Posted April 26th, 2025 | Comments Off on Day 3 Draft Preview – 2025
After two days the Eagles have only made two picks. They added LB Jihaad Campbell and S Andrew Mukuba, both players who could be starting this season. As we head into Day 3, the focus is more on depth and players to develop for the future. If there were a game a week from now, the Eagles would have a good starting lineup already in place.
While the focus isn’t on starters, there is still plenty of talent available. These guys can become key role players and maybe starters in the future.
DT – The Eagles could use a DT to add to the mix, preferable someone in the 285-pound range. They need someone who can be a good interior rusher and disruptive player.
Edge – There is good depth for 2024, but it would be good to add a young player to develop for the future. Ojulari and Uche signed 1-year deals. At this point, it doesn’t feel like Bryce Huff is a long term fit.
OL – There are a couple of ways to go here. The team could add an OG to challenge for the RG spot. They would love to find an OT to develop into a good swing tackle.
CB – The Eagles could add someone to help with depth.
RB – This is a deep class and there is still plenty of talent available. The Eagles might fall in love with a back and want to add him.
TE – Maybe Dallas Goedert stays. Maybe they trade for a veteran. The Eagles haven’t shown any urgency in drafting a TE so it is hard to know what they are thinking.
The Eagles could add a QB or WR if there is a player they really like. I don’t see those as needs or likely picks.
-VISITS TO PHILLY-
Most of the visitors have already been picked. Here is what’s left.
The Eagles went into Day 2 of the NFL draft with picks 64 and 96. They used pick 64 on a safety and then made a couple of trades in the third round, adding a future pick and more picks tomorrow.
SAF Andrew Mukuba – Texas – 5-11, 186
Mukuba transferred from Clemson prior to 2024. While at CU, he was primarily a slot corner. Texas had him play safety and moved him around. That brought out the best in him and Mukuba had a breakout season for one of the best defenses in college football.
Trf from Clemson. While at CU, had 149 tackles (4.5 for loss), one sack, 20 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one interception in 35 games (31 starts) from 2021-23. Had 5 INTs and 11 PDs for Texas in 2024. Has good ball skills. Shows good awareness. Inconsistent tackler. There are times when he attacks targets and puts them down cleanly. Other times he will be sloppy and miss. He is aggressive and physical. Plays bigger than he is. Had a huge hit on the Georgia QB in the SEC title game. Good athlete. Played the wide side of the field a lot.
Fun player to watch.
Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni had a lot of good things to say about him. Howie talked about how hard it is to find safeties with good cover skills. Mukuba can play deep, in the slot or in the box. He’s comfortable in man coverage or playing centerfield.
I think new Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba understands route concepts, is an active dropper with a good feel for space, and has natural vision in zone coverage
Nick liked his play style, mentioning his relentless effort. Mukuba finished third in tackles for Texas. He’s not just a ballhawk. He gets to the football and makes tackles in the run/short pass game.
Andrew Mukuba has the same type of alignment and positional versatility that CGJ had. Will be a starting safety by no later than next year. High character, great instincts and ball skills.
With CJGJ gone, the Eagles needed someone to challenge Sydney Brown for the starting job. Mukuba has the talent, experience and athleticism to push Brown and win the job.
Good pick.
*****
The Eagles got to 96 and then traded back to 101. They added a 5th round pick next year. You can wonder why they did that considering they already have a lot of picks next year. You can always add more and then use them in trades.
How should we read the trades? Howie said the Eagles considered trading up in both rounds, but the price was too high from where they were. That’s the downside of having the last pick.
He wouldn’t say it, but his actions tell you the Eagles didn’t love their options. They may have felt moving down and getting the same level of players plus having additional resources was worth it.
There are still good players left on the board. Howie and the scouts will talk in the morning to come up with a good plan.
There is also the possibility of trading for veterans. The Eagles have a surplus of picks next year. They could use some of those to acquire a player that is being shopped. Howie is always working the phones and ready to make a move.