The city of PhiladelphiaAn NFL player rarely achieves something that he hasn’t already accomplished in high school or college.
But in his Eagles debut on Saturday, rookie safety Drew Mukuba accomplished just that.
Mukuba made his first pick-six of the season when he intercepted quarterback Dillon Gabriel and raced it back 75 yards during the second quarter of the team’s 22–13 preseason loss against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. To celebrate, he raised his arms in the air and ran around the back of the end zone.
After the game, reporters flocked to Mukuba’s locker, and he talked with a broad smile. He was thrilled for all the right reasons.
“It was a great feeling because that was my first pick six ever,” Mukuba remarked. However, I read my assignment, read my keys, and received a run-pass key because I was in the appropriate place. Then I was in the exact spot where the quarterback was looking, and I was shocked to see that he was throwing it. In the end, he threw it. And I had already decided that I was going to enter the end zone as soon as I caught it. I was able to accomplish it.
Mukuba last came close to a pick six in 2024 against Florida. Despite having plenty of space ahead of him, he was brought down from the side because he couldn’t outpace the wide receiver.
His first one came slowly, but he may have many over his NFL career. The Eagles selected him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, in part, because of his excellent intuition.
Mukuba was always in the right position at the right moment during his final season in college at Texas (2024). With five interceptions, he led the Longhorns.
Following the team’s safety move, Mukuba might perform the same function for the Eagles defense.C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who recorded six interceptions the previous season, this offseason.
Additionally, it’s the ability that might assist him surpass Sydney Brown for the starting position. On the same drive as his pick six, Mukuba gave up an 18-yard grab to Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman, but he has the potential to make an impact. Like most rookies, he will have his bad days.
Regarding his touchdown, Mukuba remarked, “That’s a feeling that I want to have all the time.” There will undoubtedly be a lot more in the future. To tell the truth, I had a terrific time performing for the audience behind me. Of course, the satisfaction of assisting the squad in taking the lead.
Mukuba prioritized finishing with more interceptions the previous season. In his first three seasons at Clemson, he only finished with one interception, which was below his expectations.
Eagles coach Nick Siriannis stated, “I always thought that he has a knack for the football.” He has the ability to take the ball away as a playmaker, as evidenced by his practice and footage, whether it was at Texas or Clemson. It’s huge whenever you go out there and make a play.
Later, after a poor handoff, Mukuba dove to the ground and recovered Gabriel’s fumble.
Mukuba was hugged by his teammates after every turnover. No one was shocked by the rookie’s performance, but it was a significant moment for him.
According to Eagles backup safety Tristin McCollum, Mukuba is simply a born football player. He is extremely intelligent and shrewd. And that can be hard to come by as a rookie. His instincts are what actually make him unique, even though he is athletic. In general, he is particularly skilled at playing the safety position. In this league, he will excel.
Drew pays close attention in the conference room and will ask questions, and once we step onto the field, everything is on point. It was added by Eagles rookie cornerback Mac McWilliams.
Mukuba criticized his performance even though he made the day’s best play. He only allowed Tillman to make that one catch, but it could have been avoided.
Knowing that all of my assistance was inside, I should have maintained my leverage and recognized where it was, Mukuba remarked. He was able to push off at the top of the route and get over (top) because I slightly overplayed it and went on top of it. I could have simply remained somewhat lower and offered assistance.
Mukuba has had some difficult days since he recovered from the shoulder injury last week, which kept him out of three practices and limited for three more.
He also lost more crucial time by being unable to participate in last week’s preseason game. It appeared at that moment that Mukuba would not be prepared to contribute in Week 1.
However, he gained confidence after playing well against the Browns, which might be the pivotal moment in his summer. He might maintain that momentum and secure a starting position for next week’s sessions. The secret will be consistency.
Mukuba described his method when reflecting on the notes he took during the week. reviewing the plays to make sure I’m following all the instructions in my notes, checking that my eyes are in the proper position, and making sure the communication is clear and loud. And that’s about it, dude.
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