PHILADELPHIA — The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, were praised for their strategic choices in the NFL draft this year. But it wasn’t just anyone singing their praises; Oscar winner and devoted Texas Longhorns fan Matthew McConaughey chimed in on social media, expressing his support for the Eagles’ choices.
The Eagles used their second-round pick to draft safety Andrew Mukuba, hailing from Texas. Mukuba has a shot at filling the shoes of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was traded shortly after Philly’s Super Bowl win. Originally from Austin, Texas, Mukuba was a standout at Clemson before transferring and was a highly regarded recruit. NFL insiders highlighted Mukuba’s ability to cover, play over the slot, and natural instincts as valuable traits that the Eagles were seeking. “He plays an Eagles brand of football,” noted Howie Roseman, the team’s general manager.
Mukuba, who goes by Drew, shared his experiences talking with Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins during his time at Clemson. Interestingly, Dawkins was a beloved figure both there and in Philadelphia, a sentiment Mukuba acknowledged. Additionally, his previous connection with Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. at Clemson might ease his transition into the team.
The Eagles continued their trend of drafting players from the University of Georgia by selecting linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. in the fifth round, adding to their roster of former Bulldogs like Jalen Carter and Nakobe Dean. Another notable pick for the Eagles was Ty Robinson, a seasoned defensive tackle from Nebraska, and cornerback Mac McWilliams from Central Florida, all set to bolster the team’s defensive front under coordinator Vic Fangio.
On the quarterback front, the Eagles, already strong with Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts and backup Tanner McKee, added depth by drafting Kyle McCord from Syracuse in the sixth round. McCord, a New Jersey native, had an outstanding season, recording 4,779 passing yards and breaking the Atlantic Coast Conference record, previously held by Deshaun Watson.
In a significant move, Philadelphia selected local talent Jihaad Campbell in the first round as the 31st overall pick. Growing up in Erial, New Jersey, just miles from the Eagles’ stadium, Campbell realized a lifelong dream of playing for his favorite team. With strong stats in his final college season, including 54 solo tackles and five sacks, Campbell is looking forward to playing close to his family.
Finally, the Eagles wrapped up their draft by snagging Antwaun Powell-Ryland from Virginia Tech, who impressed last season with 16 sacks, earning All-America honors. The selection of these new talents indicates that the Eagles are not only looking to maintain their dominance but also build a solid foundation for future success.