Andrew Mukuba named the potential remedy to the Eagles' ongoing rookie jinx

Howie Roseman has certainly done wonders with a Philadelphia Eagles roster that seemed like it was in shambles at the end of the Doug Pederson era. Since then, Philadelphia moved off of Carson Wentz in favor of Jalen Hurts. On offense, they looked to the NFL Draft to surround him with elite talent along the offensive line and at the skill positions. Guys like Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and DeVonta Smith come to mind.

In constructing an elite roster, the draft can't be seen as the only tool. A healthy mix of veteran talent is also required. Check that box for Roseman as well. He used both trades and free agency to land the likes of A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley. He even found solid defenders to play on the other side of the ball. Zack Baun was a depth piece and special-teams player who now looks like a perennial Pro Bowler and All-Pro.

The draft helps solidify the future, and much of the core of Philly's defense is young. Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Moro Ojomo, Jordan Davis, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean have all been in the league for five seasons or fewer.

That brings us to two rookies Philly expects a lot out of, Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba. The former's debut may be delayed as he continues to work his way back from recent injuries and offseason procedures. The latter is being mentioned as someone capable of doing something no Eagles star has done before.

Can Andrew Mukuba become the first Eagles player to win Defensive Rookie of the Year honors?

Though it's feasible to consider Campbell as a realistic Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, he may miss time to begin the season, and that could hinder his chances at a realistic shot to win the trophy. Mukuba is being talked about frequently by teammates and Eagles coaches. DeVonta Smith even brought him up at his celebrity softball game.

The young safety has a chance at cracking the starting lineup, and even if he doesn't, it seems obvious that he will play significant snaps early. Ed Kracz has been covering the Eagles full-time for over a decade. He has written about Philly sports since 1996. If he speaks, people ought to listen.

Recently, he acknowledged that no Eagle has ever won Defensive ROY. He also mentioned, during a recent write-up, that Mukuba has all of the skills to become the first Philly star to do so.

"The Eagles spent their first five picks on defense in last spring’s NFL draft. It’s the first two picks, though, that probably have the better shot at doing it, just like last year’s 1-2 draft punch of (Quinyon Mitchell) and (Cooper DeJean). Those two picks are Jihaad Campbell and Drew Mukuba"

Mitchell and DeJean were both finalists for the honor, but ultimately, Los Angeles Rams star Jared Verse would take the trophy home. One year prior, Jalen Carter hit the proverbial 'rookie wall' down the stretch and finished second to Houston Texans star Will Anderson.

Mukuba once teamed with fellow Eagles Will Shipley and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. while a member of the Clemson Tigers. His final season at the collegiate level was spent with the Texas Longhorns. During his NCAA career, he was named a Third-team All-SEC honoree. This is after earning a Freshman All-American mention, a Third-Team All-ACC nod, and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors during the 2021 college football season.

He embodies a workmanlike persona. He's a playmaker in the secondary who notched an SEC-leading five interceptions last season. If all of that talent translates, Philly will have ensured themselves that they have a baller.