Philadelphia Eagles fans shouldn't sleep on the subtle move general manager Howie Roseman just pulled.
With the signing of UDFA Isiah King out of the University of Idaho, the Birds may have their sights set on returning him to his secondary roots, as the former Idaho Vandal standout originally roamed at safety before moving to linebacker during his collegiate career.
And regardless of where he lines up, King's former head coach firmly believes King is destined to suit up on Sundays:
“I couldn’t be more excited for Isiah,” Idaho head coach Thomas Ford said on the University of Idaho website. “He embodies what being a Vandal is all about. Watching him go through his development here has been so rewarding. Played a ton of (special teams) as a young player for me when I was the coordinator and 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.”
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound San Diego native switched to linebacker following his first campaign on campus, eventually getting key snaps as a junior before putting it all together as a senior, amassing 79 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks.
FCS connections aplenty
Along with the signing of King, the Eagles also drafted a trio of rookies with FCS roots. Quarterback Cole Payton (fourth round) and safety Cole Wisniewski (seventh round) previously played at North Dakota State before the latter moved on to Texas Tech. Meanwhile, New Mexico edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby (seventh round) suited up alongside King while at the University of Idaho back in 2023 and 2024.
Versatile Vandal could be headed back to the secondary
King is no doubt someone to keep tabs on in the coming weeks, as a move back to safety appears to be the play. He donned #39 at this past weekend's rookie minicamp, a number, of course, often associated with defensive backs. That would make two physically imposing rookie safeties, along with Wisniewski, for the Eagles to develop.
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Either way, Roseman and company saw something and swiftly pounced. And if the belief shared by his former coach and teammates rings true, Howie could have another uncut gem on his hands.