The Dallas Cowboys are taking a close look at a draft sleeper who could help fix a problem made bigger by recent trades
The Dallas Cowboys need to start looking at their DT depth as a concern. I wouldn’t rule out a late-round draft pick at the position.
The Dallas Cowboys went from having top-tier depth at defensive tackle to having a strong duo of starters in Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, but not much more to back them up.
That’s because last week, the Cowboys traded Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas away simultaneously. The double blow to the depth chart makes me think the front office has at least another veteran in mind that better fits what new defensive coordinator Christian Parker wants for his scheme. Otherwise, depth at DT should be considered a serious problem.
It also tells me the Cowboys could take a long look at the position in the NFL Draft, early or late. If It’s late, they’re already showing plenty of interest on a prospect that is considered a “sleeper” by our very own draft expert, Ryan Roberts.
Cowboys to host underrated DL
The Cowboys are using one of their Top 30 visits on Louisville DL Rene Konga, according to Ryan Fowler.
Every NFL team is allowed to host 30 non-local draft prospects on pre-draft visits each year. These don’t necessarily mean they’re top prospects for the team, but they’re a perfect opportunity to learn about the player.
For the Cowboys, they’re usually very revealing, and their Day 3/UDFA additions often include players they hosted.
Konga is a Canada native (Tyrone Crawford shoutout) that earned All-ACC honors last year. And according to Roberts, he’s one of the most talented players in this year’s class, at least in terms of raw tools.
Konga has ‘a ton of upside’
“After very little production during his time with the Rutgers program, Konga managed to find a bigger role during his two seasons with Louisville,” says Roberts. “There is a game every year that makes you think he could be a high draft pick and future NFL starter, but he has just been so inconsistent on the field.”
“There is, however, a ton of upside to continue tapping into,” he adds. “Konga has a longer frame with legitimate first-step explosiveness. If Konga can play with consistent pad level and continue adding solid power to his profile, he has some upside to develop into a good rotational player. A defensive line coach will love working with a talent like Konga. You can make the argument that his best football is still very much in front of him, but getting it out of him will be key. There aren’t many interior defensive lineman in this class who have as much raw tools as Kinga does.”
The Cowboys don’t shy away from betting on traits when it comes to Day 3. If Konga’s visit goes well, expect him to be on the radar next month.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in February, the Cowboys also used several formal meetings on first-round DL prospects, including Caleb Banks (Florida) and Peter Woods (Clemson).
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