Eagles Soar With Matthew McConaughey’s Endorsement of Draft Pick

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles performed admirably, alright, alright, alright. NFL draft .

So say the so-called draft experts?

Consider Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey.

In the second round, the Eagles picked up safety Andrew Mukuba from Texas, positioning him as a strong contender to fill the spot left by C.J. Gardner-Johnson following his trade just weeks post their Super Bowl victory.

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

It’s extremely difficult to locate safety backups and players capable of coming down to guard the slot position, operate in the center of the field, possess innate instincts, and handle the ball effectively," stated Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman. "This player demonstrates impressive handling of the ball. He competes fearlessly and embodies what we consider the 'Eagles style' of play. For our team, his skill set precisely matches our current needs.

Mukuba, who was born in 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 predominantly played for the Eagles throughout his career. Mukuba highlighted that Dawkins continues to be a beloved figure not only in Clemson but also in South Carolina, which has become Mukuba’s newest place of residence.

"I know he is also loved 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.

Philadelphia Bulldogs

The Eagles keep stockpiling former Georgia Bulldogs . They added linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. in the fifth round.

Mondon, who had racing and reckless driving charges against him dismissed las year, joins some familiar faces on the Eagles. Philadelphia already has 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 started for five years, in the fourth round. In the fifth round, they drafted cornerbacks Mac McWilliams from Central Florida.

New QB

The Eagles have secured their position at quarterback with Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts alongside 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 accomplished this achievement. AP’s all-bowl team following a performance of 453 yards and five touchdowns In a win against Washington State during the Holiday Bowl .

Before that, McCord threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns as the Orange beat then-No. 6 Miami 42-38 in the regular-season finale, knocking the Hurricanes out of the ACC title game .

McCord started his career at Ohio State. He passed for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns for the Buckeyes in 2023.

Hometown kid

The Eagles climbed one position to make their selection. linebacker Jihaad Campbell The 31st overall pick was for Alabama, and Campbell hails from Erial, New Jersey. During his early high school days, he attended Timber Creek, which is approximately 17 miles away from Lincoln Financial Field, home to Philadelphia.

Campbell grew up as an Eagles supporter and often dreamed of having the opportunity to play for the Super Bowl-winning team.

I have a challenge with my grandfather, Pop Pop," he mentioned. "Back when I was younger and I saw all the cards he had, I thought to myself, 'Alright, I get it. I can certainly go up against those guys.'

The 6-foot-3, 244-pound Campbell recorded 54 solo tackles, five sacks, and one interception in the previous season across 13 games despite battling a shoulder injury.

Campbell mentioned that his family—particularly Pop Pop—was excited to have the opportunity to watch him play near their home.

I believed he was going to 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 ended their draft by selecting Virginia Tech edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who finished third in the FBS with 16 sacks last season and earned third-team Associated Press All-America honors Powell-Ryland accumulated 25.5 sacks over the past two seasons.

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