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Forget 22–13… five young Eagles just proved Philly is still a Super Bowl contender

Posted on August 17, 2025 - 9:41 am by

The Philadelphia Eagles may have dropped their second preseason game of 2025 to the Cleveland Browns, 22–13, but the scoreboard tells only half the story. The defending Super Bowl champions are far from resting on their laurels, as a crop of young talent seized the spotlight on Saturday, proving that Philly’s roster is brimming with potential to make another championship run. While the loss stings, the performances of these five rising stars suggest the Eagles are building something special for the regular season. Let’s dive into the standout players who showed the NFL that Philadelphia remains a force to be reckoned with.

Andrew Mukuba, S: A Rookie with Game-Changing Instincts

Rookie safety Andrew Mukuba stole the show against Cleveland, delivering a performance that screamed “future star.” The second-round draft pick made his presence felt early in the second quarter, snagging a pick-six on a poorly thrown pass from Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Mukuba read the play perfectly, intercepting a ball meant for a receiver and sprinting untouched to the end zone.

But he wasn’t done there. Just minutes later, Mukuba pounced on a fumble caused by a botched handoff, showcasing his knack for being in the right place at the right time. With Gabriel slicing through the Eagles’ defense early—completing eight of his first nine passes—Mukuba’s heroics flipped the momentum. His instincts and athleticism signal that this rookie could be a cornerstone of Philly’s secondary from Week 1.

Jihaad Campbell, LB: A Do-It-All Dynamo

First-round pick Jihaad Campbell, fresh from Alabama, is proving why the Eagles invested heavily in him. The versatile linebacker wasted no time making an impact, exploding through the line on the game’s second snap to sack Gabriel. His speed, power, and football IQ were on full display, as he navigated the defense with ease.

Post-game, Campbell credited his preparation, telling the Philadelphia Inquirer, “I think that just comes with understanding the scheme, understanding where’s the help, understanding your assignment. To execute it, I’m just taking that detail by detail, every day, and the game is slowing down for me.” With his ability to play multiple roles across the defense, Campbell looks ready to be a linchpin for Philly’s front seven.

Ainias Smith, WR: A Rising Star in a Crowded Room

The Eagles’ wide receiver corps is already stacked, but fifth-round pick Ainias Smith is making a compelling case for snaps. Against the Browns, Smith hauled in both of his targets, including a highlight-reel touchdown catch from quarterback Kyle McCord. His sure hands and precise route-running showed he’s more than ready to contribute.

Smith’s performance wasn’t a one-off—he also found the end zone in his preseason debut against the Bengals last week. While the top of Philly’s depth chart is set, Smith’s emergence as a reliable target could add another dimension to an already explosive offense.

Kyle McCord, QB: Stirring Up the QB3 Battle

With Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee locked in as the Eagles’ top two quarterbacks, the third-string spot is up for grabs—and rookie Kyle McCord is making a strong case. While Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a former Brown, started the game and was considered the frontrunner, his struggles opened the door for McCord to shine. The rookie looked poised and confident, delivering crisp passes and smart decisions under pressure.

The Eagles have a history of nurturing quarterback talent, and McCord’s performance suggests he could stick around, whether on the active roster or the practice squad. His composure in the pocket hints at a bright future, even if his role this season remains limited.

Azeez Ojulari, Edge: A New Home, A New Spark

After crossing the NFC East divide from the Giants, edge rusher Azeez Ojulari is finding his groove in Eagles green. On Saturday, he looked revitalized, racking up three tackles and a sack while consistently pressuring Cleveland’s offensive line. His quick first step and relentless motor made life difficult for the Browns’ tackles.

Ojulari’s performance was a reminder of his potential as a disruptive force off the edge. As he continues to settle into Philly’s defensive scheme, he could become a key piece in their quest to dominate opposing offenses.

The final score may read 22–13 in favor of the Browns, but the Eagles walked away from Saturday’s game with something far more valuable: proof that their young talent is ready to step up. From Mukuba’s electrifying playmaking to Campbell’s relentless energy, Smith’s reliable hands, McCord’s poise, and Ojulari’s edge-rushing prowess, Philadelphia’s depth is shaping up to be a nightmare for opponents. As the regular season looms, these performances are a clear signal: the Eagles aren’t just Super Bowl contenders—they’re built to repeat.