Eagles feel all right, all right, all right with Matthew McConaughey's endorsement of draft pick

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles managed quite well, alright, alright,Alright in the NFL draft .

So say the so-called draft experts?

Consider Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey.

In the second round, the Eagles drafted safety Andrew Mukuba from Texas, positioning him as a strong contender to fill the role left vacant by C.J. Gardner-Johnson following his trade just weeks after the team’s Super Bowl victory.

The selection was championed on social media by McConaughey, the actor and notable Longhorn supporter. Mukuba is an Austin, Texas, native and previously a four-star recruit who began in 31 games three seasons for Clemson Before he moved to Texas.

“It’s really hard to find cover safeties and guys who have the ability to come down and play over the slot, play in the middle of the field, have natural instincts, play the ball,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said. “He’s got ball skills. He plays with mentality and this guy, he plays an Eagles brand of football. I think for us, the value fit the need right there.”

Mukuba, who hails from Zimbabwe and mentioned on Saturday that he prefers to be called Drew, stated that he had multiple discussions with Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins during his time at Clemson. Dawkins primarily played for the Eagles throughout his career but has stayed connected to Clemson, South Carolina—now Mukuba’s new hometown.

"I know they also have affection for him here," Mukuba stated.

Mukuba had another link to the Eagles as well — he shared a dorm room with Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. for one season at Clemson University.

Philadelphia Bulldogs

The Eagles keep stockpiling former Georgia Bulldogs In the fifth round, they selected linebacker Smael Mondon Jr.

Mondon, who had charges for racing and dangerous driving Last year, he was let go but now he’s joining some recognizable players with the Eagles. Philadelphia already boasts Jalen Carter, Lewis Cine, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Azeez Ojulari, Kelee Ringo, and Nolan Smith from Georgia.

The Eagles provided defensive coordinator Vic Fangio with several newcomers. They chose defensive tackle Ty Robinson from Nebraska, who had been a starter for five years, in the fourth round. In the subsequent fifth round, they drafted cornerbacks Mac McWilliams from Central Florida.

New QB

The Eagles have secured their position under center with Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts along with backup Tanner McKee. To add more depth, they selected Kyle McCord from Syracuse in the sixth round as the 181st pick overall.

McCord, hailing from nearby Mount Laurel, New Jersey, topped the FBS charts last season with 4,779 passing yards, surpassing Deshaun Watson’s Atlantic Coast Conference single-season record. He achieved this remarkable feat. AP’s all-bowl team following a performance of 453 yards and five touchdowns in a win against Washington State during the Holiday Bowl .

Prior to that, McCord passed for 380 yards with three touchdowns while playing for the Orange. defeat No. 6 Miami 42-38 in the regular-season finale, pushing the Hurricanes out of the ACC championship game .

McCord began his professional journey at Ohio State University. In 2023, he threw for 3,170 passing yards with 24 touchdown passes for the Buckeyes.

Hometown kid

The Eagles climbed one position to pick linebacker Jihaad Campbell from Alabama using the 31st overall pick. Campbell hails from Erial, New Jersey, which is close by. During his initial three years of high school, he attended Timber Creek, located approximately 17 miles from Philadelphia's home field, Lincoln Financial Field.

Campbell was raised an Eagles fan and always hoped he'd get a chance to play for the Super Bowl champions.

“I’ve got a shout out with my grandfather, Pop Pop,” he said. “When I was younger and I saw all the card selections that he had, I was like, ‘All right, I know it. I could definitely play for them boys.’”

The 6-foot-3, 244-pound Campbell had 54 solo tackles, five sacks and one interception last season in 13 games while hampered by a shoulder injury.

Campbell said his family — especially Pop Pop — was thrilled to get the chance to see him play close to home.

I believed he might pass out, yet he seemed incredibly energized," Campbell stated. "I felt extremely joyful and thrilled that he had the chance to witness that moment and that I could share and treasure that experience with him.

Sack happy

The Eagles concluded their draft by choosing Antwaun Powell-Ryland, an edge rusher from Virginia Tech, who recorded 16 sacks—ranking him third in the FBS—and also secured third-team recognition from the Associated Press. All-America honors Powell-Ryland accumulated 25.5 sacks over the past two seasons.

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