Eagles Rookie The Next 'Honey Badger'?

Howie Roseman, the Philadelphia Eagles general manager, always thinks a step ahead.

That is why reports say so many teams are nervous to work with him. His methods may not always resonate with everyone, but one thing you can't deny is his success.

This feeling came earlier this offseason when the Eagles surprisingly traded away star safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans after he was a major contributor in Philly's Super Bowl championship run.

Despite his excellent play, Gardner-Johnson warranted concerns about his character and unpredictability. The 27 year old would have costed $20 million over the next two seasons, and his frequent history of unsportsmanlike penalties and fines was viewed as not worth the risk.

What Roseman had up his sleeve was finding his replacement a few weeks later in the NFL Draft. Philadelphia spent their second-round pick on Texas Longhorns defensive back Andrew Mukuba, who has all the makings to be a major impact as soon as he gets the chance.

ESPN's Mike McClay believes Mukuba has a "real shot" to fill Garner-Johnson's shoes this season. Although he'll have to beat out Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown for a starting spot, his veteran college experience should have him fully prepared for the challenge.

Mukuba was a three-year standout at Clemson, earning the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award as a freshman and being an All-ACC honoree each season.

Prior to 2024, Mukuba transferred to Texas where he had a breakout season in the SEC. He set career highs in tackles (69), interceptions (5) and pass deflections (7) en route to anchoring the Longhorns' defense on their CFP Semifinals run.

“Four-year starter who plays the game with the instincts and awareness of a player who has seen a lot of football,” NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote during the Combine.

“… Mukuba possesses the character, physicality and playmaking instincts that will draw NFL teams to him as a future starter.”

The Philly faithful could see Mukuba quickly develop into a starter and fill the void left by the All-Pro Gardner-Johnson in a big way.

Some are already comparing the Eagles' newest safety to one of the game's best ever. Mukuba has been given the nickname, the "Next Honey Badger" in homage to All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu for his elite ball-hawking skills and relentless attitude.

If Mukuba lives up to this comparison? Roseman will call checkmate once again and the Eagles' rich secondary will get richer.