game, can you blame them for being excited? Mukuba has the talent, the intelligence, and most importantly, the attitude to succeed at this level.

So whether it’s Thursday night under the bright lights against Dallas, or sometime in the coming weeks, Andrew Mukuba is going to get his shot. And when he does, don’t be surprised if he makes everyone forget there was ever a competition in the first place.