The Philadelphia Eagles made headlines during the 2026 NFL Draft with some big-name picks, but their undrafted rookie free agent haul might just steal the show. Among the most intriguing defensive additions is Isiah King, a versatile playmaker from the University of Idaho who's already turning heads with his potential.
Undrafted free agents rarely generate the same buzz as drafted players, but King is no ordinary UDFA. Just ask Idaho head coach Thomas Ford, who recently showered the rookie with praise on the Vandals' official team site. "I couldn't be more excited for Isiah! He embodies what being a Vandal is all about," Ford said. "Watching him go through his development here has been so rewarding. He played a ton of special teams as a young player when I was the coordinator, and he had a phenomenal senior season here in Moscow. Everyone in the building knew he was a Sunday guy, so I'm ecstatic to see him get his chance with the Eagles!"
That "Sunday guy" comment is no small thing. In football circles, that's the kind of praise coaches reserve for players they believe are destined for the NFL—and King has earned it. Originally recruited as a defensive back, he transitioned to linebacker at Idaho and blossomed into one of the team's most productive defenders. In his senior season, he posted 79 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble, showcasing the kind of disruptive ability that caught Philadelphia's eye.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Eagles might not see King as a pure linebacker. During rookie minicamp, he sported No. 39, sparking speculation that the team could experiment with moving him back toward the secondary. Given his size, athleticism, and special-teams experience, that versatility makes him a fascinating project for defensive coordinators looking to create mismatches.
Adding to the storyline, King reunites with former Idaho teammate Keyshawn James-Newby in Philadelphia, giving the Eagles a built-in chemistry boost. As the City of Brotherly Love welcomes this underdog with a chip on his shoulder, fans should keep a close eye on King—he might just be the diamond in the rough that makes the UDFA class shine.