The Philadelphia Eagles aren't in a position where the 2025 class has to be instantly impactful. While the additional depth would be welcome, this is a franchise coming off a Super Bowl victory while retaining its key pieces. Add in improving young pieces and the incredible production of Saquon Barkley, and this is a franchise poised to defend its title. Still, fans want to see the rookie class make an impact, and one key piece in this is safety Andrew Mukuba. Early returns have been extremely frustrating from the undersized safety.
Mukuba has been dealing with an injury and has been unable to do anything of note early in camp. It has left plenty of time to look at the potential fit and bring back up the size concerns. The young safety is 5'11 185 pounds, attempting to join a defense that is defined by its physicality. Not only do you have some clear injury concerns, but there is reason to wonder if this might continue moving forward. Mukuba's small frame doesn't lend itself to consistently delivering NFL-level punishment. Add in the mismatches in the open field, and there are obvious tackling concerns. All of this has been brought back up as Mukuba hasn't been consistently on the field.
Philadelphia Eagles Fans Remain Concerned about Andrew Mukuba's Fit
Even as the safety returns, the fan base remains concerned about what this might look like moving forward. Luckily, the Eagles have depth and remaining options in free agency. One potential fit could be bringing in former Falcons and Broncos safety Justin Simmons. The experienced veteran would likely sign for a bargain in an attempt to help the franchise make another Super Bowl run.
Mukuba remains the biggest question mark in the Philly defense and isn't aiding his case early on in camp. Having a smaller frame and going into the year injured are all red flags that suggest the team could look to add additional depth or lean on players behind the rookie. It isn't the first time Philly has faced question marks in the secondary and has fixed the issues on the fly. The front office can be trusted, while Mukuba cannot.
Philly needs to take this with a level of gravity and continue to do exactly what they have been doing the rest of the offseason. Search for possible upgrades and additional depth to prepare for the increasing possibility that Mukuba is not the answer. While it is still incredibly early, early indications aren't trending in the right direction.