If the Philadelphia Eagles want to repeat as Super Bowl champions, they’re going to need some breakout candidates for the 2o25 season.
In 2024, the Eagles were unstoppable, especially on defense. Contributions from a variety of players complemented their superstars, making for a well-oiled machine. Two of the most notable non-superstars who had a monumental impact were cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean—their breakouts were needed. Meanwhile, Zack Baun became a Defensive Player of the Year candidate overnight.
Asking anyone to replicate Baun’s spectacular season is unreasonable, and the same may be true for Mitchell and DeJean. But which three players could potentially serve as the next man up?
Andrew Mukuba
A second-round pick who split college time between Clemson and Texas, safety Andrew Mukuba will fill a big role. He hasn’t earned a starting job yet, but the fight to replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson will be vital. The 27-year-old recorded six regular-season interceptions, helping establish the Birds as a top-end team in the NFC.
As noted in Mukuba’s scouting profile, courtesy of Lance Zierlein, he’s driven by instincts and playmaking. He can be a de facto replacement for Gardner-Johnson, in that sense. It’s an obvious gamble coming right out of college, but there’s a chance Mukuba is a seamless fit. If he instantly earns a high snap count, he could be a breakout candidate for Philadelphia.
Jalyx Hunt
Now a sophomore, Jalyx Hunt could have serious potential considering the Eagles’ losses on the defensive line. As someone who showed flashes and had a year to learn the system and grow as a player, he may have a breakout season—it’s a great opportunity.
A third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Hunt only played 25% of regular-season defensive snaps, but his playoff performance was encouraging. With 1.5 sacks, he matched his regular-season total and even got on the board in Super Bowl LIX.
Hunt will certainly see a role increase, but can he make a big impact?
Moro Ojomo
Though a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, defensive tackle Moro Ojomo is still just 23 years old. With Milton Williams out of the fold, it’s Ojomo’s chance for a bigger opportunity, and a well-earned one, too.
Pro Football Focus gave Ojomo the fifth-best pass rush grade among interior defensive linemen last season, putting him in the 97th percentile. Overall, he was in the 82nd percentile—not bad for a depth piece. He went from playing 13% of defensive snaps in 2023 to 37% in 2024, so he handled a higher workload rather well.
While Ojomo won’t be essential to the Eagles’ success, a good season would be welcomed. Can he follow up on his early success with a breakout campaign?
Even without the assumption that one or more of the Eagles’ young players have surprisingly good seasons, they’re favorites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LX. If they can get a valuable season out of an unexpected player, their odds of repeating will soar.
PHOTO: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The post 3 Eagles Defensive Breakout Candidates for 2025 appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.