Eagles Rookie Predicted to Outshine Travis Hunter in 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles selected safety Andrew Mukuba 64th overall in the 2025 draft, seeing him as a solid fit in Vic Fangio’s defense.

Down in Jacksonville, the Jaguars selected cornerback/wide receiver hybrid Travis Hunter with the second overall pick.

One of the draft’s most coveted players, Hunter’s two-year stint at Colorado was historic: He hauled in 153 receptions for 1,979 yards and 20 receiving touchdowns, along with seven interceptions, 16 pass breakups and 87 tackles on defense.

Hunter also won the 2024 Heisman Trophy, the AP Player of the Year and Chuck Bednarik Award, rare feats for a defensive back. While Hunter’s dual-threat excellence has been unmatched, some analysts think Mukuba’s rookie year could outshine Hunter’s.

Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report selected six players whose rookie campaigns could be more impressive than Hunter’s, and Mukuba was one of his “wild cards.”

Could Safety Andrew Mukuba Have Better Rookie Year Than Travis Hunter?

“The Philadelphia Eagles’ track record with young defensive backs has been pretty good as of late,” Sobleski wrote on July 4.

“By catching the attention of proven veterans early in the process, a rookie can establish a level of comfortable that reflects on the field and allows them to play at a high level from the onset of their careers. … Mukuba thrives when the ball is front of him. As the safety sees the play develop, he quickly triggers. His five interceptions tied for the most in the SEC last season alongside Texas teammate Jahdae Barron, who took home the Jim Thorpe Award.”

Mukuba enjoyed a standout college career, marked by consistent production. He began at Clemson in 2021 as an early enrollee, making history as the first true freshman defensive back to start a season opener since 1973. That season, he finished with 54 tackles, a sack, nine pass breakups and a forced fumble, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and Freshman All-American honors. Over three seasons at Clemson, Mukuba accumulated 143 tackles, 20 PBUs and two interceptions.

In December of 2023, Mukuba transferred to the University of Texas, returning closer to his Austin roots. In his lone season as a Longhorn, he finished with a career-best 69 tackles, five interceptions and seven pass breakups across 15 games. That haul led the SEC in interceptions and earned him third-team All‑SEC honors. His collegiate totals—212 tackles, 12 PBUs and six picks in 50 games—make him an intriguing prospect.

Mukuba also showcased top-tier athleticism, running a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. If his game translates to the next level, he could absolutely outshine Hunter.

Mukuba Should Be Perfect Fit in Fangio’s Defense

Fangio’s defense tends to favor players who have range, good anticipation and multi‑positional versatility. Mukuba fits the bill, and his instincts are reminiscent of former Eagles starting DB C.J. Gardner‑Johnson.

From a schematic standpoint, Mukuba’s sideline coverage skills and ball-hawking ability align with Fangio’s reliance on safeties who can both patrol deep zones and step into the box. For reference, go back and see how Fangio elevated safety Eddie Jackson’s play back in 2018 when both were with the Chicago Bears.

Fangio values smart, instinctive players who aren’t afraid to tackle or play downhill. Mukuba’s ability to flip between free safety, nickel, slot and boundary roles gives the Eagles flexibility to mix coverages and disguise fronts. His competitive toughness and penalty-free consistency (he played his final 26 college games without a flag) also mirror the reliability and discipline Fangio demands.