Most NFL rookies spend their first media sessions talking about learning from veterans, staying humble, and earning their stripes. Andrew Mukuba apparently didn't get that memo. The Eagles' second-round safety just casually dropped himself into the same sentence as Budda Baker – a seven-time Pro Bowler who's been terrorizing NFL offenses while Mukuba was still figuring out college chemistry.
"There are guys like Budda Baker and Brian Branch who are similar in size to me, and they have been guys I've kind of patterned myself after," Mukuba told Eagles reporter Dave Spadaro with the kind of matter-of-fact delivery you'd expect when discussing the weather, not comparing yourself to elite NFL talent before taking your first professional snap.
The statement is either refreshingly honest or deliciously naive – possibly both. In an era where rookie press conferences sound like they were scripted by corporate HR departments, Mukuba's willingness to plant his flag in elite territory feels almost rebellious. He's not just confident; he's announcing his intentions to a league that typically humbles newcomers before they can spell "starting lineup."
What makes Mukuba's confidence particularly intriguing is that it's not entirely unfounded. His college production at Texas in 2024 was genuinely impressive – 69 tackles, 12 pass breakups, five interceptions, and a forced fumble for a Longhorns team that had a stellar season.
By putting his name alongside a seven-time Pro Bowler, Mukuba is essentially setting the bar as high as possible for himself. That takes serious confidence – some might even call it audacious for a rookie. But in a league where mental toughness often separates good players from great ones, that kind of self-belief could be exactly what the Eagles need.
"I'm going to be aggressive and smart and play with everything I have. All my heart," Mukuba explained. "I have a lot of energy and always have had energy, and so for me to go out on the field and have fun, it's kind of like being in the park with your friends playing ball and being physical and helping my team win."
Eagles fans know a thing or two about players who arrive with big talk and even bigger expectations. The city has a way of either embracing that confidence or exposing players who can't back it up. Mukuba seems to understand the assignment, emphasizing his commitment to the team's success above all else. "That's all that matters – helping the Eagles win. I want to do my part, perfect my role, and enjoy everything about being a Philadelphia Eagle," he said.
The real test isn't whether Mukuba can talk like Budda Baker – it's whether he can play like him when faced with NFL-caliber athleticism, scheme complexity, and the kind of physical punishment that separates college standouts from professional survivors. Training camp will be Mukuba's first real test against NFL-caliber competition. The Eagles' coaching staff will be watching closely to see if his college production and supreme confidence can translate to the next level.