Some teams, like the Dallas Cowboys, are betting too heavily on the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. And luckily, they may have a sleeper pick in their hands in the form of defensive lineman Rene Konga.

Earlier this week, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), NFL analyst Ryan Fowler claimed that the Cowboys would invite Konga during their top-30 visit.

"Source: The Dallas Cowboys will host Louisville DL Rene Konga for a 30 visit. An Ottawa, Canada native and former Rutgers transfer, Konga was an All-ACC selection in ‘25," Fowler's post reads.

However, this is baffling news as Konga is not on the NFL’s Top 100 players list, and teams are allowed to invite up to 30 draft prospects. The Cowboys' use of a top-30 visit on Konga shows they are serious about the player.

As things stand, that promise of “breaking the budget” in free agency has not quite lived up to the standard. While the Cowboys have made some moves, nothing translates to major spending. 

There are still gaps at linebacker, edge rusher, and cornerback. One thing the Cowboys and Jones are known for is the ability to find players out of college that no one is talking about. Rene Konga might just fit that bill.

The Canadian defensive linemen spent five years in college between Rutgers and Louisville, and the numbers are not that great. The Ontario native has had a total of 64 tackles, of which 33 are solo. Konga also has seven passes defended and six sacks with one forced fumble. 

It is still unclear if the Cowboys will use a draft pick on Konga or sign him as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). However, an NFL analyst believes there is a reason the Cowboys are pushing hard for him.

What Did This Draft Expert Say About Rene Konga?

Ryan Roberts, who is an NFL Draft analyst for CBS and a reporter for AtoZ Sports NFL, made a post on X recently and captioned it, “I will continue to pound the table for Louisville DT Konga (#90).”

Konga started at Rutgers but impressed at Louisville, and that caught Roberts' eye. “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.” 

Surely that is not something Dallas would want after that defensive performance in 2025. But Roberts believes there is an upside to his game, and this could also help the Cowboys. 

Roberts wrote, “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.” 

Roberts further added that a defensive line coach would love to work with a talent like Konga, who has all the raw tools to be a lineman. But they still have to get it out of him.

What do you think about Konga's prospects? Let us know in the comments.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Sayantan Gayen